God’s Provisions

Phil 4:10-23

Part 1 of 3

Psalm 23 comforts us in part with the words, “..I shall not be in want..”. Some people take this to mean that God will give us everything we want just as an indulgent parent does for their spoiled child. Please read Philippians 4:10-23 and then proceed with this study.

Is being in need a sign that God isn’t around?

Most people think (sometimes consciously, sometimes subconsciously) that lacking in money to buy their every need or want is a sign of disgrace or even lack of faith in, or relationship with, God.

Both Psalms 23 and Philippians 4 teach us that it is our heart that needs to learn to live with humble means so that we are not in want. We need to sort out what is really a need versus what is really a want.

Be Happy in Every Circumstance

In Philippians, Apostle Paul is expressing his gratitude for the love and care of the church for him but he is also explaining to them that he has learned to be happy in every circumstance – even lack.

People come to the church when they are broken or in need. This is good and as it should be. But, when they come they should be first led to God who will supply their every need through Christ rather than being given money without any spiritual food.

These people (maybe you?) should also be taught how to be content in every circumstance and whom to rely upon.

Please think of a time(s) when you were in need: ______________________

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Please also think of a time when someone in need came to you: __________

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What is Paul’s secret that we should know?

In verses 11 through 13, we see the secret Paul learned by both being filled and going hungry, abundance and suffering need is that “he can do all things through Him who strengthens him.” This scriptural teaching is full of wisdom for us.

Having abundance is not what keeps us from being in want and the abundance is not the source of our strength or happiness. Jesus Christ is. Our relationship with Him is.

With proper focus we can adapt to any and all circumstances. There are people that live abundant lives in their poverty and there are people who live abundant lives in their financial sufficiency. Most of us will experience both sides of this. Think back to the seasons in your life and strip away the physical and look at the spiritual presence of that time. Was Christ there? How did that help you? How did it dictate the direction of your countenance at that time? How did it drive your ability to carry on at that time and to do the things you needed and wanted to do?

Please think of that time when you were in need and recount how Christ was or was not in your life: _______________________________________________

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Most often we think we need Christ when we are in physical need. In these times we find that we are powerless to provide for ourselves because we don’t have the money it takes. Yet it is at this moment that we are most strong! We are now driven to take notice that we are not the source of our supply and we are driven to call on the One who is.

For others it might be that it isn’t the money that you need but it is wisdom or discernment in knowing the right course of action. We are not in physical need but we aren’t content either. Why? What do we need?

Please try to think of a time such as this. What did your thoughts turn to? Did you think of Christ? Did you turn to Him and ask Him for the solution or supply? Were you content in the midst of this circumstance?

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During this time did you find that Christ indeed strengthened you? Did He give you the ability to meet the challenge? Did He give you the contentment of heart to be happy in that particular circumstance?

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Like the Apostle Paul did you find that you were able to be content in both seasons? We know that regardless of our relationship with God that we will have times of abundance and times of suffering. Can you be content during each of these seasons? Can you do the things you are called to do regardless of your financial standing?

By relying on Christ as your source you most definitely can. Turn your thoughts and prayers to Christ then get up and walk. Walk in the strength of Jesus Christ. No matter what comes your way you know that you can withstand it and you know where your strength comes from. You know where you are going at the end of this physical life. This is the secret of Paul and the secret of every martyr that has died. They knew that their strength came from Christ.