How to Be Content Where God Has You
LEARNING THE ART OF BEING CONTENT
In his new book, Acres of Diamonds, Pastor Jentezen Franklin shares the powerful story that Russell Conwell shared about a farmer who “…was contented because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he was contented.” That was until an old priest told him about diamonds and how just one the size of his thumb could provide wealth beyond his dreams. That night the farmer went to be a poor man because even though he hadn’t lost anything he was discontented. The next morning his journey to find diamonds began and ended with him traveling the world and finding nothing. In despair, he ended his life. After his farm was sold, the new owner notices a flash of light from the stream and found diamonds. Yes, the very thing the original farmer was searching for was right under his feet the whole time.
One of the most difficult things to learn in life is how to be content. The grass always seems greener on the other side. Many of us have an internal voice that reminds us that we will be happy only when we get the promotion, graduate college, lose those extra pounds, or maybe when we get married and have children. Jentezen challenges us to resist those voices and learn the art of being content. He explains, “Know this: inside of you are diamonds. In order for them to come out, it’s going to take time. It’s going to take setbacks. It’s going to take disappointments. It’s going to take trials. It’s going to take challenges. Just like diamonds are formed over time, with intense heat and extreme pressure, the diamonds that lie beneath the surface of life are created in the same way.”
Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, could have given up but he didn’t. His eyes were opened right there in that dirty jail cell. Joseph allowed God to use his talents to interpret the dreams for those in the royal household. It took 20 years, but Joseph became second in command in the King’s palace. Jentezen explains, “Asking God for something is not just about Him giving you what you ask. It’s about Him preparing you to be able to handle it. It’s in the suffering, the hurting and the waiting that God can begin to mold and shape your soul, your heart and your ego. This does not happen in high times. This does not happen when everything is going great… Each of us endures seasons of suffering, but God uses these times to bring comfort, peace, and faith to others through us.”
Jentezen says that he and his wife, Cherise had their fair share of challenges during their first year of marriage, like many new couples. He explains, “My mother-in-law, Pat, and her husband, Jimmy were instrumental in mentoring us during this time. Just when Cherise and I felt that we couldn’t stand each other or take it anymore, Pat and Jimmy would have a sit-down with us, separately.” They reminded them that God put them together and encouraged them to stay and work it out. They’re glad they did. Jentezen and Cherise have experienced 32 years of a loving marriage. They have five children and two grandchildren.
