The sign said, “The Elephant Man”. It described an “exhibit” in Victorian circuses and “freak” shows. Shockingly, however, this popular exhibit was a human being: Joseph Merrick (1862-1890). He suffered from severe deformities and had escaped an abusive life in the workhouse only to endure the shrieks of horrified crowds as he sought to make a living.
But then he found refuge and friendship with surgeon Frederick Treves. Treves wondered at Merrick’s gentleness and the way he never complained about his abusers or his condition. The answer lay in Merrick’s deep faith. He knew the Bible intimately, not just in his head, but also in his heart and soul. He had the strength and transforming presence of Christ that the apostle Paul had experienced.
Paul faced hunger, beating, stoning and imprisonment, and suffered with a debilitating health condition too. But he had “learned to be content whatever the circumstances”. His “secret of being content” (v.12) was his union with Jesus. “I can do all this,” Paul said, “through him who gives me strength” (v. 13). Neither Paul nor Merrick relied on circumstances. Their resilience, assurance and character came from their living union with Christ through His Spirit and Word.
Upsetting, painful and difficult circumstances can overwhelm us, consuming our thoughts and emotions. But we can draw strength from God, who meets our needs or helps us to face them, “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19).
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
What promises of Scripture infuse your heart with peace in challenging situations? Could you pause during today to worship God, letting yourself focus on His love and power?
Ever-present Jesus, thank You that Your life in me reassures, satisfies and strengthens me, despite the problems I face.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers is one of his Prison Epistles, so called because they were composed during his time of incarceration by the Roman authorities. It’s from his imprisonment that Paul discusses the “secret of being content” (4:12). There’s an interesting split between how Paul describes his circumstances and his response to them. He “knows” what his circumstances are: he’s experienced plenty, want, and hunger. But his response of contentment has been “learned” (v. 11 ). In other words, his contentment wasn’t a natural response to his difficult circumstances. He had to experience hardship and, by God’s strength, learn how to respond (v. 13).
J.R. Hudberg
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