When God’s Provision Comes One Day at a Time - The Crosswalk Devotional - November 10
When God’s Provision Comes One Day at a Time
By: Michelle Laurek
Bible Reading:
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.” - Matthew 6:10-11
For the past few months, my husband has worked as a transitional pastor. This means he helps churches fill the gap after a pastor leaves while they search for a new one. While the work has been good in that he can help them discuss areas of growth, resolve any issues as they await their new pastor, and help with the revitalization of certain aspects of the church, it is not always as consistent as full-time ministry.
After my husband's contract ran out with one church, we went many months without a consistent income. Even though we were content with what God was giving us, the money still wasn't enough to make ends meet. At first, my husband grumbled, and I worried. What if God wouldn't provide? What if we lost our home? What if we didn't have enough to pay the bills?
However, instead of getting stuck in a rut of complaint and fear, we decided to change our strategy. Each night, we would pray. We would present our requests to God, both big and small. The income became so unpredictable that we literally prayed each night that God would give us our daily bread. We laid all our bills figuratively before his feet and asked him to take care of them.
Although not all were paid instantly, it gave me peace to know I had given it over to the one who could truly change the situation for his good. Since he already knew what we needed, I had to trust that he would give us what we needed each week to pay all the bills we had that month.
As the holidays approach, it'll be easy for all of us to get bogged down in extra bills. Christmas gifts, holiday shopping, and holiday feasts can all take a toll on a budget, especially one as volatile as ours. However, there is hope.
First, ask Jesus for your daily bread. This is how he taught us to pray. We are to come expecting that God will provide exactly what we need. It may not always be in abundance, but he will always provide first for his children.
Second, trust that he will do his part in providing for you. Often, we take matters into our own hands and believe we need to make more to provide for ourselves. But God wants us to rely on him, not on ourselves, for our own provision.
Third, don’t bog yourself down in worry. Do you fear losing control of a situation? Do you just focus on one day at a time? Focus on the present moment and ask God what he would want you to do for today only. You may find your peace increases when you focus only on today, not the worries and cares of tomorrow. This is a great time to memorize Scripture. When we focus our minds on the Word rather than our worries, our situations feel less cumbersome.
Last, don't feel as if you must put on an elaborate holiday to win people's approval or acceptance. If this year is a thin year for you financially, make accommodations as you need. Seek to limit your budget, buy only for the kids in the family, and set limits as to how much you can spend. It is harder for God to provide all your needs when you overextend your budget. Being a good steward of life means being a good steward of finances. By doing so, you can afford and enjoy the holidays stress-free.
As the above verses indicate, God wants to provide us with our daily bread. He will give us exactly what we need when we need it. Ask him for what you need, then watch in amazement as he provides over—and sometimes even above—what you've asked for.
Lord, let us be willing to ask for our daily bread. Let us come to you with our fears about our finances. Let us trust you with our daily provision. Help us to know that you love us enough to provide for our every need. Amen.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you struggle to ask God for God’s provision? What prevents you from asking God for your daily bread?
Further Reading:
Matthew 6:25-34
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: Wavebreakmedia
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