God’s provision is seen in so many ways. I’d like to share two of them with you today.
The first is from a section of Scripture that gets a lot of traction simply because of its unrelenting grace and goodness of God. The people of Israel have been major complainers for quite a long time. They complained about the servitude in Egypt. God raised up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. They complained and panicked when they saw Pharaoh’s army coming and they were trapped between the Red Sea and the army. They complained about a lack of water so God told Moses to strike a rock. They complained about a lack of food so God provided manna and quail. It blows me away to see how God took care of His people. I read this morning about God’s abundance in Psalm 50:9-11: “But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine.” And yet, when you read passages like Exodus 16-17 one can’t help but be amazed at God’s willingness to provide for His people, even though they were ungrateful and wayward at times. Even though they were faithless and discontented way too often, He continued to provide out of His grace! They certainly didn’t deserve it but it was given nonetheless.
The second kind of provision is one you might never give a thought to. Last night at midnight I received a call from someone in the church that her mother had passed. This lady was an elegant 97 year old. Her “boyfriend” of almost 20 years passed away last October one month shy of being 101. I have boyfriend in quotes because she kept saying, “He is not my boyfriend” but at his deathbed she said, “Thank you for being my boyfriend.” 🙂 Ruth fell and broke her hip this past Sunday morning and a CAT scan showed she had suffered a stroke a few days before. I visited her Tuesday and knew it would not be long. She was a sweet lady and she got a chuckle whenever I saw her, hugged and said, “Good morning gorgeous!” Sometimes she would giggle. Sometimes she would roll her eyes. God’s provision for her is a home built just for her. John 14: 2-3 says, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” Ruth is home in a home provided for her by the Father. The great part is that I will see her again.
God’s grace and provision is seen in so many ways. I just gave you two of them. Can you think of any more?
Note: All Scripture is from the New Living Translation
I loved this story about Ruth and her “boyfriend,” Bill. There are countless times that God provides for us and cares for us from our births until after we pass on to live forever with Him. All we need to do is accept His open invitation and live for His honor and glory.
Blessings!
Very true Martha and what I failed to mention is that they were both widow/widower so they needed one another.
God grace and provision was shown in His providing of a ram to Abraham in place of Isaac. I think most of the time God is just asking us to take the journey. To just show up. In the last moment when it seems our greatest sacrifice might have to be given, God shows up and provides. It seems strange that God would ask Abraham to initially sacrifice His own son. God knew the outcome before it happened, but He wanted Abraham and Isaac to know the outcome as well. Another way God provides is allowing us to be part of the story.
The story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac is a baffling one to our human minds. My human mind says, “No way.” But God had a plan for the whole scenario and found Abraham’s faith “as good as gold.” I am grateful for God’s provision of His Son.
How About King Nebuchadnezzar, lost his entire kingdom, spent seven years living in a field like an ox. When he finally admitted God is the Most High, not only was his sanity restored but also his kingdom and power was restored as well. God had given so many chances to King Nebuchadnezzar to see and realize who He was, and still refused to see it. That is to me the ultimate picture of God, giving someone countless chances and grace, and showing His power and yet his unending love.
Great example Gail! He definitely stands out as one given multiple chances only to have a prideful heart and then finally brought to his knees and senses.