Another Look At Provision
I remember how cold it was that day: lower thirties, typical Chicago weather. Although it was November, snow had not yet kissed our city streets. “All you need to do is be cool. Just walk into that restaurant, smile and ask for an application. That’s it. Just ten minutes of bravery. The worst they’re going to say is no, and if they do, you can try Olive Garden next.”
I can’t describe to you how badly I needed a job that day. How willing I would have been to take anything from anywhere, as long as I gained a paycheck the following week. Provision arrived right on time; I was hired a few days later. Money, food, tithing. Shoes. A means to pay for two brand-new pairs of glasses — these were all things I needed. Vacation. Clothes. Savings and budgets. I had no idea where it was going to come from.
Earthly worries, cares and struggles are no big deal to God, really. I’ve known all of my life: He humbles me financially, so I never forget that He is my portion, my provider and more than enough. I wonder sometimes why we wring our hands. Sure, we know deep down, He’ll show up right on time. Scripture is an excellent testament to what the Lord can do if we choose to entrust Him with each need. reads:
“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” -Luke 21: 1-4 -KJV
“Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.”
So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.”
And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest” -2 Kings 4: 3-7
“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace” (Luke 8:43-48).
Do you see how tender the Master is to each individual in these Biblical accounts? He doesn’t ridicule. He doesn’t mock or chide. He presses into each need, extending a hand, fulfilling each request. Right on time.
The pandemic is an excellent reminder of His unmerited abundance. I never asked because I never expected it. Ironically, I knew He’d provide, I just didn’t know when or how.
Hallelujah, what a Provider! How has He provided for you in this season? What are you thankful for? In what ways can you give back? The Lord loves a cheerful giver! Consider making a list of areas you can save, tithe, and use the money God has given in the best way possible. Recently I started making budgets and stashing away money for future purposes. We don’t know what the Lord has planned, but it’s an excellent thing to be prepared! The Father is good, as are His gifts. Let’s be women who use what He entrusts to us to the best of our ability and for His glory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Beth has been a connoisseur of coffee shops, since grade school, and a writer of words for the past twenty. When she's not writing devotionals or fiction, she enjoys video games, and spending time with friends and family. You can read more of her writing at kellydetzel.com