From The Crucible (by Assoc. Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Look up; forever look up! Can we say as Paul did in Philippians that:

• We have learned to be content in whatever circumstances we are in?
• We know how to get along with humble means as well as in prosperity?
• We have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry; of having abundance and suffering need?

It is plainly stated in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” 

And don’t stop there. Don’t stomp your feet and complain because something hasn’t changed or you didn’t hear anything yet or get anything yet.

No…slow down. You need to let the next verse seep in. This is a promise, a contract, a portion of God’s covenant agreement from God. He cannot lie…He will do it! “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Is this sinking in yet? While we wait for God’s response, He will give that peace of His – not ours. Our peace comes only when the answer comes, His peace exists through the whole ordeal! This peace isn’t just a “feel- good” peace. It’s a peace that guards our hearts (protects those sensitive feelings about the situation) and guards our minds (so we won’t be blasted with stinkin’ thinkin’ while we wait on God). And all of this, it says, is done in Christ Jesus. No one is going to snatch, remove, stain, destroy or steal anything guarded by Him!

We have sometimes been foolish to try to work out things with our limited wisdom and biased judgments. Let’s change and do it God’s way. Read Philippians 4:6-7 again and ask God to sink it deep into your soul. Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

---