Before we realize what we need or ask for it, God already knows. He is already working to provide or make it happen. The timing and the answer are often unknown, but I have the assurance of His love for me and His desire to give me good things. I have been challenged to thank God for how He is going to answer my prayers as I pray before I know how God will answer. Don't just ask God, but THANK Him. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." In expectancy, wait for the ways that God will give you what you need and in the timing that you need it.
My church has been going through a momumental time in its 200 plus years minitry, as we have had to leave the historic church property and pay a large sum of money over a theological difference in beliefs of scripture and biblical understanding. Although it has been a time of frustration, sadness, and grief, God continues to show up and provide in ways that are unexpected. This morning's message, "God Will Provide", was a inspirational reminder of that truth. This morning was the first morning we held worship at our long-term temporary location, Bishop O'Connell High School.
As Rev. Bill Haley shared about the Israelites' exodus from slavery and into the promised land, he pointed out how quickly the Israelites forgot about how God spared their lives and delivered them. They were quick to grumble, complain, and ask when God would give them food. Despite their distrust, God provided the manna and quail in abundance. God made it clear to Moses that the people were only to take what they needed for THAT day. He did not want them to gather up more than they could eat. This may seem irresponsible or wasteful to leave behind all the leftovers, but it was God's command. He did not want the Israelites to depend upon their reserves or plan for their needs. God was very clear.
When we begin to take things into our own hands, take control of the plans, or put our trust into the extra manna rather than the manna-provider, we miss out on God's great blessings and gifts. He delights in providing for us. He wants our reliance and our trust. God knows our needs, just what we need. He is intimately aware of our heart's desires and our longings. God wants to give us good gifts. How can we receive them though if we are too busy making sure we get what we need or want? If we don't leave room for the Lord to bless us, we miss out on the blessing.
A story from the book, The Circle Maker, that I have been reading was told this morning in church. I got really excited when Rev. Haley started to recount this miracle from Dallas Theological Seminary because it is so cool and an example of how God provides! The seminary was in danger of bankruptcy in its early years. A group of faculty members gathered together to pray that God would provide the money they needed to stay afloat. One of the men, Harry Ironside, prayed, "Lord, we know you own the cattle on a thousand hills. Please sell some of them, and send us the money." Pretty funny and many would even say improbable. In keeping with the theme of this post, God already knew their need and the impending closure of the school if they did not receive the funds they needed. He had already been working on it. During this prayer time, the secretary received notice from a cattle rancher that he was giving the seminary the money from a transaction in which he had just sold two carloads of cattle. Perhaps not a thousand hills, but one hill of cows was enough as it was the $10,000 answer they needed.
I want to encourage my fellow racers as you may be feeling discouraged about fundraising or uncertain about how God will meet your needs this summer as we prepare to embark on this journey that God has called us to. I want to encourage my friends who may feel like they have been praying the same prayer for weeks, months, even years and it has not been answered in the time or way you think it should. This is to encourage my family in the assurance of God's omnipresence and omniscience and that He knows our needs and desires. The Lord KNOWS and is ACTIVELY working on providing for us. I truly believe this.
