God’s Provision

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Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

God continues to work in our lives and make provision for us. It is up to us whether we will lay hold of that provision or walk away from it. In reality that is how it always is with God’s provision. He prepares it but we must accept it.

Years ago I latched onto a verse that speaks to this. It says – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Talk about provision! Even before we are confronted with a temptation, God has already made provision for us to overcome it in our lives. We may not readily recognize how God has made provision for us or even be able to see it in our lives. Yet, God remains faithful to provide for us in every temptation we might face.

As I look around our world I am increasingly aware of all that satan is doing. The political and moral issues we are facing here in America along with the issues other countries are dealing with cause me to question what in the world is going on. Because of these things I am tempted to despair.

I am almost overwhelmed at times. I wonder if there is any way out of all that we are facing. It is at those times when I hear Christ saying – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). In these words I find the strength to move forward, dig in and hold on.

Jesus came into this world so that the world through Him might be saved. He came as ‘good news of a great joy’. He came as the Door, the Way, the Shepherd, and Life. As He walked on this earth it was to bear testimony that He and the Father were one, and by doing so bring people into a right relationship with the Father.

For many people the cares of this world keep them from seeing just how much they are loved. They’re so busy focusing on the bad things; they fail to see the good God has for them. Some people are so intent on blaming God for all their problems they fail to see that He desires to work in them and has already made provision for them.

Many of the problems I’ve faced in my life are not because God is punishing me, but because He’s letting me make my own choices. Yet when I make the wrong choice, He stands ready to forgive me and once again set me on the path of righteousness. He has made provision for me as I walk through the trials and struggles. He stands ready to extend His mercy toward me, lifting me above the temptation I’m facing.

Many are quick to blame someone else for their troubles. It may be a political leader or party. It could be a pastor, a church member or a church. Children blame parents and parents blame children. But the troubles continue and the struggle goes on.

It is time that we overcome the temptation to blame and start to lay hold of the provision God has given us. Through prayer God has given us an avenue by which we can take our struggles to Him. Through God’s Word we have the answers to deal with our struggles. If we aren’t praying and studying how can we expect to respond to a life in a manner that pleases God?

Let me encourage you to lay the blame aside and lay hold of the provision of God in your life. Isaiah 26:3 says “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.” He wants to give you the perfect peace promised for all whose minds are focused on Him.

JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!

Christ only, always,

Bro. Paul

Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.