As I sit here trying to figure out what to write, I'm praying that the Lord would speak. I don’t know what He wants to say, but pray with me that He does.
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Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:26-33
For over a year now I have slowly but surely been moving towards ministry work overseas. I have sought the Lord, listened to His voice and have, though sometimes kicking and screaming, been obedient to His call. He has increased my faith and demonstrated His unending and unfailing love and provision for me. And still I sometimes find myself in doubt. Why?
Reflecting on all He has done for me in the past few years, I realized that my perspective at times is entirely wrong! Too often I find myself approaching God in ways that are less like a daughter talking with her Father and more like a defendant before a judge, feeling as though I need to plead with Him and convince Him of what I need. But, as one who is co-heirs with Christ, this is incorrect, and (dare I say it…) sinful! Not only does God already know what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:7-8), but acting as though He won’t respond or He doesn’t care is, at the core, calling God a liar. According to the Bible, it is most assuredly against God’s character for Him to fail to provide or refuse to answer our prayers.
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
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. John 14:13-14
Not only that, but failing to approach Him with expectant hearts diminishes this gift we have been given as God’s children. As children of God and co-heirs with Christ, we have the freedom to approach our Father boldly and with confidence, expecting Him to answer us (Hebrews 4:16). He may not always answer in the time frame we want, in the ways we want, or even give us the answer that we want, but when we seek Him, He will provide exactly what we need and ask for (John 15:7). Instead of wondering if He’s going to show up, we should be waiting in anticipation, eagerly expecting His provision, and excited to see how He reveals Himself next!
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
The Bible is clear: God will provide. He has told us that we have no reason to worry and we can fully depend on Him. God is not small, and our requests will not break Him. So, let us approach the throne of grace boldly, without hesitation or fear, because our Father in Heaven has promised us He will meet our every need. Praise God that he desires us to expect Him to show up and that He has given us such freedom to request it!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
How will you expect God to reveal Himself and provide for you today?