Ordinary Time

Pause

Consider this text from John Newton's, The Lord Will Provide.

Though troubles assail and dangers affright,
Though friends should all fail and foes all unite;
Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide,
The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide.

Still your heart. When you are ready, read today's scripture and open yourself to the One who provides.

Listen

In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat."

Exodus 16:13-15

Think

While they were sleeping God rains down food to the Israelites. They woke up confused as to what it was, but it was food. After complaining and waiting impatiently, they had asked and it was provided. They did not have to search for food, as it came to them in the same way that God comes to us.

God surprises us with just what we need in unexpected ways. Maybe it is a new friend in math class. Maybe it is a way to earn some money to help out your family. Maybe it is a neighbor that listens. Maybe it is a moment of discovery that gives insight into the future. But God comes to us. God hears us, listens to us, walks with us; God is for us. The answers we are searching for may come unexpectedly, and we may not even recognize them as answers. In any case, God provides.

Marnie Fisher-Ingram

 

Pray

God, thank you for providing for me in ways seen and unseen. Help me to recognize the ways you care for me. Amen.

Go

No strength of our own, or goodness we claim,
Yet since we have known the Savior's great name;
In this our strong tower for safety we hide,
The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide.

The Lord Will Provide, by John Newton