Philippians 4:19 TPT
[19] I am convinced that my God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through Jesus Christ!
Paul had learnt the secret of being content, no matter what the physical reality around him looked like. Here was a man who was a political zealot at a time, pushing for the supremacy of Jewish norms, and ready to kill for these norms. An encounter with Jesus turned his life around and gave him purpose and direction, and several churches were planted in the course of his missionary work. Who says your past cannot be changed? Who says that you cannot change the course of your life? Paul's past and present were radically different, and it really does matter in whose hands that life is in. If it is God's, rest assured that God can take care of it and make it worthwhile. If it is not, it is not too late to get it right. That was the secret of the impact that Paul made. What are you going to do about your life today? What decision do you have to make today to get you on the right path?
Paul's relationship with God made it possible for him to speak quite confidently about the workings of God. It did not matter if there had been seasons of lack; he also had seasons of abundance. In his words, he had been trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether he was full or hungry. He was not coming to lose eternal rewards because of temporary earthly gains. He was not going to sacrifice the eternal for the temporal, like Esau, who, because of hunger, despised his birthright, and he could not get the blessing due to the firstborn. It did not happen overnight; Paul did not just get it right suddenly. He had to learn; he had to go through a process of depending on God for suppy and sustenance. The lessons he learnt from these experiences helped shape his confidence in God's ability to meet every need. What lessons are you passing on the next generation coming after you? What legacies are you building presently?
This relationship that Paul had with God gave him confidence to say the things he said in the verse above. The church in Philippi had been a blessing to Paul and his companions, and now Paul was grateful for their help. It was not the fact that this church was rich by human standards, but chose to be a blessing to other people. This is where God steps in; this is where God's grace is what is at stake. He is Omnipotent; He can do all things. He is the All-sufficient God, and He seeks to show Himself strong in the lives of all whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Paul's personal experience was strong enough to provide comfort and encouragement to the church; he could boast about the ability and capability of God to meet every need. Have you met this God? Does He know you as His own? Remember: He does not force Himself on anyone, but He will surely display His power and splendor in yielded vessels. Are you one? God's time of favour is here.
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