Pop tarts, and a slap in the face

We take a lot of things for granted in America. Obviously with our Independence Day being celebrated we are all aware of the sacrifices made to pay the price of our freedom. There's a lot of sacrifice that is required to reach a goal, if that goal is anything worth striving for. Taking things for granted in the midst of great sacrifice deserves a slap in the face. But we need that slap. I needed that slap.


I got that slap these last few weeks. It came hard and loud and left a nice red mark that has developed into a somewhat annoyingly repulsive bruise (hypothetically speaking). I took the main American comforts of life for granted, and they have all been removed from my disposal at certain times over the past few weeks. I won't go into the details, but things like good cars, A/C, wireless internet, a kitchen to cook in, and a bathroom to use are all luxury to me now. My bank account was severely depleted after a period of time unemployed, and I have found myself living a much simpler life than of even a month ago.
For example, on my return to Wheaton June 24th, I had no way to keep perishable food in my room. Therefore I bought a box of Pop Tarts at the Dollar Store to be my breakfast for the week. I made it last as I found myself learning life without the usual comforts. I don't particularly like Pop Tarts, but it was really all I had. To be blunt, the course of my life of late has taken some interesting turns and I find myself on the wanting side. I have found myself (character) wanting in many areas, even as I have found my situation wanting. 


I was reminded of a saying that has never been more true in my life. It goes "Never complain. Things can always get worse." And I found this to be quite true. After a difficult week trying to process my life and the course it is on, a huge storm ravaged all of my county, leaving over a quarter of a million people without power for over 3 days. (I and the family I live with are still currently without power on this day 4). It seemed things only got worse. However, I have found something to be even truer than all of this.

Philippians 4:11-13

 ... for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I read that a few days ago and it was like the Holy Spirit gently, but firmly, slapped me across the face. And I deserved it. Here I was reading Paul tell people in Philippi all about his trials, and then go on to say that. Read it again:

Philippians 4:11-13

 ... for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Just two chapters earlier in Philippians 2, we read this:

¹² Therefore...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or complaining, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life.

So even as I battle discouragement physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally and mentally, I am reminded of these verses and the veracity therein. I pray that my life may be a battle standard of these verses. That I will wave my contentment and gratitude high and learn that I should not complain. And I hope you learn the same, even if it means you have to go without the comforts you are used to and sacrifice a little more than you would prefer.  Because even when things seem really bad, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength....and a healthy slap...and pop tarts.