Promise of God’s Provision
(From a devotional by Bob Hoekstra)
There are "exceedingly great and precious promises" and "unpopular" promises. Both play a vital role in God’s plan. Our present verse (Php 4:19) contains a promise of the first type. The context of this promise concerns material provisions.
The saints at the church in Philippi regularly gave of their financial resources that the Apostle Paul might concentrate on ministering the gospel. “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.” (Php 4:18) Their recent gifts left Paul abundantly supplied. This generosity was also a pleasing spiritual sacrifice in the eyes of the Lord.
As He did with Paul, the Lord promises to meet the physical needs of all of His children. We can rely on His promised care for us. We do not need to worry or fret. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Mt 6:31-32)
Our faithful and loving Father is fully aware of our material needs, and He has committed Himself to supplying them. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mat 6:33)
Our heavenly Father wants us to give our attention to seeking after Him, not after our needs. He wants us to be on a quest to know Him. He desires that we seek after His holy rule and His righteous ways. He will be faithful to "supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." He may typically use a pay cheque to fulfil His promise, but He will supply our needs. Even if we are flat on our backs and unable to work, God is our faithful source.
Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness in supplying my material needs through the years. Forgive me for doubting You at times, when it looked like the provision was not coming. Help me to seek You and not my needs, Amen.
