THE VERSE
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:12-13
THE THOUGHT
When Paul wrote that “my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” this was the context of that promise. Paul himself had seen that promise in action, and through his life, in the ups and downs, he had learned to be content in every situation. Whether it was hunger or plenty, abundance or need, Paul confidently asserted that in and through all these things, he could overcome because of the strength that Christ provided.
What a comfort this is to us today! In the midist of lingering unemployment, economic turmoil, and financial uncertainties, we have promises like this to take hold of as an anchor for our souls. Believing Philippians 4:12-13 is a key to glorifying God with your trust through this recession. John Piper comments on this verse in light of recent events, saying, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me, meaning I can be poor, I can lose a job, I can have a hospital bill that I don’t know how to pay for; I can do all these things through Him who strengthens me! It means He will meet every real need.”
Take great comfort in this truth. There is strength enough in Christ to uphold us through any trial that He graciously allows for our good, and through Him who strengthens us, we can meet any hardship with confidence in our sovereign God.
THE PRAYER
Dear God, I confess that current events shake my small faith, the daily ups and downs of the stock market seem to me to be outside Your sovereign control, and the state of economic chaos seems to be bigger than my God. O Father, would You please strengthen my weak and faltering faith? Give me eyes to see, through Your promises, Your unwavering faithfulness and power to act for those who know Your name. Help me to believe that the strength that lies in You is all I need to endure, for Your glory, whatever circumstance You graciously give me.
EXTENDED READING
Psalm 9:9-10
Romans 8:18-39
Philippians 4:10-20
THE QUOTE
“You have one business on earth – to save souls.” ~John Wesley
This post is written by Brendan Beale, author of Cross Connections