One of the ways big companies generate ideas in terms of product development, is by having competitions for potential start-ups. By encouraging young people to develop a business model or a new product for the prospect of possible funding, big companies get the opportunity to pick the brains of futuristic, entrepreneurial, and ingenious young people who have the best ideas but do not have access to financial capital that could launch their product or service to the mainstream market.
Like start-ups, followers of Jesus like us could sometimes be clueless as to where we could tap a stable source of provision, of not just finances, but physical strength, ideas, as well as people to help out as we go about our purpose in life.
For instance as moms, we scramble to run our household and provide for the children on a tight budget; as employees, we wonder where to get the strength and muster the courage to carry out a good plan that could benefit a lot of people when such a project does not seem as profitable as what our boss would like. As a ministry leader, we wonder where to tap enough volunteers to carry out a project in church.
The good thing though is that our God, who is a God who provides, gives us more than material provisions. He supplies us what we will truly need to carry out the purpose He has called us to do.
“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
When we know what God wants us to do, we will have the inner confidence that He will carry us through the fruition of our life’s mission. For instance if He has called us to raise God-fearing children, then naturally, He will help us out in clothing, feeding, educating, and raising them.
While this will not be done, genie-style, God will provide help as soon as He sees us giving everything we have and when we are willing to do our part. Just like the widow who was being hounded by her creditors, out to enslave his children if she does not pay up her debt.
God was so faithful to the widow, that He sent one of His prophets to bless her. And when she responded by giving what she got, which was the little oil she had, and by doing her part — which is to collect vessels of oil and pour oil on them. She was able to pay back her creditors, and had enough provisions to raise his children.
“When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.” 2 Kings 4:6-7
We are also that way. Once it is clear to us what God has called us to do, we should be prepared to give it all we’ve got, and do what we are capable to do to attain our goal. We then rest assured that God will make a way for us. He will send people to help us. He will give us ideas on how to find provision for our needs. The important thing is, we must not be lazy or idle. We should be willing to work.
“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10
But how do we know what God wants us to do? Simple, we seek His counsel. We ask Him what he wants us to do by building a close personal relationship with Him if we haven’t yet. And then once we establish a relationship with Him, we nurture it by prioritizing our daily prayer time with Him, and our intentional day by day bible reading and reflection. The more we know God through His words, the more we will be in awe of Him, and the more we will be sensitive to His leading.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
When we think we are following what God tells us to do, we should be confident that He will help us attain it. That He will provide for it. God will never run out of funds for His plans, and so we should rest assured that as long as our plans are aligned to His, He has our back.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Kings 4:1-7 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you doubting God’s providence when it comes to carrying out His will for your life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for assuring us that you will provide for our needs that are all in accordance to Your will. Thank you for keeping our minds and hearts steady, knowing that you are there for us to carry out your good purpose for both our lives and that of others. Give me the confidence to continue entrusting everything to you. Amen.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
