Exodus 16: 4-15 1 Kings 17 2 Corinthians 9:8 Luke 18:17
I love volunteering for Vacation Bible School at my local church. Two of the themes from Vacation Bible School centered on God’s providence. One theme was “Wilderness Escape” in which I taught the kids about the adventures of Moses and the Israelites in the desert. Through teaching the kids about God providing for the Israelites, I reminded myself that God will also provide for my needs. Every day in the week-long Bible School had a catchphrase and Wilderness Escape’s catchphrases ended with “Trust Him!” The VBS I volunteered at the following year had a similar theme. We went from the desert wilderness to the top of Mount Everest. Like the previous Bible Camp, the theme of Everest was to trust in God, this time using the catchphrase “Hold on!”
We are so used to the desire to be in control of our lives. We worry about what we’ll eat, the clothes that we wear, our work, and so many other things. Do we trust in God to provide for us? Do we hold onto him with the faith of a child? It’s not exactly easy!
There’s a big difference between acting childish and trusting God like a child would. Take a look at the Israelites who were acting very childish. They complained and longed for Egypt in spite of the fact that they were set free from slavery and that God saved them from the Pharaoh who went after them by parting the waters for them and drowning out the enemy. In spite of their whining, God provided the Israelites with quail in the evening and manna in the morning.
Compare that to the child-like faith Elijah had in God. God led Elijah to a brook and commanded ravens to feed him there. Then, he found hospitality with a widow. God gave the widow two miracles: endless flour and oil until the end of the drought and the life of her son. Strangely enough, it wasn’t until her son was brought back to life that the widow finally believed that Elijah was a man of God.
How many of us are more like the Israelites and the widow? Complaining even after God gives us miracles? Having the faith of a child means trusting in God to provide for us completely. He is always with us. He gives us what we need, whether it be our everyday things like food and shelter or the strength to face adversity. He protects and saves us, even when bad things happen to us. We need only ask for His guidance and He will give it to us. Having the faith of a child also means holding onto Him because He has the power to provide. We rely on God’s comfort when we are burdened with troubles. His Divine Providence can heal us both physically and emotionally. He has the power to forgive us whenever we’ve done wrong. Best of all, His love for us is infinite, lasting forever and ever.
All of these things are just a few ways of how God’s providence works in our lives. It doesn’t just happen out of the blue, but in everyday ways. When we pray the Our Father and ask God to “give us this day our daily bread,” we pray that with the faith in His Divine Providence. And if you feel like a prayer has gone unanswered, know that there is no such thing. God answers all our prayers. He just doesn’t always say “Yes.” If you are trying to decide on something, trust that God will guide you and help you know what is best for you. If you are undergoing a trial or suffering, know that God is there to comfort and heal you. No matter what, God always loves you.
Today’s featured song was part of the Everest VBS: “One Thing Remains.” It’s a song that reminds us that God’s love never fails. It gets stuck in your head really easily, too.
Stay grateful, dearest sisters in Christ!
Study Questions:
1.What are some ways you feel that God has provided for you?
2.Which areas of your life do you trust God with the least? Why? How do you think you can trust God with it?
3.What are some areas in your life where you feel you need God to guide you?
