“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:19
Paul was in prison, and the Philippian church had concern and sent Epaphroditus with gifts for Paul (vs 18). Paul recalled how this church was the only church supporting him in Macedonia (vs 15) and met his needs when he was in Thessalonica (vs 16). Such care, sharing in Paul’s trouble, was a “sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (vs 18).
All this having told the Philippian church how God taught Paul how to be satisfied when brought low or abounding, in times of plenty or hungry, abundance and in need (vs 11-12). It is here Paul reminds this church that God will take care of their future needs. This promise is in the context where Paul said before, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (vs 6).
Anxiety in my heart is washed away by the mighty tides of content in the supply of God, making known my need as a request. God knows what I need. He knows what others in my church family needs. Jesus commands the church to love one another, an action of caring for each other in our needs. It is a gracious thing to share in someone else’s trouble, just like the Philippians shared in Paul’s trouble.
A local church is blessed in her care for the needs of missionaries, sharing in their trouble. Such blessing also comes in her care for her shepherds (ITimothy 5:17-18). Furthermore, such care for one another in the church is that added blessing since such actions and care pleases God (Hebrews 13:16).
Look at Paul’s benediction again. Imprisoned, Paul could not pay back the gifts he received. He assured them God Himself, who is pleased with their sacrifice, will supply their needs according to the inexhaustible riches in glory that is ours as believers in Christ Jesus.
The Lord may not supply every want, but He will supply every need. The sharing in need and in trouble, carrying one another’s burdens, reveals God is rich in glory. He is the Supplier when I receive gifts and when I give gifts. Such sacrifices are like the thanksgiving sacrifices made to God in Psalm 50, when the Lord says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” God is glorified in caring for us in our time of trouble, with such care through one another’s love.
Whatever your gifting to serve in the church, sharing in their trouble, caring out of concern for those in need, use your gifting to please the Lord who supplies all your needs according to the richness of His glory. So, fear not about your future. Be anxious about nothing. You are more valuable to God than sparrows (Matthew 10:31). Such richness of treasure is an inheritance stored up for you in heaven, a future grace to be enjoyed, guarded by God’s power to give to you on that day (I Peter 1:4-5).
Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your abundant supply, knowing our needs and how to best meet those needs. We rejoice even in trials that such a great supply is ours to enjoy in eternity. Bless us that we may bless one another. Meet our needs that we may care for one another. Be glorified in our sacrifices, using our gifts and caring for one another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
