The LORD Will Provide

…Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the

burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself

will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son.”

And the two of them went on together.”…Abraham

looked up, and there in the thicket was a ram caught

by its horns…

                                    Genesis 22:7, 8, 13 NIV  

     2014 promises to bring many changes in the lives of all Americans. Our health care system is in a mess, our political process is broken, and the financial instability in our country has many citizens living in a constant state of fear, worry, anxiety and stress.

     This winter’s record cold is creating havoc on water pipes and electric bills, and blizzards are sweeping the nation causing traffic nightmares and government warnings to stay indoors. As the homeless across our country seek shelter from the storms, resources are stretched to the max as various charities make room for those with no shelter from the angry winds and frigid temperatures.

     During difficult times, it is easy to focus on the circumstances we encounter rather than our God who is in control of our circumstances. But we must never forget that just as Jesus spoke peace be still and calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee and just as God provided the sacrificial lamb for Abraham and Isaac on the mountain of Moriah, God is still the LORD Who Provides.

     Sometimes God supernaturally provides and, at other times, God uses His children to provide for those in need. A sack of groceries, a paid utility bill or a warm coat could be the tool God uses to show the love of Christ in action to a tired, cold and hungry man that thinks God does not exist or that God does not care about him.

     Warm pajamas and a hot meal may be the thing that encourages a single mom without adequate resources to provide for her children. Your simple act of love could make the difference between a life of defeat and discouragement and a life of belief and trust in the One True God!

     We are His hands to the world. You and I could just be the person He uses to show the world that our God is still the LORD that provides.

© Joyce Powell