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“God’s Response…”

Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 NIV

Regardless of one’s religious, political, or moral persuasion, most Americans would admit that America is in and facing critical days.  Decisions are looming in America pertaining to major issues such as finance, budget, national debt, political polarization, freedom of religion, morals (marriage, family, abortion, etc.), racism, and terrorism.

So how do I, a follower of Jesus Christ, live in these kinds of days?  How do I respond? What do I do?

The answer to these questions needs to be answered from two views.  First, how is God responding to these uncertain times, and second, how am I to respond?  So, let’s begin with God, because if He is rattled about these uncertain times, then I am in dire trouble!!!

The apostle Paul, writing the Philippians from a Roman prison cell, said, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19.  Paul is making a declaration, and it is one we need to learn to use and use regularly to keep our hearts properly aligned with our true source and strength!

1. He is the God Who is Personal – “My God”

Paul could say He is “my God.”  God desires a personal relationship with each person on the planet.  He WANTS us to acknowledge Him as our God.  The deeper our intimacy with Him, the more SECURE we become in knowing we belong to Him.  Sometimes you just need to declare “He is my God!” to yourself and to your circumstances.  What an intoxicating thought… The God who has all power knows me and wants me to know Him personally.

2. He is the God Who Promises – “Shall”

This does not say He “might” supply our needs but He “shall.”  God has the power and will to keep all His promises.  When you are staring at a need, remember to stand on a promise!  Trade in what the news cast says for what God says.  God has the power to shift the facts in your favor.

3. He is the God Who Provides – “Shall Supply”

It is one thing to have the power and resources to provide, but the willingness to do it is the key.  Remember this… “God’s ability equals His willingness.” If we recognize that God has the ability (after all He created the heavens and the earth) BUT do not believe He is willing, our unbelief will defeat the promises of God in our lives.  We must believe that what God says He is willing to do, He is able to do.

4.  He is the God Who is Powerful – “All Your Need”

There is not an area of legitimate need in your life that God is unable to respond to.  He is aware of all your needs and is willing to be involved in meeting all your needs.  When Paul wrote Philippians 4:19, he was in prison.  Yet, He knew God knew right where he was and just what he needed.  He knows your address and your need and has the power to meet it.  Make the choice right now to trust God to meet your need.  Don’t assume or be blind to how God will meet it.  Pray for sensitivity to recognize when and how God meets your need and praise Him for it.  Exercise your faith right now and go ahead and thank God that He is going to meet your need.

5. He is the God who is Parent – “According to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”

Jesus came to introduce us to the Father and reconnect us to the Father.  Jesus taught about the Father in Heaven at least 181 times.  His central message and purpose was to restore us to a relationship with our Father.  Here are just a few of my favorite verses about our Father in Heaven:  Matthew 6:26; 7:9-11; 18:12-14; Luke 6:35-36; 12:32; John 14:1-2; 16:27; Romans 8:15-16; 1 John 3:1.

What is the message all of these verses are hammering into our hearts?  You have a father (daddy) who loves you.  He is strong enough to protect you.  He is engaged enough to teach you.  He is tender enough to hug you.  He is alive enough to play with you.

A good parent always desires to know where the kids are, what they are doing, and what they need.  God knows all this about you.

One of the greatest breakthroughs in the Christian life comes when the child of God REALLY recognizes that they are “a child of God.”

Uncertain times are currently around us, but I belong to a “certain” God who knows all about me, where I am, what I need, and is WILLING to get involved in my life if I will invite Him to do so.

On to Victory,

 Pastor Mike

Next week: MY RESPONSE… in Uncertain Times