One skill that we must all learn is the ability to adapt. Circumstances can change on us. Many times, they change unexpectedly. When these things happen, we must learn to adapt. Paul gave us an example in Philippians 4:11-13 Amplified Classic:
Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
Paul gives us the answer to walking out the skill of adaptability: He could do all things through Christ who strengthened or empowered him. The Greater One on the inside of us enables us to face any and everything that comes our way. Paul said that he knew abundance and scarcity. He knew how to handle hunger as well as being well-fed. Paul was able to adapt to whatever came his way because of Christ’s sufficiency. When you read about the life and ministry of Paul, you see that he survived so many things. He was shipwrecked. He was stoned. He had been beaten many times. One time they snuck him out of the city by lowering him in a basket. He endured so much, but he was able to do so because of his ability to adapt.
Jesus had to adapt as well. Jesus came down from heaven to live among men. He stripped Himself of the attributes that made Him God and lived on the earth as a man (see Philippians 2 Amp. Classic). The Bible tells us that Jesus experienced hunger. He experienced what it felt like to get tired. He would get thirsty. He experienced things that He never experienced when He was in heaven. He felt pain. He felt betrayal. He was criticized and lied on. Through all these things, He adapted. He learned how to deal with the human experience, and He still overcame. The devil was never able to stop Him. We live in victory because of His victory.
God expects us to win. Things may not always go our way, but we can adapt. We can maneuver and strategize. We can lean on the leadership and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We can be like Paul; we can be ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into us.