21 Days: Day 18

Hello everyone, I'm Maddy, and today I get the honor of sharing a devotional with you! We have been talking about God's provision, so I'm going to be focusing on the life of Paul in Philippians chapter 4! In this chapter, Paul is under house arrest and awaiting trial, so he cannot provide for himself. Luckily, Paul had some help. 

The Philippian people sent a few things. It was most likely money and material needs, but they did send one thing that the bible does list. And that was a friend. Epaphroditus (ee-paf-row-die-tus) was sent to Paul with all these things! But listen to what Paul says in verses 18-19

“At the moment, I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus (ee-paf-row-die-tus) They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

He thanks them and then gives God the glory! Paul also tells us that the SAME God who supplied all his needs is the same God supplying our needs now! We serve a faithful promise-keeping God who is not limited by how much money we have, the economy, or even our job; it says that everything we need will come from HIS glorious riches. God even gives us the strength to rely on him! Paul recognizes that in verse 13, it says 

For I can do EVERYTHING through Christ who gives me strength!” 

And that goes for you, too! YOU can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength! But what is the secret to accessing his glorious riches and strength? Well, Paul even tells us that, too! Verse 12 says

 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 an empty one, with plenty or little.

So what is that secret? Trusting God. That's the secret. Trusting God is quite literally all we need! God is going to take care of the rest!

I know there've been plenty of moments in my life that God has provided for me. As I have been looking for my next steps in life, God has been providing me with support from others and the peace and strength that comes from Christ! I trust that his plan for my life is better than mine! I continue to keep moving forward because of God's promises and provision! Not just in the big things but in the mustard-seed-sized things in everyday life. I challenge you to share with a friend a mustard-seed-sized miracle you've found today! 

Let’s pray! 

Father, we come to you at this moment, thanking you for your provision. We have seen how you move in so many ways and are so grateful for you. We pray as we go throughout our day that we can see how you move in not just the big ways but in the little ways too. Open our eyes and our hearts so we are ready to receive what you have for us today. We give you all the glory! In Jesus' name, Amen