When you are surrounded by needs.

“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, New Living Translation.

When you are surrounded by needs and everyone you love is experiencing a crisis, your heart goes out to them. You want to do whatever you can to help because that’s how you are wired. But it would be wise to not do anything right away. I know that doesn’t sound very Christian-like, but doing nothing allows you the opportunity to receive God’s wisdom and direction. It allows you the opportunity to see if God wants to provide for your loved one in a different way. It also allows them to pray and watch God come through for them, which strengthens their relationship with the Lord. If we allow every emergency to become our emergency, we risk making poor decisions.

When writing to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul said, “My God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He didn’t say, I’m going to supply all of your needs; he put the expectation on God. He had learned how to trust in the Lord, and was teaching the church at Phillipi the same. He had discovered he could be content in whatever state he found himself in.

When people you love are in need, take the time to pray and receive God’s wisdom and direction. Don’t do anything right away. Don’t make any promises you can’t afford to keep. You’re better off saying, “You’re not alone in this situation. We’re going to pray and trust God together to supply all of your needs.” This takes growth and maturity, my sister, but with God’s help, we can do it.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your wisdom. You wired me to help people and minister to the needs of others. But help me, Father, to pause and not rush ahead of you. Give me wisdom and direction in every crisis situation that comes my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.