In Philippians chapter 4, Paul wrote:
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
As we move to simplify our life and differentiate what is truly important, we can be content and live above the circumstances before us. We are not tied to the complexities preventing us from ministering according to the need of others but are free to respond as FATHER directs. We truly know and expect FATHER to provide our needs according to HIS riches in glory. FATHER uses other people whom HE can trust to do HIS bidding to provide fruit to the laborers. I have been on both sides of the equation of giving and receiving.
Living above the circumstance requires faith IN HIM otherwise we would have our focus on the circumstance and would be expending energy managing the circumstance rather than ministering according to the need. Jesus ministered life in all situations and if the people were hungry, He would minister “above” the circumstance and multiply the fishes and loaves to provide food for the people. He revealed the Truth of the Spiritual being in command of the physical but He did use the young boy’s willingness to provide the initial offering to be multiplied. The boy’s “seed” was rapidly multiplied according to the need at hand.
Paul continues:
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Paul was enduring hardship and the Philippians gave him assistance thus he was able to endure and overcome the circumstance. Each of us will be placed in a similar position and those who listen to FATHER will respond and give to the need at hand. What will they give? Out of the good fruit they have produced and there is plenty of fruit to go around as people become part of the flow intended by FATHER. The boy who provide fishes and loaves gave a little but took home much more. His “seeds” brought forth a great harvest in just a few hours. Moreover he was blessed in his willingness to give which I am sure served him well in later years.
15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;
16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
Paul understands the Spiritual law of giving and receiving and communicates it here. His focus was not on the gift he received but on the result it produced on their behalf. By their pure intent to give, they positioned themselves for a greater harvest. When you place your trust in FATHER and are willing to give of the resources that have been given you, you will reap a greater harvest that will enable you to minister in a greater way.
Those with a pure heart will grab ahold of this Truth and those with an impure heart will think otherwise. Some people will “get” to give, and other will give to “get”. Many people have deferred their giving awaiting FATHER to provide them with a windfall. I suspect they will keep waiting. Others will give according to their current ability and FATHER will raise them up into a greater capacity to give. How simple!
As you embrace what Paul is communicating to the Philippians, you will better understand what Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:
38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”