What are you believing for today? My word for the year:

Believe

If you missed the post on believing the truth of who we are go here.

Have you heard of George Muller before? He lived in the 1800’s and was a Christian evangelist and he directed an orphanage in Bristol, England. The stories which are shared about how he ran the orphanage would be considered not wise choices today. He did not always have the immediate provisions. He and the children would sit down to eat without there being food. They would sit down, and pray for God to provide, and then God would provide. Food would arrive by some means from someone God sent. WOW, what faith!

We live in a society where we plan and prepare so we are not left in that position and sometimes it affects our faith. We have “credit” to borrow money just in case, and many have not had to trust fully for God’s provision.

However, there are more people out there than will admit who have feared not having what is needed and possibly ending up living under a bridge one day. Especially in the current economy in the United States, this is a scary reality for many. I serve at the food pantry at my church and there are around 500 families who come through to get food a week. Families who need it to provide for themselves and their children.

So, how in the world do we trust God to provide when we know in our head the bad which can happen? Here is where it landed me this year as God continues to ask me to BELIEVE.

We must believe His promises. He is a faithful God, and ALL throughout the Bible we see time after time again of things which were promised come true.

In Luke chapter one, reading through the story of God‘s fulfillment of His promise of a child to Zacharias and Elizabeth. As Mary, once she was pregnant with Jesus, heads to visit Elizabeth, Mary’s presence at the door fills Elizabeth womb with the Holy Spirit. Her reaction is amazing, because she says “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?“

How grateful she was that Mary, the mother of her Lord Jesus came to her. Do we greet God with that same thankfulness?

“Why am I granted this grace and forgiveness? Thank you, Father.”

Then Elizabeth goes on to say. “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.“ Luke 1:45.

Time after time again in the Bible God promises and it is fulfilled – ultimately with the promise to send a savior and He provided it with His own Son!

Phil. 4:19– “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

I get it. It is easier said than done. When you look in the bank account, when you see what is on the schedule and what you have to pay, and what there is to pay with, when you look ahead and can’t see HOW it will work out…..HOW do we trust?

We must…

BELIEVE

Believe is a verb, so it is an action we must do and do it in the present time.

“The New Testament Greek word pisteuo (believe) means to “be convinced of something,” to “place confidence in,” or to “entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ).” The word “believe” is a key concept throughout the New Testament and appears nearly 250 times throughout.” (biblebee.org)

It is mentioned about 250 times throughout the New Testament – must be kind of important to be included that much.

What do you need to believe God will provide for today? It may be material, and money, and it may not. Are you believing He will do it? How can you start to believe God will provide in all things?

Father God,
You have always kept Your promises. All throughout the Bible we see them. Bring me back to this truth and promises when I begin to doubt. Help my unbelief and help me trust for Your provision in every area of my life. Not just finances, but spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well being provision. Help me hear You clearly about my part in Your providing. What and where do You want me to focus and work on, and remind me to rest. Provide me the strength I need to continue each day, and remember You have NEVER failed. Not once. Thank You for the hope You give, and help me remember You will supply ALL my needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

© 2023. All Rights Reserved. Susan M Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC.