Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will Provide

Joshua 5:11-12 “The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.”

The verses above strike me much. I’ve struggled with provision all my life. It defines almost everything I do - how I behave, how I see myself, how I think, how I work, all the decisions I make. I have strived all my life to ensure provision is enough. But God has promised many, many times He will provide for everything I need. Sometimes it is so surreal. I will see visions of Him endowing me with diamonds, money, castle etc. I know He just wants me to trust Him. It’s been quite a journey, my years as a Christian with God, especially these few years. The things I’m afraid to let go because I’m afraid they will not be enough, He will make me face them again and again to let go. To let go so I can trust Him, so that I can be free and be my true self in front of people and God.

And slowly and gently, as He pry my hands open to these things that I hold for my dear life, albeit sometimes kicking and screaming with tears rolling, He proves Himself faithful in His provision.

There’s still a long way for me to go, I know. Like the Israelites, I have to trust God to fight for me to get my inheritance. But like the verses above, God never let His people go hungry in all situations. Not when we have a God who provides.

Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for your provision in times of need, in times of abundance. I want to be able to let go and trust you more each day. May your glory fall upon us today, in Jesus name I pray, amen.

Demand for a sign or miracle

Mark 8

Mark 8:2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”

Mark 8:12 “He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."”

Jesus knew our needs before we mouthed them. In Mark 8, He was filled with compassion for the people who came a long distance to see Him and He provided food for the hungry and filled the people. The people did not ask but a miracle was performed.

In the New Testament, we see many people of great suffering and need going to Jesus, begging Him for help and healing. He never rejected them. In the Old Testament, the Israelites grumbled and complained, God still listened and performed many miracles to meet their needs, though with many lessons for them.

However, when the Pharisees demanded for a sign or a miracle from Jesus to test Him, He refused to give. There was no need for a show or a performance.

What is our attitude when we approach God? Why do we want to see signs or miracles?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you that you know our needs even before we speak. Help us to realize our hunger and to come humbly to you to fill us, in Jesus name, amen.