I’m often amazed (and all at once not amazed enough) about God’s providence. Last night, I drove about two hours so that I could teach some Bible College students from today until the end of the week. My lesson isn’t probably where I want it to be, but somehow, I got everything finished the way it needed to be. To be able to teach here, I needed my Preacher Boy Clubs to meet on the same day, and the majority of the students made it; I needed someone to fill in for my class at church this evening, and I have a teacher who is willing; I needed time to finish the work that needed to be done for Sunday, and I have plenty of time to do it all in. Everything I needed lined up, I arrived safe, and this morning when the car wouldn’t start, I went back in to the room I have been given, prayed, realized I had forgotten some things that would have been necessary for class today, and got back to the van it started (good thing, too, it’s around 17 degrees outside).
In All things, we should praise God (even when the car won’t start and it’s below freezing!), why? Because God is good in all situations. He provides all we need, even if we don’t get what we want. We just have to trust Him. This isn’t to say we won’t go without. After all, didn’t the Apostle Paul suffer such trials and hardships? Throughout all these trials, Paul held on to one thing: He could be content in call circumstances, and do all things through Christ who gave Him strength. There will be times of famine, times of war, times of hardship, and, at times, little to go around. But in any and all circumstances, God provides. He gives us the strength through Christ Jesus to endure.
Philippians 4
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
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. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
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