God Shall Supply. Philippians 4:19. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” There is a personal touch in the words “my God,” which shows Paul’s personal experience of having all his needs supplied in different ways. Also, the positive statement is that God “shall (will definitely) supply all your needs,” which clearly assures him that God will take care of the needs of those who give sacrificially to the Lord.
We may not always receive what we want to make us feel good or bring us pleasure. God's supply might not always be tangible goods to satisfy our physical needs. We can be confident that when we need discernment to act in accordance with God’s will, He will provide it. When we need courage to face opposition, He can do for us what He did for Stephen when he prayed for those who killed him.
What we want may not be what we need. By trusting Christ in every situation, our desires and wishes can shift to accepting God’s provision and power to help us accomplish what He desires in ways that are fitting for Him and hold eternal value. That is what truly matters!
Some people need comfort and assurance that God is doing what is best. God gave us eternal life at the start of our faith journey; maybe this is a test of faith, preparing us for what's ahead. The support from other believers helps us, in one way or another, face the unknown without fear or dread. With quiet confidence and a true spirit of rest, they can go through experiences knowing that a loving God can wound or heal according to His sovereign will. He allows or sends things or events that affect us physically and spiritually so we are better prepared for the ministry He has given us, which must be shared.
We know that when a seed is planted, it derives its life from God alone. Because of new life, new expectations will arise. I must also remember what God gives; He can take away. In doing so, I learn the need for grace to live effectively each day. How would I know about His full supply for my grief if He didn’t sometimes allow great loss, even if only briefly? The benefit that comes may actually be for others through me, so that they, in their confusion, will see the value of faith.
God has provided for our temporary needs when we were unsure of what to do next. Through His grace, He offered redemption at the highest cost. He has experienced pain and suffering far beyond what we can imagine, so He can identify with the grief of His suffering saints. He knows what is needed and how, when, and where to come alongside us to carry our burdens. It is difficult for us “to let go and let God” take full control of situations in life that seem to be our responsibility. But when we do that, we will find rest for our souls.
There are times when private tears flow like falling rain, and we don’t know what to do to change things. God may call us to endure private grief and pain that cannot be shared with anyone but Him. He has His reasons and calls me to draw near to Him and rest in faith even though I have no answer to a current dilemma. I will find then solace in His grace that is sufficient and in His abundant supply of mercy. I may spend much time wondering what might or might not have been, but it is better for me to look ahead in faith, trusting only Him who supplies every need I have on earth and in heaven. He gives the grace needed now and will explain the reasons later.
Many people tend to hoard money because they see it as the main way to measure security. We also gauge our energy by how much we earn and feel a sense of self-worth based on the money we claim for ourselves. We seem to think that giving money without any visible return puts us at risk, because we measure its value by the standards of the world. The Philippians learned the importance of giving to God by giving to His servant early in their Christian life and kept practicing it. This was a clear way to show their love for the Lord’s servant who brought them the Gospel. Paul’s letter must have been a blessing to them when they heard it read. Both the giver and the receiver are blessed when we give what we have to the Lord.