How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:10-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul was most thankful for a church family that genuinely cared for him. Ministry was a most difficult and challenging responsibility, especially in that time. Many Jewish leaders hated him and some Gentiles were hostile to the gospel because of their worship of false gods. He had forsaken his association with the Pharisees (the group he once held high respect within) and had given up everything to fulfill the call of Jesus upon his life. He, literally, was willing to die for Christ. His circumstances were not his utmost concern. Preaching the gospel was his greatest concern. He was willing to go hungry, be homeless, and suffer loss of everything in order to serve his Lord Jesus. Knowing that he had church family that cared for his estate was tremendously encouraging to him. Wow! What a preacher! I only wish we had more like Paul, more concerned about the gospel than creature comforts. Do you understand the burdens of those who are anointed to preach and teach the gospel and who genuinely care about their flock? Are you concerned about their needs and those who who are your church family? We must bear each other's burdens. “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Today, if you are in the midst of trying times and you are simply living from day to day, let this one truth encourage you as it did Paul: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬