One of my all time favorite movies is Out of Africa. I’m not exactly sure why except that I can relate to the character and understand her life circumstances. I remember when it came out on VHS (dating myself, huh?). I watched it over and over, looking for something in the lead character but never really finding it. But there is a particular part of the movie which I loved. Karen Blixen is returning to Africa after a visit to Denmark. She is met at the train station by her servant, Farah. He is her closest confidant and someone Karen considers to be her best friend. When Farah sees Karen he asks her, “Are you well, Msabu?” (endearing term for Madam or Mistress). Karen responds to him, “I am well, Farah.” In return she asks him, “And you, Farah? Are you well?” He replies to her, “I am well enough, Msabu.”
I am well enough…
I think of this reply often in the society in which we live with the demands of wanting more and never having enough culture.
The apostle Paul described in Philippians 4:11, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Oh that we could only learn to be content in all circumstances.
“How are you today?” – I am well enough.
We’ve become a society of more, more, give me, give me people. Nothing is ever good enough. Contentment is hard to find.
Paul continues, “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 all this through Him who gives me strength.“
Life will not always be good; when it isn’t, we must learn to be content, to express as Farah did, “I am well enough.”
God offers strength to those who are weary and in need. He gives us power and the ability to persevere despite the odds. His presence is fulfilling and comforting so that no matter what life throws our way, we are not only survivors, we are conquerors.
Whatever you are facing today, find contentment by knowing, God has equipped you to endure it and overcome it through Him.
