“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 4:19 (NIV).
During these trying times, people are panicking. They’re afraid. Afraid their needs, the necessary things for living, will not be available when they go to the store or order online.
I’ve experienced it. Most of us have. Stores have begun to ration what they do have in stock, especially toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products. But shortages are being felt in other areas, including food.
Have we forgotten the provider of all our needs? With Him, there’s no need to panic. The God who parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape slavery is still a God of provision today.
God Meets Our Needs Through Others
When a neighbor told me she was running out of eggs, I offered her some of mine. She bakes more than I do. She refused to accept, saying I might need them.
I offered to post on Facebook, asking if someone had eggs to sell from their own chickens. Immediately after posting the request, offers poured in. I relayed the information to my neighbor, who contacted one of them.
Later that evening, around 9:15, my doorbell rang. Preparing to go to bed, I was startled. Who would be at my door at that time of night? Hesitantly opening the door, I discovered a neighbor with a dozen eggs. I’d forgotten she raised chickens. Since then, she has provided more eggs to other neighbors in need at no cost.
At Just the Right Time, God Provides
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus says, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (NLT).
While the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, God graciously provided for them through a miraculous food appearing with the morning dew. Looking like frost on the ground, it is described as something like ‘coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers and honey (Exodus 16:31 NIV).
Positive stories of others providing for people’s needs during this time abound on the news and social media. Children who rely on nutritious school lunches are receiving help through the generosity of agencies and charities. Food banks and churches are also responding to the needs, providing boxes and bags of groceries to the less fortunate.
Helping the Less Fortunate
Helping those in need is one of the major themes of the Bible and of Jesus’ ministry. Even when we’re struggling to meet our own needs, we can supply the things the needy lack. Through our acts of service, we find meaning and fulfillment in our lives.
When we hoard, stuffing our pantries and closets with goods, we’re saying, “I can’t trust God to provide.” We cut off the connection He might use to reveal Himself to us in a powerful way. I’ve learned that those connections often open doors to more.
We weren’t created to hoard. We were created to trust God and to share with our neighbors. The Evangelist Billy Graham once said, “God has given us two hands—one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.”
I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to e-mail me at carol@carolaround.com with your thoughts, or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, you can contact me at the above e-mail or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo credit: www.indy100.com
