THE ULTIMATE PROVIDER

Times are hard, and some of us are struggling to make it on a day to day basis. Companies are closing their doors, houses are in foreclosure, and making ends meet is next to impossible for some. Prices continue to go up; but the salary remains the same if you are blessed enough to have a job in this economy. Unemployment remains constant and there is little hope in the government to fix it. We have troubled hearts and minds, and we often look to the world to offer some relief.  Though we each suffer through our own circumstances and have our own individual needs that we want God to rectify, are we faithful enough and obedient enough to allow His will to be done?  We look to God to be faithful so we call out “Jehovah-jireh,” expecting God to provide. But are we doing everything that God has asked of us? God is willing and able to provide for each of us, but we must be mindful of the part we must play.

But we can forget about the fairy dust being sprinkled on our circumstances; God’s provision does not work that way. There is a relationship that must exist, one that is built on love, faith, trust and obedience. God has the means to provide our every need. There are a million ways He can provide for us that we cannot begin to fathom (see Ephesians3:20).  Our job is to love Him, have faith in Him, trust Him, and obey His commands. We must learn to put God first in all things, and God will bless our efforts.

Consider Abraham, he shows what it means to put God first. Abraham loved God, and he trusted Him enough that he willingly turned over his only son Isaac, expecting God to make a way (see Genesis 22:8-11). He was so confident of God’s provision, that he told his servants to wait for his and Isaac’s return (see Genesis 22:5). Abraham stepped out on faith, was obedient to God’s instruction and he trusted that God would provide a lamb for the sacrifice. Even if it meant that Isaac would be the offering; he trusted God enough to sacrifice what was already promised him (see Genesis 13:15-16).

Yes God loves us, yes He wants to provide for us; but it takes something on our part as well. We must trust in Him, lean on Him, obey His commands and allow Him to work it out through us. We must put God first, even in the face of losing what we hold dear to our hearts. It may be the eleventh hour, but we must count on God to see us through, and provide for us as only he can! 

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the blessings and provision that you continually give us. Please forgive us for our disobedience when you have called upon us to move. Help us to be more faithful in our walk with you and let Abraham’s offering of Isaac be an example to us all as we seek your provision; for his testimony is the ultimate lesson in faith. Oh God, we love you and exalt your holy name! We stand in awe of your holiness and perfection. Continue to lead and guide us as we seek your face in all things, and it is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV
Read Genesis 22:1-18 to understand what it means to trust in God’s ability to provide.