Philippians 4:13-20 (ESV)
“[13] I can do ALL THINGS through HIM WHO strengthens me.
[14] Yet it was kind of you to SHARE MY TROUBLE. [15] And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. [16] Even in Thessalonica YOU SENT ME HELP for my needs once and again. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. [18] I have received FULL PAYMENT, and more. I AM WELL SUPPLIED, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to GOD. [19] And my GOD WILL SUPPLY EVERY NEED OF YOURS according to HIS RICHES in glory “IN CHRIST JESUS”. [20] To our GOD and FATHER be GLORY forever and ever. Amen.”
One of the most difficult things I have learned (and still am learning!) is that I DON’T NEED “things” that will cause me to operate outside of being “IN CHRIST JESUS”! Probably the most effective tool for the enemy is to dangle “things” of this world in front of me, which causes me to take me eyes of off the goal (Philippians 3:14) of what GOD has for me “IN CHRIST JESUS”!
As I mature “IN CHRIST JESUS” I am finding that just because I am in an uncomfortable situation doesn’t mean that I am out of GOD’S PLAN for my life. Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me.” It is noted that the Psalmist doesn’t write that ALMIGHTY GOD directed him away from the valley, but says YOU ARE WITH ME through the difficult times!
Remind me, DEAR LORD, that there WILL BE valleys in my life when it seems that we are ALONE on this journey. But keeping my EYES on YOU is the only option for living a victorious life. YOUR riches are found “IN CHRIST JESUS”, not in ourselves. Living in the OLD MAN’S WAYS can never bring the JOY that can ONLY be found “IN CHRIST JESUS”!!!
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