And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Jehovah-Jireh The Lord who provides/ The Lord Who Sees / The Lord will see to it
A few weeks ago I took a sharp breath and sighed out relief announcing that (because Easter was over) we'd have a short break before graduations and the chaos of summer. It took no less than two days for my oblivion to be shaken back to reality. There was no break. I'd apparently just been shrouded in ignorance.
Life is busy.
One of the things that's been on our radar the past few months is our sixteen year old daughter, Hallie. We were intentionally ignoring the fact that she needed to be driving, and that she needed something to drive. She brought our negligence to attention. So now we've been spending evenings as her riding companion in a car we found for her.
Life is costly.
Also, heavy on our minds, have been the too-many-to count souls that are struggling. We hurt with loved ones who are battling cancer and enduring cancer scares. We woefully lift up those who are going through other health problems. We've recently lost loved ones in our church and have friends who've lost their own loved ones...Those are just the physical battles. Spiritual battles are all around us.
Life is precious.
Maybe this current reminder of the delicate and complex nature of life is why something new popped out while recently reading in the book of Jonah. I love Jonah's story! I can relate to wanting to hide. Embarrassingly, I can also relate to having a bad attitude when God's grace in my life has been abundant. However, a new theme worth mentioning captured my attention this time.
God's provision
At least three times in the book of Jonah, it says God provides.
Hallelujah!
But there's a catch. There's a catch with us too.
- God's provision can stop us in our tracks. God provided a great fish to swallow Jonah which kept him for three days and nights. (Jonah 1:17) So many times what we think we need to be doing, isn't really what we should be doing.
- God's provision is an answer, but it isn't always what we ask for. Consumed with anger, Jonah asked God to take his life. Instead, God unexpectedly provided Jonah with a tall vine that gave shade and provided comfort. (Jonah 4:6)
- God's provision can come in the form of discipline. Because Jonah had no compassion for the people in Ninevah, God provided a worm which chewed the vine until it withered. Jonah was then exposed to the harsh wind and heat. God reminded Jonah of the temporary and minor value of the vine compared to the value of his people. (Jonah 4:7) God showed Jonah were his heart should he.
Rather than giving Jonah what he wanted, God gave Jonah what he needed. Thank goodness he does the same for us.
In all the demands of life today, and with the uncertainties you may face tomorrow, may you trust God's wise, loving and bountiful provision.