Growing up a Christian I always struggled with World Vision commercials because I was continually told that God provides, but if that was true, why are there starving children? Does God care? Does He care, but unable to fix the problem? I know the standard answer is that God provides a world with enough resources to feed everyone, but He also made people with freewill, which means we have the freedom to make bad decisions that hurt both others and ourselves. For instance, greed leads to certain leaders keeping food from being distributed to those in need while selfishness prevents individuals in well-off countries like Canada from offering more aid. But the question still remains: Does God provide?
I find that God takes me through different learning phases. Over the past 10 years the phases included what it means to be emotionally healthy, how to be happy, and the importance of thankfulness. 2015 started with a new realization: God does provide. This realization comes at the personal level, but for me this message rings loud and clear. After losing my position as a youth pastor due to the church’s financial position (which was fine), a silly paper problem stopped me from supply teaching, which really screwed me over job wise. I was left wondering how could God allow this? Why didn’t He just fix this paper issue? It simply took someone being nice to me, but no. After a life of trying to follow His Will I lost 2 great jobs and I was left with a part-time position as a marriage and family therapist where clients regularly don’t show up, which leaves me without being paid. For close to a year I’ve had resume after resume be responded to with silence, which was matched by the silence I felt from God. I continued my routine of seeking Him and then this January when I received my MasterCard bill… not a moment anyone enjoys, especially after Christmas… I had a really cool moment. Despite my minimal income, God still managed to provide me with enough money to pay my bills for the year with a little extra going into savings every month since losing my jobs. This situation was reminiscent of Bible stories like Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath or Jesus feeding the 5000. It could be argued that God’s provision is just proof that I’m cheap, but this past year I bought an engagement ring (it was a fantastic deal; thank you KenWall.com) and I was still able to go to Disney where I proposed (a trip I already had planned; I don’t suggest getting laid off and celebrating by going to Disneyland).
Does provision mean money for everyone? No. God providing can mean different things. I believe God speaks to us in the way our heart is drawn. For instance, I’m incredibly cheap, and God speaks to this aspect of my heart, especially since I’ve been in a tough spot financially. For God to provide for me financially, however, it requires me to do three very important things. The first is pretty obvious: Be wise with my money. I’m continually looking for ways to save money. I also limit how often I treat myself and typically have free water or nothing when I go out. The second and third key came to me after I was already doing them. In my wedding ceremonies I read the passage “Love is patient; love is kind…” and it wasn’t until yesterday that these words jumped out at me. If God is going to provide, I have to be patient. Love is patient, which means God is patient. Thus, I need to be patient. I need to be patient for great opportunities. For instance, my fiancé and I just bought a house and it was in my head: ‘Wait for the blessing’, and that’s what we found; our house is such a blessing. The third point for God to provide is I need to be open to His kindness, which often comes through people’s kindness. This can be incredibly humbling, but this is required for God to provide. I would much rather help others than let them help me. For instance, my mom has been unbelievably kind to me. It has been a challenge to let her, and I specifically prayed for God to provide without having to use her, but if it wasn’t for her kindness I would be in a much worse spot. Accepting kindness can be difficult, but it’s important if God is to provide.
Does God provide? I can’t speak for the starving children in the world, but I do know that in my own life that He does. As I continue to seek Him, I can look back at the path I’ve travelled, and see how He has continually provided. I may not like how He provides, what He provides, and when He provides, but God continually provides for me.
This week, may you see God’s provision in your own life and find the reassurance this provides.
Rev. Chad David, www.ChadDavid.ca, Learning to love dumb people