Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share[a] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18 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. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Today's Meditation:
In the late ’60s, struggling to be a good wife and mother but often discontented and envious of others, God spoke to me through a popular phrase printed on coffee cups, T-shirts, and cute wall plaques: “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” I had it on the window sill over my kitchen sink, and it reminded me that even though I often thought I should be somewhere else. I was where God wanted me to be.
I think of that simple phrase whenever I read Philippians 4. Paul had lived through unbelievable circumstances, hardships, dangers, and amazing encounters with new Jesus followers. He says he learned to be content wherever he was, and he was writing a letter in a Philippian prison! What an inspiring challenge to a struggling church and also to a tired mom listening to two crying babies, an aging widow who feels useless and alone, or a janitor doing the same job every day. Paul tells us the secret to his contentment and to ours. It is finding strength in Jesus and giving ourselves away as a fragrant offering to others. The Philippian church had looked beyond their circumstances to the needs of others, gave sacrificially, and discovered that as they gave, they received all the riches of knowing Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Faithful Father, thank you for placing me in this place and assuring me that you have a purpose and a plan for my life. May I bloom where you have planted me. Fill me with contentment and peace as I embrace this day. Open my eyes to see how I can share your words of hope and love to everyone I meet. Amen
Jeanne Motley