Jesus Always Provides
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you being the source of our provision and all that we have need of each day. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV).
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.” John 6:11-13 (NIV)
REFLECT:
Have there been times in your life when you feel like you cannot make it financially? Have you ever felt like time was running out on your money? Have there been job changes you have encountered that you felt would break your bank? It is in these times that God wants to remind us that he is our provider and our source for everything. In the verses today, a large group of people had amassed without food, most likely hungry, but not without hope, because they had Jesus. It was here we see Jesus laying out the laws of sowing and reaping, of trusting God to provide for all our needs. He sat everyone down and asked what they had. Finally, it was learned that a small boy had a lunch or basket of fish and bread – a resource. Jesus took the fish and the loaves and broke them and then distributed them. The amazing thing was that this small amount fed everyone. What was even more amazing was that there were 12 baskets full of pieces of bread after everyone had eaten!
My wife recently went through a job change and we wondered how that would impact us financially, as this job change would cut her income in half. We were determined to be frugal and adjust where we needed to, but we did not want to decrease our commitment to God financially. So, we trusted him for all our needs. Amazingly, or not so amazingly, he has met every need we have had, and I can say for 2021 and 2022 we will finish each year with higher income than the previous! It does not make sense in the world’s economy…but in God’s, it does!
APPLY:
Do you struggle to put your trust in God? Are you a person who wants to trust more, but are afraid? Look ahead to some upcoming events in your life where you will be challenged financially. Can you begin to sow seed now for the harvest you may need later? What if you had a child getting ready to head to college and don’t feel financially prepared? Sow seed into God’s kingdom now and commit that need to him with that gift. You will be amazed at how God answers and proves to you time and again how faithful he is! “Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,” II Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV).
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, remind us of your plan of provision for us. “Honor the lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine,” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV).
WORSHIP: