My Obedience, God’s Provision

Five Minute Friday: PROVIDE

Yesterday, I attended a parent-teacher conference at my daughter’s school. While we waited for it to begin, I walked around hand-in-hand with my little girl as she proudly showed me where she eats her lunch, plays with her friends, and sits in her class. We observed art and poems created by students, and I marveled at how many of them proclaimed the glory of God — mind you, we live in a Hindu country. In another place, I saw encouragement for teachers to love their students patiently and unconditionally while being lead in teaching by the Holy Spirit.

I stood there in awe of God’s provision. I wasn’t looking for this school when we moved to this area. Nor had I any knowledge of who God had waiting for us in the homes surrounding our church plant or the Gospel-needy neighbors who would soon become my friends. He has provided far for our family in far greater ways than I ever anticipated.

What really amazes me about this — and it shouldn’t because it is a Biblical concept — is that when I wasn’t trying to put all my ducks in a row, God ordered my steps. My husband followed the Lord’s direction coupled with His provision to decide where to plant our church, and I just went along with it. Based on that, we picked a home knowing not much else than its general location and basic amenities. In what may be perceived at an almost naive level, we trusted God to take care of everything else. We could only do that — it was all too much for us to think about on our own.

Yet, how wonderful it has all turned out. Often, I wonder what may have happened if I tried to find the home or the school first and structure everything around my own misplaced priorities. How there would be a family without a church, a young man wanting to serve God with no training of godly influences, a young lady with no believing friends or family. I’m thankful for a real-life assurance that what the Bible teaches is true. When we structure our lives around building our God’s kingdom and live in reckless obedience, He is faithful to provide each and every one of our needs. Trust and obey. There’s no other way.

Following Jesus is the best life, friends. Don’t miss it while you’re chasing your dreams and building your kingdom. How many times I’ve made this mistake, and God has certainly been gracious — but I’ve seen the benefits first-hand now, and there is no going back.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.    Matthew 6:31-33