Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Hey OTP friends! I just wanted to offer a little encouragement today.

As we approach the holiday season many tend to reflect on losses, or feel the pressure of financial responsibility. The stress over preparing a Thanksgiving meal and buying gifts for family and friends. But I wanted to offer a different perspective that may help ease this load.

We must remember God.

God is sovereign. We may not always understand his plan, but he is ever in control. He can comfort the broken heart. We can send water to our desert places. He knows the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15-16). God gets us and everything we go through. So much so, that he is there to provide.

Our job is to remain faithful and to continue to trust him – through it all.

We have to be willing to abide in him (see Psalms 91). If we remain in him, all things are possible. We have the ability to stand on God’s word and are able to hold him to it. Jeremiah 1:12 reminds us that God watches over his word to perform it.

We must understand that God is not moved by our emotions. He is only moved by our faith.

It’s not the tears we cry over anything. It is our ability to say in spite of what we are feeling, I still believe and trust you God. Then we shake ourselves, declare his word, and stand. This is what moves God.

The scriptures says it this way, whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). And without faith it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:16).

No matter where we find ourselves on our journey with Christ, where he leads us, he always sends provision to that place. If we are out of place, we may also miss the provision. We must make sure we are living our life in Christ, and that we are being led by him.

Our responsibility is to walk in obedience. Even if we are not comfortable with where he leads us.

We must take comfort in the fact that he will not place more on us than we are able to bear. I will say again – our obedience to God is a requirement.

God loves us so, and he knows us. He knows how to take us to the place of provision. Because of this we can face anything, including all the baggage that comes with the holiday season.

So do not stress. Mentally prepare yourself to enjoy this time of the year and give glory to God!

Have a blessed day.