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The Lord Will provide. Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 4, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: From the dawn of creation, God has demonstrated His provision for humanity.
From the dawn of creation, God has demonstrated His provision for humanity. He has created a world teeming with blessings, and the income we receive is one such blessing. As we explore the extent of God's provision, we must ask ourselves, how many blessings will the Lord provide? Our God is a God who provides. He provides for our needs, our desires, and our dreams. He provides comfort in times of sorrow, strength in times of weakness, and hope in times of despair.
God's History of Provision
Throughout scripture, we see a pattern of God's provision for His people. In Genesis 2:8-9, God provided a home and food for Adam and Eve. Even after their sin, God provided clothing for them (Genesis 3:21). Abraham's faith was confirmed when he trusted God to provide a sacrificial lamb (Genesis 22:7-8). During the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, God provided food and water despite their doubts and accusations (Exodus 16:2-3, 7-8; 17:2-3, 7).
God's Provision for Our Necessities
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God, promising that He will provide for our necessities - food, shelter, and clothing. However, this promise is contingent upon our putting Christ and His church first.
Conditions for God's Provision
While God's provision is abundant, it is not unconditional. We must work to provide for ourselves and our families (1 Timothy 5:8). If we fail to use the income God provides wisely (Matthew 25:24-30), or spend recklessly without regard to our income or expenses (Luke 14:28-32), we demonstrate a lack of faith. Planning expenses is a biblical principle (Luke 14:28-32), and we must be good stewards of God's resources.
The Lord Does Provide
Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to be content with what we have, for God will never forsake us. However, this contentment applies to the necessities of life (1 Timothy 6:8), not desires for wealth or excess (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
The Lord will provide for you , will provide for your family, your finances, your health, and your future. He will provide wisdom in times of confusion, guidance in times of uncertainty, and peace in times of turmoil. So let us trust in the Lord, just as Abraham did. Let us have faith that He will provide, even when we cannot see the way ahead.
Faith and Responsibility
As brethren, we must have faith that the Lord will provide, but we shouldn't expect more than what He provides. Churches and individuals alike must avoid overspending and financial difficulties by being responsible stewards of God's resources. Elders, in particular, must demonstrate financial responsibility at home before leading the church (1 Timothy 3:5; Luke 16:10-12).
The Lord will provide, and He does provide. Let us have faith enough to be content with His provisions, prioritizing our relationship with Him and using His resources responsibly. May we trust in His promise to never forsake us and live a life where God is first.