Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Lessons from God

I was talking to a friend today who is going through a very tough trial; over the past year, he has faced several major trials and we were discussing the fact that often times God allows us to go through these trials so that we might learn a lesson from what we have to endure.

Over the past 23+ years, I've been in the midst of a major trial with my spine, and through it I have learned that I have to trust God each and every day to supply my need.  Philippians 4:19 says, And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  It is important to note that Paul used the singular "need", not the plural "needs" in this scripture.  God supplies our need as it becomes a need, but only if we seek His face, continually, and only if we strive to abide in His will for our lives.  He does not give us an abundance, necessarily, to fill our needs for days yet to come, but supplies what we need in and of today.

My friend had commented that he had exhausted all that he could do, so he had to turn to God and pray for God to meet his need, as he has four children and a wife that depend on him for food, clothing and shelter.  I reminded him that we are supposed to rely on God in each and every minute of our lives to provide our needs, not just when we have exhausted every avenue we can think of to do so.  Just as people say, "all I can do is pray" when they're told of some need in someone's life which they're unable to help with.  Prayer should never be our "last resort" or "last available option".  We are told to pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, and Philippians 4:6 reads, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Supplication is defined as an humble entreaty or petition.  

No matter what you're going through, God knows what you need, and if you'll ask Him, He will provide.  Just remember that all you have to do is ask, believing, and it shall be given unto you.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Welcome To My Blog

Just a spot where I can post messages from my heart that I hope will inform, encourage and guide those who may be in need of an encouraging word from someone who struggles just as they do.