02/19/2023
Does our faith suffer when we are struggling or when we find ourselves wanting? If it does then we need to learn a lesson from the Apostle Paul because he discovered the secret of remaining faithful regardless of the circumstances he was facing. We often believe that secrets are difficult to uncover, but in this case it is a simple one… the solution is that we trust in God to provide, to help us do all things, and that we trust in Him always.
“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.”
Philippians 4:12 ESV
We know that many lose their faith in the difficult times, but the trap set by our success is equally as dangerous, and to our dismay we find that it is also true that when we are victorious or wealthy in life we can become equally lost. Success can breed self-assuredness to the point of luring us into believing we don’t need God’s help. Have we ever been tempted in this way? Have we forgotten who made our prosperity possible?
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13 ESV
The same God who many will blame in their times of trouble and hardship is the one they will likewise forget when their life is going well and they are at ease. When we are receiving our every need, and our decisions are playing out well for us, we think that it is all of our doing, and forget who truthfully provides for us.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 ESV
So, are we beginning to understand the secret of maintaining an unshakable faith like Paul? The secret is knowing that our God goes before us and defeats every foe, and obstacle we encounter. The secret is that all we have is of God, and that He gives us just what we need when times are hard. He is our provider when our crops have failed, our savior when we are in peril, and our escape from every snare in life. If we believe this without question then our faith will never be shaken, grow weak, or become weary. If we listen to God’s Word, obey as Jesus obeyed, and receive wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the Holy Spirit, then we will be like Paul… able to abound in faith regardless of our circumstances.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8 ESV
Do we lean on the Lord always? Do we hold to our faith by remaining true to Him in times of suffering and heartbreak? Do we give Him all the glory when the world calls us wonderful for our successes, and praises us?
So in our suffering…
“In all their suffering, he suffered, and the angel of his presence saved them. He redeemed them because of his love and compassion; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of the past.”
Isaiah 63:9 CSB
And in our exceeding good fortune…
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 ESV
Do we hold to the secret of which Paul spoke, and remain strong in our faith?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the highs and lows in our lives, the plenty and the hunger, and the abundance and need, because in all of these you are with us, and your love for us remains strong; never fading. In every circumstance we face in our lives you are our true and unchanging God who is always good. Help us Lord to hear your whisper in the pleasant summer breezes, and your mighty voice in the raging storms of winter. Help us to hear you in all of our life as you beckon us to come and find comfort and peace in you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who works all things for the good of those who love you. Praised be your name for holding us firm in our faith always, and transforming us in all things to be like Jesus… perfect, righteous, and Holy as He is. Help us to find our peace in you just as Jesus finds His. Praised be your name for the mercy and grace you pour out over us, whether we stand with lifted hands on the mountaintop, or crawl desperately on wounded knees seeking passage through the valleys of death and sorrow. Whatever our circumstance let us feel your presence as you wash us day and night in the blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and through our belief in Him, transform us into His image. Hear our prayers Father, and take pleasure in our singing as we praise, worship, and adore you. Judge us to be worthy in your Son, and call us to walk with you in the cool evenings of eternity… forever in your presence.
“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:20 ESV
Rich Forbes