Living Free - May 16, 2017

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Security means different things to different people. Some feel secure if their health is good, others if their finances are strong, still others if they are surrounded by a loving family. But depending on any earthly person or thing can result in disappointment.

Suppose you work for a company many years, building up a healthy retirement fund that you are depending on for security in later life. Soon after your 60th birthday, the company bankrupts and the retirement fund is no more. If your faith has been in that retirement plan, you are most likely devastated and fearful for the future. But if you recognize that God, not the retirement fund, is your real source, you can rest in the assurance that he has a plan … and that he will take care of you. Nothing takes God by surprise. You might not see his plan, but you can go forward knowing that he has everything under control.

The same principle applies when you lose a job, don't get an expected promotion, or your business has a setback. If your faith is in the job … or the promotion … or your business, you may lose hope. But if your faith is in Jesus, you know that he never changes. Nothing can separate you from his love. And he will provide a way. He may choose to provide through another job, or increased business, or some other earthly means, but as you go forward, doing what you can but trusting in him as your source, he will take care of you.

Consider this …

God wants us to ask for guidance and wisdom in planning for our financial future. But he also wants us to remember that all good things come from him. Bottom line … no matter what means he uses to bless us, he is our source. And he is trustworthy. He will take care of us.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I have depended on other people and things, and then lost hope when they let me down. Help me to remember that you are my source, and that you are unchanging and totally trustworthy. Thank you for supplying all my needs. Thank you for taking care of me. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.