Contentment is something that must be learned... by going through the things of life that have the potential to challenge, even crush, the beauty and sweet blessings of a content and gladhearted spirit.
This didn't happen accidentally... he was purposely shepherded and strengthened with the guidance and grace of the Lord Jesus that he would KNOW how to embrace, endure, and enjoy the everyday highs and lows of being a sheep in the Master's flock.
Paul knows how... because he knows and follows Him who leads, feeds, and meets his everyday needs. He knows because he's learned! He learned by being taught. He's been taught because he's been led and fed through the gauntlet of circumstances that were designed not only to challenge him but also to transform and renew his mind to prove what is God's good and acceptable and perfect will. Had Jesus kept him from those potential joy crushers and faith bashers and hope mockers he couldn't have ever LEARNED how to be content. Paul's strengthened contentment was found in the Lord, as He consistently shepherded him in and through the hard and happy days of his journey. This strength would only become his, as he experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Let's apply it to swimming... you can know all there is to know about swimming but you can't be taught how to swim unless you get in the water.
Now, let's apply to us and the things we must go through and why we need to ask Jesus to fix us for whatever we have to face in life. We often are caught up with asking God to fix it for us but rarely find ourselves asking Him to fix us for it. Paul is helping us! He is saying, God didn't fix it for me, He
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