Taken Care Of

"and my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 HCSB

This has been a verse that I've read many times. I've even used this verse in many sermons and lessons. It wasn't until this morning did one key truth stand out.

Paul was encouraging the Philippian believers that God would take care of them and provide for their needs. The key to this verse though lies in Philippians 4:14-18. The Philippian believers had been faithful in helping Paul with needs so that he might be able to do the ministry that God had called him to. Paul assured that because they had been good stewards of what God had given them, God would continue to take care of them and their needs.

Many times people will use this verse to encourage others in times of struggle. The context of the verse though doesn't quite make this verse apply to anyone and everyone. Will God continually supply the one who continuously squanders away the resources or will He cut them off?

It is very true that God is Jehovah Jireh - the Lord who provides. But we shouldn't get mad at Him when He decides to hold us accountable for how we treat the resources He's given us. He will continuously bless and provide for the faithful because He knows that they will truly honor Him with it.