It's OK to Be OK

In our society, we think we need to have everything figure out from the beginning. As children we were constantly asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. In high school we're asked to decide early on what college to go to. In college we're constantly pressured about our major. Upon deciding a major we have to determine what job we'll have upon graduation. We're expected to know if and who we want to marry, and even the number of kids to have, practically before we've really moved away from our parents. And it's all supposed to turn out perfectly. As a result, our generation is laser-focused on completing the greatest accomplishments as immediately as possible. We're obsessed with success -- but what determines success?

Paul talks about being content in whatever state he's in. Philippians 4:11-12 says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." The issue is not accomplishments, but contentment.

Think about it. How are we supposed to get to wherever we think we need to go, without being able to handle where we are right now? In the same way that we learn responsibility in the small things before moving on to bigger tasks, we have to learn contentment in smaller circumstances before we can expect to have it in greater situations. Contentment is what will keep us from being crushed when things to turn out quite how we expect. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan -- a good plan -- for each of us. Allowing God to work His plans in our lives is better than trying to have our own plans forced intro fruition, or giving up on plans altogether. There's a fine line between contentment and complacency. Contentment is being willing to move in God's plan instead of your own. Complacency is not caring to move at all.

So when we determine to take matters into our own hands, either through moving apart from God or not moving at all, we have no chance to be content in Him. The only reason there is discontentment is because there is distrust. We try to force the issues that we're unhappy about, we don't allow Him to complete His plan in His time. Remember, God doesn't just have a plan for us -- He has a prosperous plan, with a future and hope. Trusting Him is recognizing that our plans for us could never be as great as His plans for us, and the only way to get His plan is to let Him accomplish it through us. Philippians 1:6 says that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." It's not our job to finish what God started. We couldn't do it ourselves anyway.

It's okay to be who you are right now. As long as you trust God to lead you into His perfect plan, then no matter where you are or what you attempt, you can be content that His perfect plan is exactly where you'll end up.

-------------------------------------------------------------

What state are you in right now? Are you content?

What is stopping you from being content?

What areas in your life do you not trust God with?

Whatever your number one issue is, begin today to actively trust God with that issue.