Encouragement for Today - May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
God’s Provision – Part 2
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Devotion:
Yesterday's devotion on God's provision may have struck two different chords with people. For some it may have resonated and reassured. For others it may have caused a clashing and clanging that invited honest reactions to bubble to the surface.
Like I said, God and I have had to have some serious conversations about all this. It is hard when you know God could provide but doesn't seem to. That's why I have made the choice - and it is a choice - to park my mind with the truth no matter what.
Easy? Nope. Necessary? Absolutely.
Look at the same passage we looked at yesterday in The Message translation:
1 Timothy 6:17-19, "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
So many times in my life, I've discovered God's provision in packages way different than I think I need, want or expect.
Let me give you a recent example of this.
Many of you know the story of our adopted son, Mark. If I were choosing Mark's provision, it would come in a package complete with good grades, a college degree, and a professional job insuring he could provide for his one day family. These things speak of success in my limited scope.
However, it's not Mark's reality. No matter how much I have prayed and begged God to work a miracle with Mark's learning disabilities, at this point, college is not going to be in his future.
Recently I was sitting at my kitchen table pouring over an application Mark is filling out hoping to get a summer camp job. To be honest I was beyond discouraged at his misspelled words and misunderstanding of some of the essay questions. The application was a disaster.
Suddenly the phone rang. The lady on the other end was a mom from another student at Mark's high school. Apparently, her son was jumped by a boy in the school parking lot yesterday. Many students stood around and watched her son get pummeled by this angry student. Out of nowhere Mark ran and pulled the boy off her son and settled the situation down.
With a catch in her throat, she was calling to thank me and assure me of what a fine young man Mark is.
I wouldn't trade the depth of character in my son that phone called revealed for all the A's and perfect SAT scores in the world.
Is God providing for Mark?
Yes.
I just have to change my definition of success to match what I know to be true about God.
And then in God's timing - according to His plan - with His truth firmly planted in my mind - I can see this verse coming to life...
"Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
Dear Lord, help me to park my mind on the truth no matter what. Even though I don’t always understand Your provision Lord, I will trust You and walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
If you’d like to read more about Lysa’s adoption story and see pictures of her family, visit her blog.
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
Live out I Timothy 6:18 by sponsoring a child in need through Compassion International
Application Steps:
List out some verses of Scripture about God’s provision (see Lysa’s blog for some great suggestions).
Commit to memory some of these promises that most apply to your situation..
Verbalize your trust in the Lord every day this week.
Reflections:
Do I trust that the Lord has my best interest in mind?
How might I learn to trust God even more deeply in times of trial?
What are some things right in front of me today that prove God’s provision for me?
Power Verses:
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (NIV)
Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (NIV)
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (NIV)
© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Matthews, NC 28105
