Lately, I have been considering the reach of God’s provision, and how to maintain perspective when I find myself wanting. Whether it is a leaky roof, a car that needs a repair, a medical need, or the need for personal touch, we all have tangible needs that can lead us to anxious thoughts. But Matthew 6:31-32 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” God is aware of our needs and cares about what we are physically going through, but He is also deeply concerned with our Spiritual well-being.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This implies that God intimately knows our shortcomings, and thankfully has the means to provide where we naturally fall short. This provision or gift is called grace; it is God actively moving toward us, bridging the gap so that our needs are sufficiently cared for. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
God’s provision does not take breaks or have an expiration clause. God is good all the time and fills in the gaps of our life that even we do not see. But His reasoning in this before-mentioned verse is so that we may abound in good works. Oftentimes when I feel the tangible needs mounting around me, I lose perspective and become a perpetual pity partier. I can become panicked at how I am going to get myself out of the mess I find myself in. This is my default. I try to become my own savior rather than allow a God who wants to provide the space to actually do so.
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) This is the question that helps me in my moment of need: How will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? It is a reminder that God sees my needs and cares for me. Whether I receive fulfillment of my tangible “need” or not, I am reminded that God will be faithful to meet me in my inadequacy and fill me with His strength. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
