My God shall supply all you needs, according to His riches in glory — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

I’m thinking that the above verse is being recalled by many Christians lately. I am familiar with the verse and for a very good reason I should be: my wife had it framed years ago and it is on the wall just inches above my computer monitor.

Honestly, I don’t look at the verse enough nor do I constantly reflect on what it means. Until I have a pressing need. Like right now.

This one verse has been pulled out of context so many times that I’m sure that it’s meaning has been skewed for many believers.  I’ve heard people use it as a reason to get something from God, invoking a name it and claim it principle when uttering the verse.

Clearly, the apostle Paul was saying that our needs would be met, not our greediness. Even then, does it mean that all of our earthly needs will be met? Yes, but not always immediately nor in the manner we expect.

Food, shelter, bodily warmth and good health are some of the things we want, even expect in this life, but oftentimes we lack one or more of them. We should continue to ask God for the things we need, but also know that our character is built by being patient as well as trusting in Him.

In verse 12 of the chapter Paul said that he knew how to be abased and he knew how to abound. Clearly, if there was anyone in the Bible who suffered much and often had to wait for his needs to be met, then Paul is a prime example of that person.

Sometimes being without something we need, even a very important need, can help to develop our character which is meant to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We aren’t necessarily thrilled to go through a difficult time, but we’re required to go through them nonetheless.

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near James — 5:7,8 (NIV)

We can get discouraged as we wait for God to respond, getting in our mind the idea that He doesn’t care or isn’t hearing us. Brethren, toss those thoughts away because your infernal enemy would have you think that way.

Instead, we should heed what Paul said in Philippians 4:8 (Amplified):

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

God knows your needs and what you need is already in His hands. Lovingly, God will dispense His gifts in the manner and portion that He sees fit. Thankfully, God already knows what we need and what is best for us.

Do your part by asking Him in faith.

Photo Credit: Mike McGarry

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Operation Christmas Child Reports 2008 Campaign Results

Samaritan’s Purse, the worldwide Christian relief and gospel proclamation organization, has published a report on Operation Christmas Child for its 2008 campaign. Despite a sharp economic downturn that began in September, people from several countries managed to put together 7,967,001 shoe boxes which have been or are now being delivered to children in more than one hundred countries.

11 Countries Participate

According to Samaritan’s Purse, people from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Netherlands and Finland packed shoe boxes filled with toys, stuffed animals, personal goods, candy, educational supplies and more. In addition, Samaritan’s Purse included millions of copies of a gospel storybook — The Greatest Gift of All — which were printed in 52 languages and made available in 75 countries.

An 18 Page Special Report

Samaritan’s Purse developed an 18-page special report which reviewed the 2008 campaign offering an overview of the program while taking readers behind the scenes of various distribution projects.

You can read about how children in war torn Georgia were blessed by your gifts; a story about Mincaye of the Waorani Indians who killed Christian missionaries in 1956, but loves Jesus today;  learn about a small town in Texas, Rosebud, and their out of proportion contribution to Operation Christmas Child and much more.

2009 Campaign Scheduled

Many people think that the shoe box campaign is limited to one week in November when boxes are packed, collected and delivered to regional Operation Christmas Child distribution centers. While it is true that the bulk of boxes arrive over the last few months of the year, they can be sent directly to Samaritan Purse’s headquarters at any time of the year:

Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

Or, if you like, you can simply send in a financial contribution which will help defray the cost of distributing shoe boxes.

The 2009 collection campaign will run from November 16-23, but I know dates vary from country to country. Check with your local Samaritan’s Purse office to learn when your campaign will be held.

Finally, why not spearhead your own collection drive through your church, group or civic organization? You can encourage people to collect items all year and then set up a date later where everyone comes together to pack their boxes. What a great way to involve people of  all ages by helping them make a difference in a child’s life.

“Who is like you among the gods, O LORD? Who is like you? You are glorious because of your holiness and awe-inspiring because of your splendor. You perform miracles Exodus 15:11 (GWT).

Source: Samaritan’s Purse

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