It Is Interesting To See How God Provides

A few months ago someone shook my hand after one of our church services and I felt something other than her hand in my hand. When I looked down at my palm I saw that the paper substance which she had transferred to my hand was money. The amount of money was more than just 20 or 30 dollars. In fact, it was more than just 100 dollars.

The person who shook my hand said, “Give this to someone who is in need.”

I said, “Alright. Thank you, I will do that.”

This kind person was not looking for applause. She wasn’t looking to have her name mentioned in a service or an online post. In fact, it is clear her desire was to remain invisible. She was responding to God’s leading in her heart.

About a week later I became aware of a need and I gave this money to the person in need.

This person was extremely grateful for the help. She was simply telling me about some struggles, she was not expecting this form of assistance.

At first she said, “Oh no Dan, I couldn’t accept this much money from you.”

I said, “It’s not from me. I’m not the source of this money, someone else is.”

The woman said, “Who? Who is giving me this money?”

I thought about it for a moment and then I told her the truth: “God is.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

I Know I'm Not Supposed To Worry

I really hate to admit this, but I will be honest and write about it here: Sometimes when I wake up in the morning one of the first things to enter my mind is worry. I’ve read this is not uncommon for people. One of the most likely times for worry is just before going to sleep at night or first thing in the morning.

I don’t want to worry and as a follower of Jesus I know I’m not supposed to worry.

(The realization that I’m not supposed to worry will occasionally have me worrying about my tendency to worry. It gets complicated, doesn’t it?)

I know God is for me, not against me. I know God provides for our needs. So I shouldn’t worry. But it can be hard to stop doing something that almost seems to happen unintentionally and involuntarily.

I’m not writing this so you can join me in my worry and say, “Yep, that happens to me occasionally, too!” I’m writing this to tell you there is a simple passage of scripture which helps me. What the passage says is not complicated and it is almost somewhat obvious. But it has helped me, anyhow, and if something helps, my thought is, “Hey, that’s good! I don’t care if it’s obvious or simple. I’m just glad it is helping me.”

The passage is found in the book of Matthew chapter 6. Jesus is speaking and He says this:

“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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:28-34

When I read this passage I remember God has always provided for my needs. Jesus’ words help me trust Him and know He will always continue to provide for my needs.

So I tell myself… “Stop worrying and see all of life as a gift from God. Trust that God knows more about life than you do and He is providing fullness of life for you.”

Prayer: “Lord, help me to continue to trust you. Help any person who reads these words—even if they are not all that keen on ‘spiritual stuff’—to know you are for them, not against them. Help us to trust you. Amen.”

Generosity, God's Provision and Suffering

I recently had the following interaction, online, with a friend.  I hope you'll take a moment to read...

My Original Post:

Real generosity generally requires people to believe that there will always be provision. In other words, in order to be willing to give freely of what we have, it is important for us to believe that our basic needs will be provided.

We have this question: “If I give away some portion of what I have, will I hurt myself or will there be enough?”

So there is a trust factor involved in generosity. Generous people look to the Provider in a way that reveals authentic trust.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

My Friend Susan’s Comment Regarding The Original Post:

I know this to be true. Yet, I struggle with things like the people in the Philippines right now, who have no food or water, and the folks trying to help are unable to reach them. Unless food and water aren’t included in "all your needs", I can't help but understand the worry these people have. I'm not disputing the verse, as it has reminded me so often not to worry about things I can't control and to put my trust in God. I just put my hope in God, that He orchestrates some miracles so that people can receive their basic needs. Any other's struggle with this kind of stuff?

My Reply To Susan’s Comment:

I think all of us can relate with the struggle you have described, Susan.  It is hard for us to make sense of events like the recent devastation to so many from the storm in the Philippines.  We’re bothered by the heartache and agony that happen in this broken world. I like what you said about putting your hope in God and trusting that He will orchestrate miracles so people can receive their basic needs.  I agree.

I honestly do not claim to have answers to issues like the ones you have raised; issues that have stymied people for thousands of years.  But it does give me some small sense of consolation to know that God does not view human pain and struggle from some cold detached vantage point on high.  Rather, He has entered into the turmoil of this world and endured misery and suffering Himself, first-hand.  He does not take a position like this, “Oh, you guys are dealing with pain, huh?  Hmm, that’s too bad.  I don’t know what that feels like.”

I understand this does not answer the questions you’ve raised or clear up the confusion.  Like I said, I struggle, too.  And I appreciate that even though you are a believer you are willing to honestly express your struggles.  I always appreciate honesty.  Honesty can sting sometimes, but it’s still right.

My post that prompted your comment had to do with generosity.  When we think about what has happened in the Philippines, the concept of generosity is definitely relevant.  The generous help of others, in terms of many forms of aid, will certainly be necessary for the many people who are suffering due to this storm.

Most everyone who reads this post will probably have an opportunity to give in some way to the relief efforts that have been mobilized to help those who are hurting.  Let’s choose to be generous.

Thanks again, for your thoughtful, honest comment, Susan!

Love and blessings,

Dan