Winning

Philippians 4 is my favorite chapter in the Bible. Verse 13 happens to be a verse that is very well known and quoted often, particularly by athletes. I love it when faith intertwines with every aspect of who we are, as it should. To many, this represents "winning." Victory associated with my relationship, or in some cases just knowledge, of Jesus. But what does winning really look like? To understand what Paul was really talking about, you must look at the verses that precede this one... "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."  That word "instructed" really caught my attention last year at a time that I was facing some difficulties. It comes from the Greek word myeō which means to initiate into the mysteries, to teach fully, instruct, to accustom one to a thing, to give one an intimate acquaintance with a thing. So, when he was saying that he could do all things, that meant no matter what the circumstances... how much money, what the final score was, if anyone else helped him or not, etc... he had the strength to do that because of Jesus. Quoting this scripture isn't a magic pill for victory, but trusting in the one who knows the big picture is a sure key to really winning. Which reminds me of another quote that I'm sure Paul could definitely attest to...