...According To His Riches

In 1996 I heard a minister give a testimony that had a profound impact on my life. Partly because of the story but mainly due to the spunk and joy that is shown! One Christmas Eve their family was in a car accident and one parent died and one child almost died. Years later, the oldest child died of aids. I cannot imagine and it breaks my heart to think about it again. After the last tragedy the minister's brother asked, "why do you think bad things always happen to you?" Without hesitation, my friend, said, "Well, the devil don't mess with those he's already got!"

You have heard this before. There will be trials and tribulation. But friends, this is when we grow. All sunshine and no rain will wither someone. I cannot imagine not having God in my life! When things are up in the air and you want answers that you are not getting. I struggle. When you get the answers you do not want...I struggle.

When we are struggling we do not have peace. Sometimes only time will tell what we want to know. Maybe we will never know. Maybe you are in a similar situation. Maybe you are waiting for a major surgery. Maybe you are waiting for a diagnosis. Maybe you do not know what the future is for your loved one. Maybe you do not know if you will make it. Life is hard and we have some heavy stuff to deal with.

Philippians 4: 19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus". This is a promise for all of God's children. Paul says, God gave to us first. Now He wants us to give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Who will be giving back to us? MY God! It's personal. What do we get back? Our God will supply EVERY NEED out of the riches in Christ Jesus. How much will be given back? ALL our needs. He will decide what our needs are. Sometimes we get needs and wants confused!

No matter what our uncertain future holds, God will provide exactly what we need. Those who walk in God’s way are protected, provided for, and satisfied Psalm 81: 13-16, "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

When the future feels uncertain we can fix our eyes on God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is unshakable and unwavering. He never breaks a promise. He loves us and died for us. Look at the eternal Word of God. Watch how He gives you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Watch how God supplies you with all that you need...according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus. And remember to thank God for these hard times because this is when we grow in Him!