“There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.” Acts 28.7-10
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.19
The truth of the matter is this — God meets our needs. He doesn’t promise to meet our “wants” but he will in fact meet our needs. When Paul found himself shipwrecked on Malta, God took care of him and his companions. God opened doors for Paul at the house of Publius, the chief official of the island, where Paul healed the man’s father. As a result, all the town brought the sick to him and they were cured.
Paul did not do these miracles out of his own power, first, he prayed (v.8). We don’t have record of the prayer but we can believe it was like his other prayers seeking help from God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can believe that it was a prayer of faith because the sick were made well. And because of the gift of God in healing many on the island, those on Malta “honored” Paul and his companions and provided all the supplies that were needed for the journey.
I’m wondering what needs we have in our lives which we need the Lord to meet? Perhaps it is a physical need of supplying food, shelter, clothing or a job. Or maybe, it’s a deep seated spiritual need in which we are desperate for a touch of the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power and heal us with his grace.
This week I am leading the Revive Children’s Camp (revivetexas.org). I have a whole wonderful team of folks around me and lots of kids to love. My prayer is that God will bring healing to these adults and children. That it would not simply be a fun week of camp activities and uplifting worship, but that it would be a time in which we meet with Jesus, face to face. There is no greater ask. The request that the Holy might dwell with his people. That Jesus would walk into the room and that his people might not only recognize his face but embrace his Presence.
Philippians 4.19 says that God will meet all our needs according to “his riches in Christ Jesus.” It is Christ through whom the riches come and the riches are stored. What are the riches of his glory? Salvation, forgiveness, love, grace, mercy, healing, belonging, significance, restoration and a blessed life.
Why not pray this moment for God to provide for our needs? That as we come before him in honesty and truth, we might seek the God who defeats the darkness and brings the dead to life.
“O Lord God, you are a faithful and loving God. I find myself seeking you in the early morning, with the strength you have given, and am amazed that you would meet with me, here in this place. You are not a God who is hidden but one who reveals himself to his people. You are a God who holds nothing back for those who love and seek your name. You call us children and heirs to the riches of heaven. You have crowned us with favor and restore to us the mercies of your love. Come now, Holy Spirit, dwell in this place. Meet the needs of your people so all might know you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen