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Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Whether individuals or churches, scripture says that all our needs and every circumstances should be taken to prayer with thanksgiving and continuing to make our wants known to God. When we think we are in need of something and when we become anxious because we believe we will be lacking or whether we need to meet a deadline, then we are not following scripture by taking it all to God in prayer.

If we were taking all our needs and petition in prayer, then as verse 7 states, "And God's peace shall be yours," we should be at peace. No matter how big we perceive the storm, if we are in prayer without ceasing, then we will be at peace! In other versions, it states we will have a peace that surpasses all understanding. We are at peace because He is the one ordering our steps. However, many are not in peace. They may be praying to some degree but they are not in peace as many have followed the way of the the Western prosperity gospel to solicit rather than taking it all to prayer. And even if we are to ask any particular people or person, we must be led by the Spirit on who to ask. We cannot just ask numerous people and expect to play the odds of chance that some will contribute. This at the end will result in a dead end.

And if God does not answer our request then perhaps, we should realize it is not our time or not His Will. If we stay in prayer without ceasing, scripture says in verse 7, "being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is." By being in constant prayer, we will come to realize what we have is enough and if we are to have more, we must wait upon HIM. We must come to realize the work we currently have in His ministry may be sufficient until His time. Too many servants of God are in the business of changing their ministry to increase their number of members rather than praying and working to change the hearts of those God has already sent. Paul said he had found the secret whether in lack or abundant to be content. We must learn to be content in all situations waiting for God. After all, we are working for His Kingdom and not ours.

I have come realized one thing. God will not give me more than what I need because if I receive more than I need, I may be tempted into sin. But if I attempt to go find or do more when it is not my time and even though it may appear we are doing God's work, we will end up birthing Ismael.

Ismael was birthed because Abram could not wait for God. It was through their own plan, idea, and strength. They had sought to bring a child while they were physically capable. And as Ismael grew, Abram became fond of Ismael as he grew. We can become very fond of the work our hands. Abraham asked God to give Ismael consideration. It is like us telling God look what I have done for you. Sorry but God does not need our help. He just needs us to obey.

Then God told Abraham that Sarah they will birth a child to be named Issac. Abraham was ninety nine years old and Sarah was 89 when God told them they would have a son. It was no longer in their strength and ability but in their weakness that God's Spirit would move to bring forth a miracle in their state. When God moves as we wait, it will be by His Spirit.
It is not to be through our strength or power. It is to be done by His Spirit so that He may get all the Glory.

Zechariah 4:6 (AMP) Then he said to me, This [addition of the bowl to the candlestick, causing it to yield a ceaseless supply of oil from the olive trees] is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit [of Whom the oil is a symbol], says the Lord of hosts.

Therefore, if we think we are going to do great for God then it will be our flesh giving birth to fleshy programs and events. We must come to realization it must be God who will do great things through us when we properly obey. Then as we wait upon God, it will be Spirit giving birth to spirit.

Be wise fellow servants of God. Many ministries are birthed by the flesh rather than the Spirit of God. We must learn to wait upon God so that He may get the Glory. And in our wait, we are to rest in HIM by doing the work He has currently presented us with. Be faithful in the small things so you can be trusted with the greater things.

John 3:6 (AMP) What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit

Fire of God Ministries
Steve Yong Kim
August 29, 2012