God Knows What He Is Doing

Today was significant. For the first time in half a year, my credit cards will have a zero Balance. Personal debts I owe are paid. I have an emergency fund back to where it needs to be. Life was troubled for a time, but the Lord saw me through it. What is more (and this detail I will leave out because it is personal for someone else), what I saw as a delay, God used for His glory, and the benefit of one of His children. I was able to be in the right place at the right time (perhaps more than once), and He received all Glory.

In life, we don’t always have control over our circumstances. As a matter of fact, most of the time we don’t. God makes His rain fall on the just and the unjust. What we can do, however, is trust Him in every and all circumstances, whether we are in a period of plenty or need, joy or sorrow. His good world has been marred by sin, and because we broke it, we experience brokenness. But God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). Our trials, our troubles, our tribulation are best when placed in His capable hands. We, all too often, seek our own solutions, and where does it get us? So, in all circumstances, trials, troubles and storms, let Him take the lead, place them in His hands. He knows what He is doing. He knows our frame. As our Author and Designer, He knows who and what we should be, so let us, then, in trust and confidence, in spite of what we face, submit the outcomes we seek to Him.

Philippians 4

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.