Thank You!

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Paul's letter to the church in Philippi closes with an unusual thank you. While he expresses gratitude for their gift, he makes it plain that he would have been fine without it. He has always trusted God to provide. "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." (4:11‭-‬12)

There is a three-fold message in these verses. First is to trust God as our provider; he gives us all we need. Secondly, be content in our situation. There may be times of discomfort and belt-tightening, times of excess, and times of just enough. Whatever the circumstance, God is with us. Lastly, acknowledge the source with thanks. Ultimately, God is the provider of all good things, but he also works through the hands of others.

Provider God, thank you for giving us all we need. We trust you in times of plenty and scarcity, confident in the knowledge you are with us. We also thank those you use to supply what we need, our jobs, the farmers, truckers, and grocery store workers–at those who help bring about your will. Bless them in their doing of your work. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim