If you are like me, whenever I have read Phil. 4:19 ESV – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in Christ Jesus, I have always kind of assumed that it meant my PHYSICAL needs —  whatever they might be.  However, something happened in the life of a friend of mine recently that got me to thinking differently about it.

          My long-time friend lost her brother quite unexpectedly.  In fact, he had just seen his doctor the day before he died and was told he had some sort of viral infection.  It was not, and he succumbed to a fatal heart attack.  My friend, who has had several major upsets in her life in recent years, was totally devastated by the news.  BUT GOD (aren’t those amazing words), already knew what was going to come into to her life and He arranged for members of her family to make a “surprise” visit so they were there with her and able to give her the sad news, and be with her through the seemingly endless planning of his funeral, etc.

          My friend had, just a few days before, had a long, lovely talk with her brother.  Once again, that was no “accident.”  God was preparing her with precious memories of that last earthly conversation until she sees her brother again in glory and they can pick up where they left off.

          Upon returning home from her brother’s services, my friend received a lovely sympathy card and note from someone whom she had no reason to expect to hear from at all, much less in such a loving manner.

          Call them “accidents,” or “surprises,” or even “random acts of kindness,”  they are all expressions of God meeting her needs .  Not so much her physical needs (this time), but her spiritual and emotional needs.  He carefully planned every detail surrounding this tragedy in her life and surrounded her with people to meet her emotional needs.  Arms to hug her, shoulders to cry on, words of comfort to bring her peace – all orchestrated by her loving Father who knew what she would need and when she would need it.

         And so today, we can thank God for meeting ALL of our needs, “according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.”

Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America’s KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer.  She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.