Cooperate With the Inevitable

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11

This idea was once expressed better by a simple hearted man, a man at peace no matter what the situation, the Apostle Paul who was asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant calm and rest even though surrounded by circumstances anything but pleasant. His answer was as deep as it was simple; I have learned, he said, to cooperate with the inevitable, how to be content.

Though we cannot control what happens in our own little world much less the universe, we can determine what our attitude toward it may be. We can accept God's will wherever it is spoken or written and take toward it a place of worshipful acceptance. If our will is to do God's will, then there will be no question with anything that comes in the course of our daily walk. Stormy weather, unpleasant neighbors, physical handicaps, difficult political conditions, our economic state, all these will be accepted as God's will for the time and surrendered to being in the short term, subject to such changes as God may see fit to make, either by His own sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer.


Lord, how can I complain in the light of the wonderful gift of Your Son, born to give life, rest, peace and victory? Work Your will in our life today and the whole year long as we celebrate the incarnation and all that it involves. Amen."

In Christ
Sandy Perry
12/26/08