God's Gifts

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content- whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. Philippians 4:10-14

Two things are prominent to me here: 1)the fact that the Philippians were supporters of Paul and how they blessed him.

2)The fact that Paul had come to trust the Lord for all his needs and learned to be content. This one is one I have now come to terms with. I had all previous standards that I judged provision under. I can see that I have been wasteful over the years. Now a bowl of rice and a tin of tuna is adequate.

In my 20s going out to dinner was a three course deal. How I could have eaten all that food amazes me, what a glutton, what a waste.

The simple pleasures, a banana, a fig, a mandarin are sweet enough. A glass of milk and a teaspoon of honey is ample to end a meal. Gone are the desserts, the chocolate, the cheesecakes. Why do we abuse ourselves and think this is a need?

So many of our brothers and sisters live in poverty and suffer cruelly, why should I ignore their cries and live an indulgent life?

Paul was a recipient of a loving gift. I remember being in boarding school and receiving a gift of mum's homemade caramel. I thought I was in heaven.

On Saturday I received a monetary gift and it blessed my soul. It was treasure to me. I wanted to be sure I used it wisely and did not waste it. I have learned gratitude, to live simply and to trust the Lord. He is Good and His people are the best. Amen!