Devotional - 99-08-20 - God Our Provider

Encore from 97-04-26

Are you a worrier? I confess that I worry about certain things. And I know it's a weakness that I need to work on; in fact, it's a sin! The Word is pretty clear on that:

Rom 14:23 (NIV) But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Everything that does not come from faith is sin...." Wow...convicting words, for me anyway! So everything we say and do should be immersed in faith....I believe the way to get that faith and grow in it, is to soak in the Word, fellowship with strong Christians and pray.

Logically speaking, there is no reason for us to worry, anyway. As the Word points out, God will provide for us. After all, He has already provided everything we need for life now and forever, through His son Jesus Christ.

When we look to God as our provider -- whether spiritually, emotionally or physically, there are no limitations:

Phil 4:19 (NIV) And my God will meet all (emphasis mine) your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Though I certainly am no theologian, I believe He puts us in situations where we have to rely on Him, as did the Israelites thousands of years ago:

Exo 16:13 (NIV) That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.

And Jesus also reminded us that God is Our Provider:

Mat 6:28-33 (NIV) "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

My prayer for all of us today, is that we learn to rest in God's love and provision for us, and to "put off" our worries, perhaps by praying about them, and forcing ourselves to think about something else when we begin to worry, though I know that is easier said than done! With time and practice, confidence in God's desire and ability to take care of all our needs, will become like second nature to us.

: ) Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org