We often wait for changes in circumstances, places, and emotional states to bring us contentment, but these things will constantly change from day to day...even minute to minute. We find ourselves restless and discontent, frustrated by our own sin and circumstances we cannot change. True contentment, however, can only come from judging God's goodness based upon the cross of Christ and not on the circumstances we find ourselves in. When we start to trust His good choices for our lives we are ruled less by our circumstances and more by His unchanging love.
In this sermon, we learned that even when we are facing trials and tribulations, we should never stop serving God and others. Just like Paul (who was accused from all sides, shipwrecked, beaten, and endured all sorts of other trials) we should continue to bless those around us, even if they do not deserve it or are even part of our suffering. We should also remember that God has had mercy on us and spared us from the consequences of our sins. We should, therefore, be grateful for His love and grace and strive to love and serve others in return.
