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God Provides

May 18th, 2024

Philippians 4:13-23

Context matters a lot. Paul says that he can do “all this through him who gives me strength” (v. 13). Some read this to mean that Paul can do all things. What he really means is, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (v. 12). He was telling the Philippians that God had provided for him through the generosity of the Philippians.

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter; he needed the church to supply his needs. And the church did exactly that. This gave Paul the power to praise and encourage the Philippians. God had provided for Paul; thus, the Philippians had no need to worry if they also found themselves in times of deep trouble. God would provide for their needs as well.

Many testify to this in our churches. God meets our needs, perhaps not how we expect nor how we want. Nevertheless, God provides for God’s people, typically through the local congregation.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom