And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Context and Charge:
We quote this verse a lot, but it is good to consider the context of the verse, so I can align with the expectations, before I make a claim to the benefits. This was a church that supported Paul in the early days of his ministry. It was clearly stated that not one church shared with him in the matter of giving and receiving, except the church in Philippi. I bring it home: what am I known for? Am I known only for what I can demand or claim, or what I am able to give? Are we raising a generation known more for what it can amass, more than what it can give out?
Over and over, this church gave. It was not as if it was always convenient, but the church seems to know the value of giving for the right cause. By the help of the Holy Spirit, Paul saw their hearts and actions, and knew that all they did was from a heart of sacrifice. No wonder then that he could pray for them the way he did. Am I also all about convenience or conviction? What is the secret motive behind all that I do? Let it be clear: God cannot be mocked. I can impress people with currency, but God determines the true value of what is given.
Conviction and Conclusion:
If God rejects what I give, it won't matter how much it costs. Paul related the blessing to his God, asking his God to bless this church. I want this God to reveal himself to me, just as he did to Paul. It was this personal experience that made Paul speak this way. He had come to know a God who owns all that the eye can see or the hand can hold. If He blesses you, you are blessed indeed. If he withholds his hand, it does not matter how many people gather resources to help you. Which God do you know? Which God do I follow? What I get is defined by who I know.
The resources of this God are inexhaustible, as no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. All he needs me to do is to ask in faith, but I must be willing to given up whatever he asks me to. After all, if He owns it all, He can replace, replenish, restock or remove. Whatever the need, this God is able to supply, because He is rich. The key to that supply is the location, and that is Jesus Christ. In Him is the fullness of God revealed; in him is abundance of mercy, grace and favour. He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep so he can lay hold of that which he cannot lose. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment