Worship Wednesday
He Is… OUR PROVIDER
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Is it just me or has this season of uncertainty been showing you how much GOD is really our provider, and not us? I seem to be in many conversations around this topic lately. And the resolve is the same every time - “Wow, I really have to depend upon God to provide for my needs right now because I literally can’t do it.”
This is such an uncomfortable feeling; one most of us experience at some time or another in our lives. And the truth is that we could pull out dozens of scriptures that encourage us to trust that God is our provider. But what is our actual response when the rubber meets the road? When it’s our dwindling bank account, not our friend’s? When our child’s health is at risk? When our spouse loses their job? How on earth do we actually trust that He Is… OUR PROVIDER.
Honestly, I don’t have a surefire solution. And that fact alone almost deterred me from sharing on this topic today. But then God reminded me that it is okay, and healthy, for us to discuss and confront our questions of uncertainty. I love the relationships I have with my close friends who want to share the good, bad, and ugly. We do life discussing the things we are learning in our walk with Jesus AND the things that seem confusing. When these conversations happen, they create a camaraderie that generates a hope that only makes sense in the light of fully trusting Jesus. It’s strange, but somehow knowing that others are struggling with the same questions you have, brings on a confidence that continuing to trust and pursue Jesus is literally the only way we will ever resolve these doubts.
So here’s my encouragement to you today: don’t ponder these doubts alone. Explore them with others who love Jesus and want to discover what it looks like to know Him, walk with Him, and grow closer to Him. Express every doubt honestly. Research what scripture teaches. And most importantly, PRAY TOGETHER over the matter in question. It’s okay to come honestly before the Lord, voice your doubts, and ask him to help you believe in the midst of your unbelief. One of my favorite, and most relatable scriptures, is from this story where a man asks Jesus to heal his demon-possessed son. He honestly and openly confesses to Jesus that he is having trouble believing that He can actually heal his son.
“‘How long has this been happening?’ Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, ‘Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.’ ‘What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’” Mark 9:21-24
How assuring is it that Jesus would respond to someone’s request even in the midst of their unbelief? I have prayed these very words many times as I humbly come before the Lord to confess the areas of my life where I’m not trusting Him or believing in Him to be my provider. My sinful nature has me completely convinced that I can do it better than my Lord and Savior. But that’s a total lie. Not only can Jesus provide for all of our needs, He wants to! Did you know that the Bible says that the Lord actually DELIGHTS in us?
“He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.” Psalm 18:19
If you’re having trouble trusting that the Lord is your provider, let me start by saying that you, my friend, are not alone. And let me also assure you that God wants you to bring all your concerns and cast them at His feet. He longs to displace your worry with hope.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30
I love this reminder in scripture that if I will only bring my burdens to God, He will give me rest. But I think most people love that part and then stop reading. If we continue though, you’ll notice a very important part here where it says, “Let me teach you…” When I read those words, my mind says “Wait… God is trying to teach me something that I probably don’t want to miss out on.” Jesus doesn’t just want to take away our concerns and give us rest. He also wants to teach us something in the process. I could easily brush my son’s teeth for him for the next 18 years (yikes!). But if I teach him how to do it himself, he will be much better off because of that lesson (and so will I!). While you ponder these thoughts today, also consider, “What is God trying to teach me?”
Lastly, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite scriptures that reminds me that He Is… OUR PROVIDER.
