Rejoicing In Tough Times

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, 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 everything through him who gives me strength.

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Two challenges that I am facing today:

1. Speaking @ lunchtime talk to a group of about 70 high-level banking staff team. Honestly, I do feel inadequate (both in experience and also my rank status - programme executive speaking to managers).
2. Seemingly at this wrong timing, the flu bug finally kicked in to me. I have been battling it for the past few days since coming back from Batam. Now am down with drippy nose, body aches and headache.

However, according to the scripture in Philippians, this is what I am going to do (I take the Word of God at face value):

1. Rejoice! (vs. 4)
2. Not be anxious! (vs. 6a)
3. Pray & give thanks! (vs. 6b)
4. Put all I learned from scripture into practice! (vs. 9)
5. Be contented in the situation I am in and trust God to provide for me! (vs. 12)

At the end of the day, I am trusting God for:

1. Peace in my heart as I go and speak at the lunchtime talk (vs. 7)
2. Contentment in my spirit - Knowing and trusting that God has a reason for putting me through this (vs. 12)
3. That He hears my pray and heal my sickness (vs. 6)
4. Great engagement at the lunchtime talk later (vs. 13)

Indeed! It is all about Faith in God! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I believe!! No doubts.. I just believe!!