Like many of you, Philippians is a favourite biblical book. The encouragement and challenges come through so clearly and are so practical. I am certainly glad God kept Paul in prison long enough to write this book.
In chapter 4 today, I noted two familiar, wonderful promises. I've often shared them with others. Today I paused to thank God. To thank Him that Jan and I have proved the reality of these promises over many years. They have been kept promises in our lives.
"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7
During the past several months while we waited and wondered where our next step would take us, we found it tiring but relatively easy to keep giving concerns about our future location to God. We experienced His peace as we waited for direction to be made clear. It was kind of funny to hand in a our one month rental notice, still waiting for confirmation as to our future placement. But He can be trusted - we know that.
The second promise: "And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
We have not always had what we wanted or even what we thought we needed. We have certainly been stretched in some situations. But God has been faithful and supplied so much for us in a variety of ways. We look back and say "Yes" that promise has been kept in our lives.
Of course we have never been down to our last meal (last $100 yes, but not last meal). We have not had to endure the tragic losses or painful testing some have known. Yet having spoken to mature Christians who have endured much more than we, they too have attested: you can always count on God and His Word. His promises are really, definitely true.
In chapter 4 today, I noted two familiar, wonderful promises. I've often shared them with others. Today I paused to thank God. To thank Him that Jan and I have proved the reality of these promises over many years. They have been kept promises in our lives.
"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7
During the past several months while we waited and wondered where our next step would take us, we found it tiring but relatively easy to keep giving concerns about our future location to God. We experienced His peace as we waited for direction to be made clear. It was kind of funny to hand in a our one month rental notice, still waiting for confirmation as to our future placement. But He can be trusted - we know that.
The second promise: "And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
We have not always had what we wanted or even what we thought we needed. We have certainly been stretched in some situations. But God has been faithful and supplied so much for us in a variety of ways. We look back and say "Yes" that promise has been kept in our lives.
Of course we have never been down to our last meal (last $100 yes, but not last meal). We have not had to endure the tragic losses or painful testing some have known. Yet having spoken to mature Christians who have endured much more than we, they too have attested: you can always count on God and His Word. His promises are really, definitely true.
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