Abraham Knows God Will Provide
The first time we hear the expression, "God will provide", is in Genesis 22:8. Isaac asks his father where is the lamb for sacrifice and Abraham replies,
"And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”
Most of us know the story. Abraham is about to plunge the knife into Isaac when the Angel of the Lord stopped him. The Lord himself did provide a sacrifice that day; and many, many years later God provided the ultimate sacrifice for you and I on that same hill, Jesus, His only Son.
Abraham Blessed
Abraham passed the ultimate test of faithfulness and obedience. He knew God had promised that his descendants would come through Isaac and he trusted God that no matter what happened that promise would be fulfilled. Abraham was blessed because of his obedience. In Genesis 22:18 we are told that all nations would be blessed through his offspring. The Bible tells us over and over that God has promised to provide for us when we are obedient and faithful. He provides for those who love Him. What are some ways that God provides?
The Psalms Speak of God's Provision
The beginning of beautiful Psalm 23, that many of us know by heart, reminds us that our shepherd is the Lord and because of this we will not have want. In Psalm 34:10, we are told that those who seek God don't lack anything good. And again, in Psalm 84:11, we learn that God doesn't withhold good from those who live an upright life. In Psalm 91:2, we read that God provides a refuge and a fortress for those who dwell in Him. Are you hurting, emotionally or physically? Run to Him!
Jesus Speaks of God's Provision
In Matthew 6: 25-34, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our lives. He explains that the birds are watched over by God and how much more valuable each of us is to Him than they are. Our Lord tells us in Matthew 7:11 that He will give good things to us if we ask Him because God is our loving Father. In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus says that He provides rest to the weary. He wants us to be free from the cares of this world. He wants us to rest in Him, to trust Him in every circumstance. Jesus explains in John 15:7 that if we abide in Him and His words in us, then whatever we wish will be provided to us. If we live in Him, our will, and His, will be the same. We won't ask wrongly.
God's Provision -Peace, Rewards, A Way of Escape
Philippians 4:7 speaks of God providing a peace that passes understanding and that our hearts and minds will be guarded by that peace. How often in today's world are we worried, troubled by terrible news? Only God can give a perfect peace at times in our lives when it seems impossible to be at peace. Paul tells the church at Philippi that God will provide all their needs (Philippians 4:19). Hebrews 11:6 tells us that we are rewarded when we seek Him. When we seek God, He gives us the ultimate reward - eternal life! I Corinthians 10:13 explains that when we are tempted God provides a way of escape. This provision will save us from much heart ache and sorrow that comes from disobedience and sin.
Provision So We Can Be Generous
When we trust that God will provide our needs, we will be more generous to others. When we trust God to provide our needs, we will be more satisfied with what we have. It is important to discern a need from a want. If our brother or sister in Christ is struggling to find food or shelter, we should generously provide for them because we know that sharing the blessings of God is expected. God's provision for you may come from others who will share what they have with you (2 Corinthians 9:8-9).
Provision Beyond Our Expectations
God's provision isn't just limited to what we can imagine or what we pray for. God's provision is sometimes beyond anything we can even imagine. According to Ephesians 3:20,
" Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,"
Have you seen God provide in your life over and above anything you asked of Him? Have you been in awe of some of the things you have seen God do in other people's life? Don't be blind to the actions of God around you. See His hand at work in your life to provide for you in ways you never expected. See the actions of a loving Father and with Paul be able to say,
"to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:21
Enjoy this powerful message through song, God Will Provide!
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