Having Faith: Assume Sufficiency, Not Scarcity - Day 17

September 11, 2012

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us."  1 John 5:14

It is tough to assume sufficiency or think about giving in these uncertain economic times.  We have all been touched or know someone close who has been dealing with loss of income.  It is frightening to think about people who have worked their whole lives for retirement, only to lose it after they've retired.  We don't want that to be us.

We must remember that God promises to provide.  He will provide in both meanings of "will".  First he will provide in HIS time, not ours.  Blessings don't always come when we want them but I submit they always come when we need them.  Second, it is His will that we are provided for.  We need only trust in him!  It's not easy, trust me?  I have experienced this first hand.

There are so many parables in the New Testament cautioning us about the scarcity assumption, for instance the parable in Luke 12 about the farmer who had so much grain he didn't have enough room to store it all so he built newer bigger barns but died the next day.  What about the Loaves and Fishes stories in John 6 and Mark 8 where Jesus fed thousands, out of the scarcity of fish and bread?

Resist the temptation to hold back.  Believe that God will provide!  You are blessed.

Gracious God, help us to resist the temptation to hold back from those in need.  Help us to understand that you have always provided and will continue to provide.  We are weak but you are strong.  Strengthen us in our faith and belief.  Show us the joy of giving.  Your grace is sufficient for us.  Amen.

Author:  Steve Brick