We tend to be hoarders in this society. It’s almost as though we fear ever needing something we don’t have. And while I value the wisdom behind stocking up on great deals (coupon lovers unite!), we need to examine why we do what we do. Are we motivated by fear? By the discomfort of experiencing need?
The tragedy in this superfluous padding is that the neediness we avoid creates a vacuum that our God delights in filling. But we don’t enjoy the discomfort of having to trust fully in Him to meet our needs. So we work overtime and stock up. How do we so quickly forget our source? Our only, true source of all good things.
We so easily grow to depend on a steady paycheck, a padded bank account, a well-stocked pantry. And while these things are all good, in and of themselves, when we find our peace and security in them rather than in Him, we miss out on a key element of Kingdom life: the sweet opportunity to see Him provide in delightfully unorthodox ways. It often takes having jobs stripped away, health shaken, and bank accounts drained to cling to Him in the way He desires we walk daily. Looking to Him as our provider, every single step of the way.
It’s terrifying. And exhilarating. Nerve-wrecking, and mind-blowing beautiful. It is true, what my mother has always said: if you want to see God provide miraculously, you need to be in a position where you need miraculous provision. We were. And we did. It is one of the most treasured seasons of my life. Experiencing need growing up and seeing our God come through, time and time again, in magnificent, lavish ways built a faith in me that has well-equipped me for the rocky terrain of life in this world.
What the world considers tragic and confidence crushing becomes the sweetest, most exciting times of our lives. Because our Heavenly Father meets every single need. And then some. If only we’ll open our hands and hearts to receive. He’s extravagant like that. And He’s waiting to do the same for you!
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” – Matthew 6:25-26
Do you believe that He desires to bless you and provide for you? Will you allow these words to marinade in your heart this week as we give Him room to move in our lives more freely?
By Joy McMillan
Post your link below if you are going to memorize with us this week!
This is one of my all-time favorite verses! I am a compulsive worry-er so my husband reminds of this verse all the time!
What a good hubby! I love this one too, Desi…such a powerful reminder!
Joy, I meditate on these things often and have come to much the same conclusion a you. So glad you shared this!
Awesome, Cindy! Thanks for joining us!