Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.......
I am simply using this blog as a sounding board for the insane (or maybe sane) thoughts running through my brain at this time in my life. I want to start by saying I am so very grateful for all of the blessings God has given to my husband and I. I know we are truly blessed beyond measure. I don't want anyone to think I am anti- wealth or anti-possessions.
This morning I was reading the word and I was reading in the book of Philippians. I have been challenged beyond measure while being exposed to the raw emotion and devotion pouring from the heart of Paul to the Philippian church. It was toward the end of my reading I came across the verse in chapter 4 verse 19. I have heard this verse my whole life. Most of the time when the verse is presented it is done so in the context of an offering message. This message has always been conveyed to me in a way as a promise that "if I give I will never need". However, I noticed something else about this verse for the first time in my life. If you go back to verse 12 in the same chapter I see something that blows that ideal of never needing out of the water.
Philippians 4:12... 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.
When Paul is talking about God supplying the needs of His people according to His glory in Christ Jesus, this can't mean earthly possessions or carnal needs. I heard someone tell me once verse 19 applied to food and shelter....this is what God promised......If this is the case then why has Paul learned to be content through hunger and want?
My question then is this? Why is it then that as the church in America we believe we are entitled to riches, excess, and even are carnal needs being met? In Philippians I see a devoted desperately in love apostle of God speaking of his times of greatest need, and his ability to be content within them. Paul NEEDED.....Paul was HUNGRY.....Paul was content during these time.....DO I THINK I AM ENTITLED TO MORE THAN PAUL????????????????
This morning I have been challenged in a GREAT way!!!! I desire to seek the riches of God according to the His glory in Christ, because in this context I believe they hold the answers to being content even in my hour of need!!!!!!
