Philippians 4:11 (NASB)
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Philippians 3:14 (NASB)
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:18 (NASB)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

A.W. Tozer once said regarding our spiritual condition, “Become thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself. The contented soul is the stagnant soul.”

There was a time when my only dissatisfaction was my earthly circumstances. I was satisfied with my spiritual condition. After all, I was a Christian and I had taken care of my eternal situation.

Tozer challenges us to rethink that paradigm. Paul clearly tells us that many times we get all of this backwards. We should be content with whatever earthly circumstances we find ourselves. In fact, those circumstances are exactly where God wants us. He uses them to mold us into the person we need to become.

In order to grow, we must be completely unhappy with our present spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit will help us make the changes we need to make, but only if we accept His help. When our soul is stagnant, we grieve Him. But we can also grieve Him if we try to get ahead of God. Let His leading be our only prayer.

Father, give me the contentment to be satisfied with where you have me in this world, but a willing participant in the Holy Spirit’s work in my soul. May Your will be my only concern.

Always praying for the glory of God,