Our Family Time with God

November 17, 2009

GOD IS GREAT

IN HIS PROVISION

Scripture Reading-- Psalm 95

Give special attention to verse 7.

In John 10:11, Jesus describes Himself as the "good shepherd." According to His teachings, the shepherd must protect his sheep and provide for their needs. One of the greatest promises in God's Word is in Philippians 4:19. "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" ( emphasis added ). In today's Scripture reading, we read, "For he is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand" ( v. 7a emphasis added ). In Psalm 23:1, David wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" ( emphasis added ). Our God is in the need-meeting business!

My dad, Dr. George Palmer, became a pastor in the early 20th century. God blessed him and my mother with eight children. In the early years, they lived on a meager salary and often had no money and nothing to eat. Mother brought the family to the table so Dad could pray for the meal God was going to provide. A man of great faith, Dad loved to tell about times when he was praying and someone brought food for the family. He would pray again, giving thanks for the food God did provide, and Mom would prepare the meal. Was he merely presumptuous of God? Absolutely not! He believed with all his heart that God was great in His provision and would be true to His Word. With that kind of faith, no wonder God gave him a worldwide ministry.

Do you have the faith to take God at His Word? Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Real faith thanks God for His provision even before He provides. God allows us to experience special needs so we can experience His great provision.

COUNT THE COST: Allow God to test your faith with a special need so you can experience His great provision. You may need to wait awhile because God is never in a hurry, but He's always on time.

--Jack Palmer--