God's Provision

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:14-20 ESV).

 

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a lengthy “Thank You Note.” Since he was imprisoned in Rome with no means of support, various churches had begun to send him the things he needed. Remember that prisons were not supported by the government. Each prisoner was responsible for their own food and clothing. Without family or friends to provide these, they simply went without, often starving before their audience with the governing authority. The apostle thanks them and then makes this grand declaration that God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever  (v. 19).

 

To say that God is our provider is to say that God is our ultimate source in life. We like to project the impression that we are self-made people, but the reality is that no matter how strong or self-secure or self-sufficient we pretend to be, we are completely dependent on God. It was Abraham that first identified God as a provider when he was about to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on an altar. In that moment an angel intervened to stop him. When he looked, he found a ram in the thickets, which he offered as the sacrifice. Afterwards he called the place, “The Lord Will Provide,” or “Jehovah-Jireh.” This story looks forward to Jesus being the sacrificial Lamb of God, providing for us our salvation.

 

In addition to our salvation, scripture shows the Lord’s provision in many other ways. He provides strength, resources, daily bread, water, hope, restoration, wisdom, and much more. When we gain a deeper understanding of his provision, we gain a deeper sense of gratitude. We begin to recognize God’s provision in small ways as well as the more obvious ways. Furthermore, we also develop a sense of humility and trust, which keeps us dependent on God’s help. If you are running low on your own resources, remember and repeat:  “We have so much history with God’s provision, we have no reason to doubt him now.”