God Our Provider
In this time of economic downfall, all we hear is doom and gloom. It's easy, even as Christians to get caught up in worry, and for some even extreme fear and depression. If these times haven't affected you, they have surely effected someone you know, but this is not a time to throw ourselves a pity party. This is the time for faith, and faith acts.
As the Word says, "Faith without works is dead." So, we need to do more than believe that God can get us out of this. He expects us to use the resources He has given us to go as far as we can on our own. For a lot of us, that means putting our hand to the plow, sometimes literally, getting a second or even third job. It means clipping coupons and turning off extra lights, conserving water and not buying that new pair of shoes until we actually need them. It's a big change for a lot of us, and it's hard to feel like this is what God meant when He said that we were to live an abundant life. I'm sure that's exactly how the Israelites felt around about year 35 in the desert.
A lot of us can't even get to the "works" part of faith though, because we are stuck digging ditches in our hearts trying to find a well spring of faith. We believe God will do these things for others. We believe He did it in the Bible, but we can't seem to believe that He really IS the same yesterday, today and forever. Let me remind you of the works our God has done when His people just obeyed Him.
For forty years in the dessert, the Israelites were fed. Do you know how much food per day it would take to feed that many people? That manna was no coincidence. They also were clothed. They're clothes did not wear out for forty years! Some of us can't imagine wearing the same sweater from winter to winter. Not only did He do these things, but His Word also says that He clothes the lilies of the valley, and feeds the birds of the air. Do we believe God cares more for them than He does His own children? Our God will provide. All He asks of us is that we believe, and obey whatever He may ask of us.
Be prepared that during this time, He may not only ask you to work harder, but He will ask you to give more, because the needs of others are great, and He can bless you more when you give. So, take this little encouragement today, and do not fear the future, but trust in the God who has brought you this far, and has promised to never leave. Read the stories of provision in His Word, and find your faith. We do not have to be a part of this recession or any of the other negative words the world wants to use. We can rejoice even in the wilderness, because we are loved and cared for by our Heavenly Father. The world will witness the Lord's favor upon His people. Matt 6:25-34
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