Scripture:
Philippians 4:14-20 NKJV
[14] Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. [15] Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. [16] For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. [18] Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. [19] And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Observation:
Paul’s missionary journeys covered over 10,000 miles, including land and sea travel. Now that doesn’t seem like much in today’s world where we can get halfway across the United States in just a few hours by plane, but we have to remember that most of Paul’s travel was done either by hours, by foot, or by man-powered boat. It was slow going and required not only determination but perseverance as well as a trust in GOD that could not be shaken. As he brings his letter the the church in Philippi to a close here in chapter 4, his desire is to express not only how grateful he is for the help that they had provided up to this point but also to reinforce the fact that he knew not only would what they have done so far would be credited to their heavenly account but that he knew who had increased upon them to assist him along the way. Let’s look at what’s being said. What Paul is saying in verse 14 is very simple, “Thank you.” The only difference in the way he said it and the way that I explained it was the number of words used and the manner in which they were said. “Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress.” sounds much more rewarding and encouraging, and I’m sure that was the point of Paul’s letter. He wanted them to know that they were the only church that gave him the assistance that he needed as his journey got started, and as the journey continued they continued to send aid and meet his needs along the way. As he wrote he wanted to make sure that they knew he was not asking for more assistance but simply saying thank you for what they have done, and explain that what has been done by them has an eternal reward. That it is seen by the LORD as kingdom work. An offering that will produce a sweet crop of fruit for the kingdom. An acceptable sacrifice. In other words, he knew it cost them something. However, he again knew that it was GOD who impressed upon them to help in the first place and wanted to make sure HE got the credit HE deserved. Bringing his expression of gratitude to a close. By giving GOD all the credit and glory, by saying my GOD “SHALL” supply all my needs according to HIS riches and glory. I think the “shall” part of that sentence can be missed if we are not careful. It’s a word that implies future needs. Even though Paul is saying thank you for what you have done. He is also saying it’s not over yet. There is more work ahead, and GOD is going to supply what is needed. You see, Paul knew that until he was called home, he must press on in faith that the LORD would give him everything that was needed for the work that needed to be done. He knew where his help comes from it comes from the LORD. Just like David said in the Psalms.
Application:
As I sit here going over these verses, I think about how far all this has come. From the day I hit my knees in that little church in Asher to today. A lot of miles have been covered. A lot of chains have been broken, and a lot of lives have been affected, and honestly, even though it looks like things are drawing to an end. I just don’t believe that GOD is done. HE is the supplier of all my needs. I have come to the point of asking for prayer from others so many times and for so many different things, and GOD always comes through. Yet I still find it hard sometimes to just know. Trusting that GOD will provide when things look bleak is not always easy, but I’m telling you, I have no other choice. All my eggs are in the GOD basket. HE is the giver of all things and HE knows exactly what is needed to continue writing a story of faith with my life. HE is the master chess player. Moving the pieces around the board in such a fashion that the enemy thinks he is getting somewhere until, “BAM” checkmate. Game over. GOD is the author and finisher of our faith. HE didn’t bring you this far to leave you halfway done. Faith is moving forward regardless of what it looks like. There is always pressure when it comes to faith. The enemy wants you to think it’s not going to work, or it can’t be done, or there is simply just no more work to be had. Then, right on time, GOD will come in and make a way where you saw no way. Trusting in HIM means standing on what HE said. Knowing that HE is exactly who HE says HE is. HE said HE will provide, and HE will. If HE doesn’t, then HE is a liar. Numbers chapter 23 and verse 19 makes a statement about that. It says, “GOD is not a man, that HE should lie, nor the son of man, that HE should repent. Has HE said, and HE will not do? Or has HE spoken and will not make good? I want us to notice that these are not questions to GOD, but they are directed to the reader. It’s a challenge to what you believe about GOD. HE will do what HE said HE will do. As we trust that HE is exactly who HE says, our provider, our healer, our chain breaker, our father, the supplier of all of our needs, the way maker. Our job is to remind HIM of who HE says that HE is. Not that HE will forget. But to show that not only have we been paying attention, but also commiting to memory what HE has told us about HIMSELF. Studying to show yourself approved. I know the bible has every answer I will ever need. 8GOD has proven that to me. I know that HE will supply my needs and the needs of the company HE has given me because HIS word says so, and HE can not lie. Trust in the LORD with “ALL” your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge HIM in all your ways, and HE will make your path straight.
Prayer:
Father, we believe what you say over what it looks like. We trust in who you are, and we know that your promises are yes and amen. That means what you have said is already done. Faith is not believing that you will. it’s believing that you have already. You stand outside of time. You have seen the beginning of our lives and the end of our lives and have set in motion everything we need to get us to the place where you want us. You are such an amazing GOD. So much more than we could ever understand. So, as we lean in on you, trusting that your word is the only truth we need and knowing that you are always right on time. We know that you can not lie and you will provide exactly what is needed. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray amen.