My God Shall Supply

The Story

Paul was in prison, probably in Rome, chained to a guard and waiting to find out if he would live or die. Then a visitor arrived from the church in Philippi. His name was Epaphroditus, and he brought a gift from the believers there.

The Philippians had always been generous to Paul. When he first left their region, they were the only church that sent him support. When he was in Thessalonica, they sent help again and again. And now, years later, they had found a way to care for him in prison.

Paul wrote them a letter full of joy. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again.”

Then he told them what he had learned over a lifetime of ministry. “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He had been full and he had been hungry, he had had plenty and he had had nothing. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

He called their gift “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” And he finished with a promise to the people who had given so generously to him:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Reflection