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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

What does this verse mean to me or you in our widowhood?

I did some internet searching about the verse and the context, and it caused me to ask myself some tough questions. Here’s what I discovered.

The context of the verse is that the Philippian people supplied the Apostle Paul’s needs according to their poverty, and Paul reminded them that God would supply their needs according to His riches. This made me wonder if maybe in generosity to others, God provides for the giver.

I asked myself this, “Can I trust God that I will have enough?” Let’s be honest, this isn’t even our money anyway! Can I give away what isn’t even mine in the first place? Other questions started coming to my mind. Is the verse only referring to spiritual needs that are met or actual financial needs? According to today’s economic standards or what standards? When Jesus fed the ‘5000’ (plus) in the New Testament, there was an abundance of leftovers. Is that what I should be expecting? Or can I even consider that as a possibility? I paused and tried to wrap my brain around this verse more deeply. As I sat there pondering, I remembered my late father.

My dad seemed to understand this idea better than anyone I knew. He often said, “It’s God’s money anyway…” or “It’s God’s van…” He was very generous to people who were sharing the gospel across the world and to friends who asked to borrow his van. He knew who it all belonged to anyway. Was he rich? Not a bit – just generous with what God provided for him.

I learned from my dad that when we give, we are showing our faith.

George Muller

And when I consider praying in faith, I often think of the orphan home director from 19th century England, George Muller. He never told anyone of the needs of the orphanage and God always provided milk, bread, and all their of supplies. He is credited with this quote: “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” Do I have enough faith in God to sit down at an empty table, full of children and say our prayer for dinner, believing God will provide? Have I ever tried that? Have I ever allowed God to provide in that way?

The Amplified Version of this verse says that God will “liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need”. That’s an amazing idea!

But what does God want me to do?

My journey and yours will look very different. That is the beauty of the Christian walk. It looks different for everyone, but the end goal of maturing in our faith is the outcome. Don’t live like me. Live like God leads you. He may lead you to share your needs with your church family so they can pray with you and experience the joy in answered prayers. Or He might lead you similarly to George Mueller where He fills your needs without another soul knowing. It is all God’s anyway. Keep that perspective and hold your life here on earth loosely.

My God.

Will meet.

All my needs.

According to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

This is personal. My God. My needs.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for all You have provided for me right now in my life. It may not look like it used to but it all belongs to You anyway. I pray today that I can know a peace that only You can give. I want to believe that You will provide for all my needs but I struggle with unbelief. Give me confidence when I doubt. Give me strength when I feel weak. I want to walk in faith with You today. Thank You for Your continued grace in my life. Amen.