Are Your Hands Out or Up?

In thinking about this week’s post and verse and what I wanted to write, I was reminded of the popular kids’ game, The Game of Life. We’re all on a different path, aren’t we?

The same is true for our real lives. Each of us is on a different path. We have ups and downs, and we all have needs, whether they be financial, relational or something else.

It can be so easy to compare our life to that of others, particularly if they seem “ahead” of us or “doing better.” Yet, in real life, we need to put our eyes on the Lord.

I love this month’s key verse, Philippians 4:19: “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.”

When we keep our eyes focused on God, it’s easier to remember that He knows what we need. He knows each of our unique situations and challenges. He also knows the timing (when) we need certain things.

In our fast-paced world, we assume things need to happen instantly. We are used to instant gratification. Yet God’s timing might not be instant, but it is good and right.

While the above verse is from the New Living Translation, because I am also a Kids Pastor, I looked up the NIrV version too; this is a Bible for kids.

“My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches. These riches come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus.”

Because you belong to Christ Jesus.

How awesome is that? You belong to Him. He knows you inside and out. Yet we often try to force God’s hand or put an unrealistic timeframe on Him when we need something.

Throughout my life, I have seen time and again how people wait for God’s blessing without pursuing Him. We can’t expect God to fulfill His promises if we don’t have some skin in the game. And it starts with a relationship with Him. So, I ask you:

What are you doing to show that you believe Him? What steps daily are you taking?

For example, I believe we should start each day with the Lord, spending time with Him and thanking Him for His goodness. Too often we go to Him after a crisis, rather than engage with Him daily.

I truly believe God doesn’t want us to sit with our hands out waiting on Him, but rather that He wants us to pursue Him with our hands up.

What is it that you need for yourself or your family? Press in with the Lord and believe Him.

I’d like to offer a few simple daily prayer points:

1. Stop, disconnect from devices and distractions, and focus on Him.
2. Thank Him for how He has already moved in your life, and thank Him for the promise that we read about in Philippians 4:19.
3. Share your needs.
4. Thank Him for what He will do in your life – for the needs not yet answered.

And remember…you belong to Him!

“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)

Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month’s featured promise. Learn more.