ContentmentProvisionStrengthThanksgiving

The Real Provision

Posted Brian

God has been, is, and always will be the Great Provider.  Whatever He gives to us has been carefully apportioned “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.   Notice that God’s giving is inseparable from Christ’s glory.  When God gives in a way that leaves us with humble means, He has done that in accordance with that glory.  When He blesses us with prosperity, likewise it’s in accordance with Christ’s glory. 

Paul came to realize that the real blessing isn’t the gift itself, but the knowledge and confidence that what God faithfully provides through Jesus is enough to get him through no matter the physical need or circumstances.  God’s provision in Christ cannot be compared with the physical needs we have in any moment, yet God in His great mercy chooses to meet those as well. 

What and amazingly merciful God we have that is able to patiently teach us this truth.  Most of us rarely go without anything. Some of us know what it is to scrounge for a meal.  All of us have been given everything we need in Christ. This provision is greater than any other found in the physical realm.  Let us not miss the fullness of the phrase:

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength ~ Philippians 4:13

Reflection

For which is greater;  to learn to be completely content and strengthened in Christ or temporarily  satisfy our physical needs?  We must master the demands of our flesh and put them in their proper place.  When we do, we see the real provision God has given us through His Son Christ and we ovegrflow with joy in all circumstances. 

Am I content with what God has apportioned to me?

What needs distract you from seeing what God is providing for you in Christ Jesus?

Ask yourself, “Do I really believe that I have all I need in Christ?”

Prayer

Heavenly Father and Great provider, You seek to show me my heart’s deepest need and are teaching me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Your provision in Christ is all I need. Write that truth upon my heart with your permanent marker of Love. May Your truth be the fuel of every thought and may our response be lips filled with praise.  We lift all of this in stour Son, Jesus, Amen!

4 thoughts on “The Real Provision”

  1. Goodmorning Brian.In reflecting these questions, some days I find that I have no wants or needs and some I have dismissed wants or needs when I conclude that all I need is air to breath,water to drink,food to eat,clothes to wear,shoes ,electricity, a bed and roof over my head and a small income to pay for these,being reminded that there are a lot of people without most of those,.The challenge in those times is to consider those people and I find myself blessed,grateful and get content. Yet the underlying thoughts on other days,I find my wants for anything creates ungratefulness. I ponder that this may be because as a I came through life without Christ.Without an earthly father., I did have to scrounge for everything I needed. Even so as a child, grew up frequently having to steal food from the town grocier or hanging out a friends hoping to be invited for supper.There was never enough..It was with great happiness to get a pair of shoe;s,new or used. ( 8th grade up there were times that we had to put duck tape around the old pair to even have something to wear) or receive a care package of food or a new set of clothes for school or even a job.Growing up without, I feel, has lead to greed and want for more and even just the simplest things others take for granted. A job,a car, going shopping for new clothes instead of the used clothes store these are wants that I justify as needs. . Living on hand me downs may have caused great damage to the thinking. I have to fight thoughts against covetousness,rejection,disappointment and discouragement when I do have an essential need or any want, and is an ongoing battle.But here’s the real point I have to consider and look back on,.there was ALWAYS provision. Not so much when I wanted on my timing,but in time. This is where I can see the grace of God. I am still alive and didn’t die from the lack. Yet there are times, I wonder how can it be that some dont have to worry about how they are going get THINGS they want because they have the money to just go and buy. In sarcasm,I have said(being in Christ now) I am the richest,poor person I know)..This is a true statement and should really consider that I really have all things in Christ. Learning about gratitude for those THINGS I do have is ongoing. So Praise the Lord..In Him is the satisfaction and its even more enjoyable to receive something now when I leave expectation out and rely on God my provider..Soo, I ask for prayer. Prayer for this process from vexation to contentment and gratitude and application,as God is transforming my heart and mind to His.This is yet another mountain that has a deep trench around it to be cast into the deep. I can and will say I am thankful that I have been and am poor,for it brings me to consider the needs of others and prompts generous giving when I have been graced and blessed with extra. HMMM, this thought is satisfying to the heart.Thank you Brian for blessing me this morning, as I needed to examine my heart yet once again getting another eye-opener.My final thoughts on this post as I prepare for the day is attitude of gratitude, keep my eye’s focused on Christ,faith in the unseen and I have everything I need. Everything being Christ Jesus.My grace is sufficient.The Lord is my Shepard,I shall not want. Glory..God bless you and keep you.Have an awesome day.. 🙂

  2. The Lord has been showing me the more i trust Him to provide for my financial and physical needs. I trust and obey what HE tells me to do. I still need a job and I know HE has the perfect place for me; where I will be able to share the talents an gifts HE has bestowed upon me and my house.
    Your daily teachings are a huge blessing to me. Blessings brother.

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