OCT. 8, 2013
God
Provides, But How?
Read: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread. —Proverbs 12:11
Outside
my office window, the squirrels are in a race against winter to bury their
acorns in a safe, accessible place. Their commotion amuses me. An entire herd
of deer can go through our back yard and not make a sound, but one squirrel
sounds like an invasion.
The
two creatures are different in another way as well. Deer do not prepare for
winter. When the snow comes they eat whatever they can find along the way
(including ornamental shrubs in our yard). But squirrels would starve if they
followed that example. They would be unable to find suitable food.
The
deer and the squirrel represent ways that God cares for us. He enables us to
work and save for the future, and He meets our need when resources are scarce.
As the wisdom literature teaches, God gives us seasons of plenty so that we can
prepare for seasons of need (Prov. 12:11). And as Psalm 23 says, the Lord leads
us through perilous places to pleasant pastures.
Another
way that God provides is by instructing those with plenty to share with those
in need (Deut. 24:19). So when it comes to provision, the message of the Bible
is this: Work while we can, save what we can, share what we can, and trust God
to meet our needs.
Thank You, Lord, for the promise that You will
meet our needs. Help us not to fear or doubt.
We’re grateful that You’re watching over us
and that our cries for help reach Your ear.
Our needs will never exhaust God’s supply.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
