2004-10-20 - God Provides

Leviticus 12:8 (NIV) If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.'"

Luke 2:23 (NIV) (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" a), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

Mary and Joseph were obviously poor people. They could not afford a lamb for the ceremonial sacrifice, so they purchased a dove. This young poor couple left what little they had, to travel far away. They traveled to Bethlehem in obedience to the Roman law. While the Romans were in charge, God was in control. Today for example, we make work in jobs where someone else is in charge, but God is always in control.

Now watch this. Joseph and Mary had nothing but faith. Not much in the way of worldly means to provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves or their newborn son.

Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

They were showered with gifts from the wise men. They came with little, and left with all their needs met. Where God guided, God provided.

God does the same for us today. When we trust God and follow where he is leading us, He will provide. Why wouldn't he? God does not set his children up for failure. He sets us up for success. Success not necessarily meaning financial gains, but successful lives. Lives where change for the good is evident. Success where God-given gifts are matched with our talents, passions and vocations. He wants what is best for his children, just as we want what is best for ours.

John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Are you living life to the fullest? Are you being guided by faith in God or faith in yourself? Too often we become mired in circumstances that seem beyond our control. We are not in charge, but God is indeed in control. We blame governmental laws, rules and regulations for our troubles. Or we blame others - family members, coworkers, classmates and the like. We need the faith that Mary and Joseph had in God. The faith of knowing that while others are seemingly in charge, God is always in control.

Imagine the joy Mary and Joseph had when they left with an abundance of gifts, after trusting God to provide, because God had guided them. The same God provides for us today.

Lord, help us to be faithful and truly believe in our hearts, with our minds and with our feet that where YOU guide, YOU will provide. In Christ name,

Amen.

Questions or Comments?
David Massey

david@e-devotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.e-devotionals.org