At the beginning of this year our pastor taught a series entitled "When God's in the Story". I can't help but filter most messages I hear through my orphan advocate glasses, so when the sermon in the series on provision came around, that's where my mind went... Here are my thoughts. You can listen to the sermon here.
First, God's Word has a lot to say about provision.
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." Matthew 6:31-32
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11
"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:7
"He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish." John 21:6
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
But here's the thing - we are so busy trying to figure out HOW He's going to work in OUR situation, we miss WHO He is. We are so concerned with the hand out that we miss His face.
This is WHO He is:
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27
"He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing." Deuteronomy 10:18
"When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow" Deuteronomy 24:19
"O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed" Psalms 10:17-18
"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation" Psalms 68:5
Hearing this sermon led me to think of ALL the families who have walked the adoption journey He has provided for. I'm excited to be able to share a few of them with you this week!
Tomorrow we'll hear from Lindsay at Life Safari
Wednesday from our good friend JT at 5millionminus1
Thursday from my new friend Wynne at Gloriously Ruined
And Friday from one of my new favorite writers Lauren Casper at Traded Dreams
Stay tuned for some AMAZING stories!
I'll leave you with this humbling awe-inspiring quote from Charles Spurgeon...
What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.
~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon
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