HELP FROM GOD FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES

            Things are so difficult in our world today. All you have to do is listen to the radio, read a newspaper or watch the news and you see that our economy is not getting better. Many in our church family have dealt with and are dealing with struggles. Utilities are higher than ever. A trip to the gas station or the grocery store is a painful experience. Things have really changed in our world. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament remind us of the faithfulness of God to help His people in uncertain times. In Habakkuk 3:17-19 we read, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." Most of the important and life-changing lessons we learn are learned during difficult times. In the New Testament we read, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison cell. He did not allow the circumstances he was in to bring defeat into his life. He had something to cling to and someone to look to in his troubles. 

            Observe the relationship that Paul had with God. He said, "My God" shall supply all your need. Paul was able to pray to God in time of trouble because of His strong relationship with God. He acknowledged Jehovah as His God. When times are difficult let us declare Him as "My God." Time that I spend in prayer and reading the Bible keeps me grounded with this great confidence in God. God is always with His children, no matter what.

            Observe the confidence that Paul had in God. Paul said, My God "shall supply" all your need. God promised that He would supply all our needs. He has both the power and the desire to see that our needs are met. As we live this earthly life let us stay focused on eternal things. Let us have enough confidence in God that we put ourselves totally into the things that are important to Him and into the things that will advance His kingdom. Nahum wrote, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (Nahum 1:7)

            Observe the future that Paul saw through God. Paul wrote, “My God shall supply "all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." There is not a legitimate need in our life that God is unable to respond to. God is aware of all our needs and is willing to meet them, no matter what our need may be. We will trust in Jesus and hold on to Him. "...Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24) We live with confidence because God has prepared the way for through all struggles of life!

            Are you a Christian? To become a Christian you must: (1) Hear the gospel of Christ (John 6:44-45), (2) Believe in Jesus (Acts 8:37), (3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5), (4) Confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and (5) Be baptized to wash away your sins. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) Are you a Christian? If the answer is yes then you are exhorted to be diligent in serving Jesus. If the answer is no then you should obey the gospel now!

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street,