Full When On Empty

In Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers he tells them he knew “...both how to abound and suffer need.”  When the Apostle uses the word “both,” I do not think he is using it in the sense of order of time. But rather, as it is employed in the first chapter of Acts, verse eight. It seems he is speaking simultaneously, that is, both happening at the same time.

If this be the case, then it was quite a juggling act. How is someone going to be full, and at the same time, suffer? God has a wonderful way of balancing things out in life, keeping us from the extreme. I think the best answer to our dilemma is found in David’s example. In the book of Psalms he tells us, “I am poor and needy.” Strange words indeed, coming from a king.

The solution to our problem is so simple we miss it. Each of these blessed men is trying to tell us a great truth. When we are full, we should be thinking of our great need of God. And when in dire need, we need to think of how much we have in God.

Whatever the situation, we are blessed, no matter how you look at it!