Gary Varvel: The secret to being content in every circumstance of life

Part 1: A Biblical perspective on dealing with the ups and downs of life

Jan 08, 2025

I don’t know the origin of this story but I first heard it in the 1980s when my pastor, Dr. Don Tyler, shared it in a sermon. This tale illuminated a Biblical truth that transformed the way I think about the ups and downs of life. Enjoy.

THE PARABLE OF A FARMER AND A HORSE

There once was a poor farmer who had no horse for his plow. One day, a wild horse came to his farm looking for food. The farmer fed him and kept him in his stable.

His neighbor said, “This is so good for you.”

But the farmer replied, “We can’t judge whether it’s good or bad. Only time will tell.”

That night, the wild horse broke out of its stable and ran away.

His neighbor said, “You were right. This is bad.”

But the farmer replied, “We can’t judge whether it’s bad or good. Only time will tell.”

The next day, the wild horse returned bringing with it seven more wild horses.

His neighbor said, “You were right, this is good!"

But the farmer replied, “We can’t judge whether it’s good or bad. Only time will tell.”

Some time later, the farmer's son tried to tame one of the horses but the son suffered a broken leg when he was bucked off the horse.

His neighbor said, “You were right, this is bad!"

But the farmer replied, “We can’t judge whether it’s bad or good. Only time will tell.”

Soon afterward, their small nation went to war and military officials went door-to-door to draft young men for the army. But the farmer’s son, with a broken leg, was rejected.

His neighbor said, “You were right, this is good!"

But the farmer replied, “We can’t judge whether it’s good or bad. Only time will tell.”

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The Apostle Paul reveals the secret to dealing with life’s ups and downs this way:

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT) — ^{11 “}Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹²I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength.”

Many Christian athletes quote verse 13, but the Apostle Paul wasn’t saying that he could accomplish great athletic feats “through Christ who gives me strength.” He was saying that in every circumstance, Christ strengthened him to endure it. How?

Former Indianapolis Colts and NFL Hall of Fame coach, Tony Dungy has the best answer to that question. He said that when he was a young high school football player, he was very competitive and had a bad temper. But when he was coaching he was in full control of his emotions and his demeanor never changed on the sideline.

“When people ask me, ‘How do you stay so calm on the sideline?’ said, Dungy, “I have to tell them it is Christian maturity and Christ working in me. It’s not natural. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a process. I know how powerful God’s spirit is. I know He can change people.”

So what is the basic process for becoming spiritually mature?

Study the Bible: Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The more we learn about Jesus in God’s word, the more you will become like Him and He will give you rest for your soul. The Bible says that Jesus is in control of the future so there’s no need to fear despite your circumstances.
Prayer: When you know God as your heavenly Father, you have all of the resources you’ll ever need to live an abundant life despite your circumstances.

COMING - Part 2: The Biblical keys to braving the roller coaster of life

RIGHT VIEWS

Jerry Newcombe: In schools: We need more Bible, less devil. 'Many districts have banned the Good Book altogether.'

All Israel - Abdel-massih: According to the Bible, do the Palestinians need a political solution or a Savior? – A response to Pastor Munther Isaac.

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That was some good stuff! Walking through this valley with death hanging over me and knowing that every step of my journey he is with me sure makes it an easier journey. I used to ignore him and forget he's there and those parts of it were so much more difficult. I believe I still haven't leaned on him enough, but will learn to in time.

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