When You Need God to Provide

There is a particular kind of pressure that comes when you don't know how you're going to meet a need.

The bill is due.

The money isn't there.

The job hasn't come through.

Business is slow.

An unexpected expense shows up.

Or maybe you've looked at what you have and what you need, and the numbers simply don't seem to work.

If that's where you are today, I want to point you toward something Jesus said:

“Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” — Matthew 6:32

Don't rush past that.

Your Father knows what you need.

Before you explain it.

Before you worry about it.

Before you try to figure everything out.

Before you lie awake thinking about it.

God already knows.

Jesus talked about everyday necessities—food, drink, and clothing. These weren't imaginary concerns. They were things people actually needed.

And Jesus didn't tell them that needs weren't important.

He told them their Father knew.

Then He said:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

That doesn't mean following Jesus is a formula for becoming wealthy.

It means our lives don't have to be controlled by chasing after what we need.

We seek God first.

We trust Him.

And then we faithfully do what He puts in front of us.

Sometimes God's provision comes through a paycheck.

Sometimes through work.

Sometimes through another person.

Sometimes through an opportunity we didn't expect.

Sometimes through wisdom that shows us where something needs to change.

Sometimes through learning to live with less.

Sometimes through generosity.

Sometimes through an open door.

And sometimes God's provision doesn't look anything like what we thought it would.

That's why trusting God's provision doesn't mean sitting still and doing nothing.

If there is work to do, work.

If there is a phone call to make, make it.

If you need to ask for help, ask.

If something in your spending needs to change, change it.

If God gives you an opportunity, walk through the door.

If you need wisdom, ask Him for wisdom.

Faith and responsibility belong together.

Paul wrote:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

It's important to remember the context around those words.

Paul had learned something about both abundance and need.

He knew what it was like to have plenty.

He also knew what it was like to have little.

And he said:

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” — Philippians 4:11

That's part of God's provision too.

Sometimes we ask God to change what's around us while God is also doing something inside us.

He's teaching us dependence.

He's teaching us contentment.

He's teaching us wisdom.

He's teaching us generosity.

He's teaching us that our security cannot ultimately rest in a bank account.

Money can change.

Jobs can change.

Business can change.

The economy can change.

Circumstances can change.

God doesn't.

Psalm 23 begins with words many of us know:

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

A sheep's confidence isn't in its ability to predict where tomorrow's grass will come from.

Its confidence is in the shepherd.

That's the picture I want you to remember.

If you're facing a financial need today, don't let the size of the need become bigger in your mind than the God you're bringing it to.

God knows what you need.

Ask Him.

Trust Him.

Then look for the next faithful step He has placed in front of you.