The strength of the Lord can see you through every trial and illness.

I woke up this morning feeling tired, achy and soon thereafter I found myself coughing. I’m not surprised, because all winter long I’ve been the “family nurse” as my wife and our boys went through illness after illness. Just last week my wife had foot surgery, so I found myself transporting our children back and forth to school and running shopping errands.

Any kind of illness can lead to a spiritual battle, as weak bodily defenses make it difficult to concentrate or fight off the attacks of the devil. Our infernal enemy will frequently use our weakest moments against us, tempting us to snap at those we love or retreat into a world that excludes everyone including God.

The apostle Paul looked at problems in a way that should help the rest of us consider what we’re going through. Paul recognized that his problems (and he had many of them) were opportunities to let God work through Him:

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong — 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV).

When we’re strong, we tend to rely upon our strength, not God. We forget that God is the One who has given us strength in the first place even if our bodily exercise, self discipline and determination seem to be what drives us.

Usually only when we age (and begin to lose our strength) or have a debilitating illness or accident (and our strength is suddenly removed) do we fully appreciate how God works through us. The tendency of the young and virulent is to tell God, “I’ll handle this one!” when a mild problem comes about. But, when an illness or crisis hits, we soon realize that our weakness makes us strong because we draw upon Him who ultimately strengthens us.

Thankfully, a couple of Advils are making it easier for me to get my work done today. But, I’m also thankful for His testings as the visible fruit of His righteousness working through me testifies of God’s goodness no matter what my circumstances may be.

Photo Credit: Evah Smit

Popularity: 3% [?]

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

Popularity: 7% [?]