A God of Provision
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Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not
much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life ?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God
clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much
more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we
drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father
knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be
given to you as well. Matthew 6:25-33
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received
from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to
God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians
4:18-19
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that
He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light. With Your help I can advance against a
troop; with my God I can scale a wall. “As for God, His way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; He
shields all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our
God? 2 Samuel 22: 29-32
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to
its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:3-4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the
LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your
vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when
people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:4-7
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the
Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 120:1-2
“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and
help us.” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s
father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who
did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously
give us all things? Romans 8:30-32
Hope in God, Not Your Bank Account
by Rick Warren
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be
arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but
to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for
our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17 NIV)
The only thing in all of creation that worries is human beings. Plants don't
worry. Animals don't worry. Only human beings act as if we don't have a
heavenly Father. When you worry about your finances, you're basically
saying, "I think God is a liar. I don't really think he will meet my needs.” But
God will, if you meet the conditions.
When I was a kid, I'd go to my dad and say, "Dad, I need some money.” Not
once when I was growing up did I ever wonder, "Where is he going to get
it?” It's kind of an unwritten rule: Dads make it, and kids spend it. Kids never
wonder, “Where is my dad going to get this money?” I never worried about
it.
Worry is really a form of atheism. Every time you worry, you're basically
saying, "I don't believe there's a God who is going to take care of me.” If
you're a Christian and you worry, you're acting like an orphan. You're acting
like you don't have a heavenly Father who has already promised over and
over again in Scripture, "I will meet your needs if you will obey me and do
what I tell you to do.” Trust forces you to live by faith.
Worry is a warning light. Every time you worry about your finances, it's a
warning that you doubt that God loves you and will take care of you. We
always get into trouble when we doubt God's love. Always.
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live
righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (NLT).
As long as you love anything more than God, that thing is going to be a
source of anxiety. There was one thing meant for first place in your life, and
it's not your family. Anything you put first in your life besides God will
create anxiety, because that thing can always be lost.
Your bank account is not your security, no matter how big it gets. The Bible
says in 1 Timothy 6:17, "Command those who are rich in this present world
not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but
to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our
enjoyment” (NIV).
Put your hope in God, because he will assume responsibility for your needs if
you'll trust him.