God's provision
I have been thinking a lot in recent weeks about what the Bible means when it says that God shall supply all our needs. This has been on my mind because I believe that if certain legislation currently being considered in Congress becomes law, it will not be long before (what I perceive as) some very real needs of mine, not to mention those of others more helpless than myself, are not adequately met. Even if there is not any health care "reform" any time soon, it is not far from unlikely that between the rising cost of health care and the looming national debt, the same would happen eventually anyway, though not as quickly.
I know that there are Christians around the world who are in starving, or enslaved, or being physically or emotionally persecuted because of their faith. Is God supplying their needs? If so, does that mean that food and freedom and physical and emotional health are not real needs? If not, then does the promise only apply to life after Christ's second coming?
And when we are told in the Psalms not to worry when men succeed in their wicked ways, because it will not last, does that mean that it will not last while we are still alive, or that it will last until Jesus comes again? Does anyone else wonder about these things? Am I the only one that must confess my sin of worry multiple times a day?
I know that there are Christians around the world who are in starving, or enslaved, or being physically or emotionally persecuted because of their faith. Is God supplying their needs? If so, does that mean that food and freedom and physical and emotional health are not real needs? If not, then does the promise only apply to life after Christ's second coming?
And when we are told in the Psalms not to worry when men succeed in their wicked ways, because it will not last, does that mean that it will not last while we are still alive, or that it will last until Jesus comes again? Does anyone else wonder about these things? Am I the only one that must confess my sin of worry multiple times a day?
posted by Elisabeth | 6:00 PM
4 Comments:
Elisabeth,
I think you kind of answered your own question with pointing to those around the world who are suffering. God does not promise physical health, financial stability (or prosperity as some would claim), or lack of any other kind of suffering. In fact, the one thing we are promised here on earth is suffering..."in this world you WILL have trouble."
When we look at the life of Jesus on earth, he was mocked and scorned. Men did succeed in their wicked ways...to the point of Jesus dying on the cross!
I think the American way of looking at God's promises so often assumes that God will provide for us by removing pain and hardship here and now when that was never promised on this side of eternity. People in other countries know from experience this is not the case. They have learned to find joy in the midst of the suffering (at least that is what I have seen when I have travelled). They appear to have a much stronger faith than many Americans because they have learned what it means to walk with Jesus THROUGH the trials.
I am still learning what it means to live this out practically. One verse that has been especially encouraging to me is 2 Peter 1:3-4. God has given EVERYTHING we need need for life and godliness (through the Holy Spirit) here and NOW! We don't have to wait until eternity to start living in the freedom of that promise!
Love you!!
Rebecca,
Thanks for your comment! I agree God promises suffering, and that we who live the the US have a pretty wimpy view of what suffering is compared to the rest of the world. Most of what we think we need are really wants. However, it would seem to me that in Matthew 6 God also promises to feed and clothe us; He says He knows that we NEED food and clothes. Now, I'm personally not worried about food and clothes for myself or my family right now; but what about Christians who die from starvation? I guess one could argue that in allowing those people to die, God never failed to meet their need; He met their need as long as He wanted them on this earth, and when He was ready for them to go to heaven, they ceased to have a need for earthly food.
This is an interesting discussion...I'd love to hear some more viewpoints.
Hi, Elisabeth.
I can relate. I too go through seasons of deep concern about the Last Days to come and what that might look like for our family.
All I know to do is pray with thanksgiving, over and over, until God's supernatural peace quiets my heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7), and to throw myself upon the truth that God's grace will be sufficient (II Cor.).
And I try to remember that there can be no safer place (no matter where I go or what rages around me) than the place: 'close to Jesus.'
Praying for you today,
Thanks, G. I appreciate your prayers, and the reminder to continually bring my worries before the Lord.
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