Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.

 

As we continue our study of the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul (also known as Saul of Tarsus) we find a great determination to preach the Gospel of Christ no matter the persecution. From the start, he was persecuted by the Jews and the demonic spirit of religion.

 

As soon as Paul (Saul) returned to Jerusalem and began to preach, his persecution began. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the Disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a large basket. (Acts 9:23-25) This was the first of many escapes made by the Apostle Paul.

 

He then went to Jerusalem to take up with the Apostles, but they did not believe he was one of them because they knew of his past life. And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the Disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (Acts 9:26)

 

However, a man named Barnabas stood by Paul and talked to the Apostles about him. Barnabas told them of his conversion experience on the Road to Damascus and how he had been preaching the Gospel there. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the Apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27)

 

Barnabas played a huge part in Paul’s ministry. He stood with him and stood by him through it all because he believed God had placed a tremendous Call on Paul’s life. Many theologians believe that if it weren’t for Barnabas, there would be no Paul. I don’t know if I agree with this because if Barnabas hadn’t stood with Paul, I believe the Lord would have caused someone else to do so. He always makes a way and sends the help we need. But, Barnabas DID stand with Paul and he DID support him and for his commitment to the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ, we find the name Barnabas in the Word of God.

 

God will always send support to His ministers. We are not to be alone. When Jesus first sent out His Disciples to minister, He sent them out in twos. They did not go out alone. And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. (Mark 6:7)

 

And so it was with Paul and every called minister of the Gospel. God will provide someone to come alongside and be of help and support. Later Paul would write a letter to the Philippians and say, And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

 

Oftentimes our need is for someone to stand with us. God is faithful to provide these people. When our hearts are right and our motivation is true, God will supply who and what we need to fulfill His Plan and Purpose for our lives. We must trust Him in all things.

 

 

Trust Him because He can…..…….turn the tide……….in this world.

 

Thank you Lord for sending help,        Doreen

 

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