We face situations in which it seems that the demands of life exceed our available resources. During those times we may become concerned and seek to play it safe with our resources so that we can face the uncertainties before us. It’s important to prepare for the future; however, we must not allow our fears about the future to dominate our lives. The Apostle Paul gives us a helpful perspective in his letter to the Philippians. Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians for their financial support to him in his ministry,

You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. (Philippians 4:15-16)

Paul was thankful for their assistance; however, he realized that their financial support was secondary to the spiritual blessing that would accrue to the Philippians because of their generosity,

Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.  (Philippians 4:17)

God provided abundantly for Paul and his ministry needs and he expressed his sincere gratitude to them for their generosity,

But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

As an encouragement to the Philippians, Paul revealed that the ultimate source of provision is God. Because they had put God first in their giving, God would take care of their every need,

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

It is important to note that God will take of our needs, not necessarily our wants. Paul does not say that God will meet all of our “greeds” but all of our needs. Do you at times confuse your wants and your needs?

The Philippians gave sacrificially out of their poverty, but God provides for us out of His abundance. It’s encouraging to note that God would bless the Philippians because of their generosity. Hudson Taylor was fond of saying, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”

When you consider God’s abundant riches, He can replace your worries or concerns with confident trust. May you remember that where God guides, He provides.