He supplies our every need…

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus. 

This verse quickly became one of my top 10 favorite verses. Who wouldn’t want a reminder of the certainty of his provision for his children? My journey with Jesus began with my father’s illness and eventual demise. As a 12 year old with no dad, I absolutely welcomed God’s protection and provision. And he did prove himself faithful, as he showered me with generosity beyond what I deserved and imagined. I’m not saying I got everything I prayed for. In fact many times, I didn’t. And it wasn’t necessarily because God had something “bigger and better” for me. I don’t think Paul meant for this passage to be used as a magic wand to make our wishes come true. Just a few verses before this, Paul laid out a wonderful teaching on a big heart issue – contentment (verses 11-12), in that he has learned to face both abundance and need. The specific circumstances didn’t matter anymore to Paul. Why? Because of Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (v. 13). He then proceeds by expressing gratitude to the Philippian church (v. 14-16) and describing the beauty of their sacrificial giving; that this is a fragrant offering pleasing to God (v 18), then reassures them that God cannot be outdone in generosity, as he supplies their every need (v. 19). While on this side of eternity, it may seem like God is only supplying some of our needs but not ALL our needs. It may be hard to believe this promise when there are huge, urgent, serious needs that God seems to ignore. I do not have a great answer for why some of our prayers go unanswered. But we do have a great Father who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all; how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32). 

After my high school graduation, I began to understand our financial situation, and that studying to become a doctor was beyond our means. Yet through miraculous ways, God faithfully led me through medical school. His provision came and was enough from one tuition cycle to the next. Scholarships, financial aid, and the generosity of fellow believers worked together to see me through each semester.

Throughout this time, I learned not only that God provides for his people. More importantly, I realized in my heart that Christ himself is both my greatest need and my greatest gift from the Father. In him, I am content. Through him, I have all things.

All I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.