Originally posted 7/17/20
I have been pondering Philippians 4:4 (ESV), “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” As Christians we have the privilege of being able to rejoice in any and all circumstances. You may be asking, “How can I rejoice when there is so much suffering all around me?” We can rejoice because we know that whatever happens, Jesus is still the king. I believe every single trial is an opportunity to learn and grow. We learn to trust in our God, who promises to always provide for all our needs. (See Philippians 4:19). The verses between Phil. 4:4 and 4:19 shine a light on what Paul was really thinking as he was writing.
“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.” Philippians 4:10-13 (ESV)
There are times in all of our lives when we have abundance and lack. The good news is that our circumstances do not define us, they only make us stronger if we will focus on Jesus. Remember that Paul declares over you that You are more than conquerors. (Rom. 8:37) It is through the trials that come our way that give us the opportunity put into practice what we say we believe. You may say, “God owns everything, and he has given me all that I have.” It isn’t until those things that God has given you gets taken away that you prove that everything you have belongs to God. God is always free to give us things, but when those things are taken away we get to flex our faith muscles and show ourselves and others that we really do trust God to provide all our needs.
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) is one of my favorite verses. It says, ““Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” I love this verse because it reminds me that no matter how big my dreams are, God’s dreams for me are even bigger. My job is to be obedient to his voice, and trust him with the results. I may not even know how my obedience to God changes people’s lives, and that’s totally ok with me. I trust that God will take what I do in obedience and use it for his glory. I trust God to speak to you through the words I hear him tell me to write down. Here’s the best part, God wants to do far more abundantly than all YOU can ask or think. According to the power at work within you, you are able to do more than you think you are capable of doing. Think of the biggest dream you have. Now multiply that dream by 10, 100, or even 1,000. You want to share the gospel with 10 people and see all ten of them saved? How about seeing 1,000 souls saved this year? Maybe even 100,000 souls saved this year?! Now that is a God sized dream, and something that only God could make happen! Whatever you dream about with God, know that his dreams for you are even better!
See, it doesn’t matter what is going on around you. God still has his eye on you and won’t let you fall. Trust him, and learn to flex those faith muscles. Dream with God. Ask him what it is he wants you to do, how you need to respond, what his dreams are for you. Then go out there and do what God has put in your heart to do. Be bold, knowing that your Father will take care of the details and lead you to the right people at the right time to accomplish all that he dreams for you. So, yes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
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