“By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises …. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” 2 Peter 1:4 and Philippians 4:19.
A construction crew was building a new road through a rural area, knocking down trees as it progressed. A superintendent noticed that one tree had a nest of birds that couldn’t yet fly, and he marked the tree so that it would not be cut down. Several weeks later the superintendent came back to the tree. He got into a bucket truck and was lifted up so that he could peer into the nest. The fledglings were gone. They had obviously learned to fly. The superintendent ordered the tree cut down. As the tree crashed to the ground, the nest fell clear and some of the material that the birds had gathered to make the nest was scattered about. Part of it was a scrap torn from a nearby church pamphlet. On the scrap of paper were these words, “God careth for you.”
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The context of this promise concerns material provisions. “Now you Philippians know … no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities,” Philippians 4:15-16. The saints at the church in Philippi regularly gave of their financial resources that the Apostle Paul might concentrate on ministering the Gospel. “Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:18. Paul was abundantly supplied through their gifts. This generosity was also a pleasing spiritual sacrifice in the eyes of the Lord. God cared for His itinerant preacher and servant.
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. “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things,” Matthew 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 shall be added to you,” Matthew 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 paycheck to fulfill 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.
Audrey Mieir was the composer of many gospel songs, probably best known for her song, “His Name is Wonderful.” She wrote the following poem praising God’s carefulness for his children.
Be not troubled with thoughts of the morrow,
Of duties you surely must do.
On the Lord cast your burden of sorrow;
It matters to Him about you!
Be not weary when trials are given,
But trust Him to carry you through.
He will make all a pathway to Heaven;
It matters to Him about you!
Then be patient until His appearing,
‘Tis dawn almost now on your view;
For the mists of this dark age are clearing.
In love He is planning for you!
Let our prayer be this: “Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness in supplying according to our needs. Forgive us for doubting You at times, when it looked like the provision was not coming. Help us to seek your Kingdom first because all things will be provided by You. It matters to You about us! Amen.” God bless you always!
Southern Union | November 2023
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