Wednesday, October 23
Day 10
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:31-33
God Provides
I’ll be the first to admit I’m a control freak. I’ve always been one who finds contentment in planning and controlling everything I possibly can. I like to be prepared, to have backup plans B, C, D, and E, just in case things don’t go according to MY plan. Giving up control has always been a struggle of mine for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t until just a few years ago I learned that regardless of my abundance of planning, God will provide for me. It’s always been a hard truth for my logical mind to wrap around—how could God provide for me in all aspects of my life, without my planning or by my own doing?
There have been quite a few instances where God has shown up in my life and provided in ways I never thought possible. Take for instance when my daughter, Jolie, turned two years old and was still not talking or using her words. After numerous doctor and specialist appointments, my husband and I were handed one of our worst fears—an autism diagnosis for our sweet, beautiful, innocent daughter. When you’re suddenly faced with a diagnosis you know nothing about, the worry and fear can consume you. How is this going to affect her? Is it going to prevent her from living a full life?
Despite the diagnosis, God provided for my daughter and family in more ways than one. He started by providing the very best doctors, therapies, and opportunities for Jolie to gain growth and support through early intervention. Our community and the amount of people who spoke truth in and through us during those first few years were so crucial to how we clung to Jesus. All that time spent worrying about Jolie, and now I look at how God provided for her… she’s a happy, healthy, SUPER talkative, and THRIVING five-year-old little girl today!
There’s a great song I heard just the other week called “Great Is” by Elevation Worship, and it reminded me of all the different ways God has provided for me in my life. The lyrics really hit home when I heard, “When I look back over my life and I think how good You have been, my soul sings, great is, Great is Your faithfulness. When I get Your love on my mind, I get grateful all over again. My soul sings, great is, Great is Your faithfulness. Oh, my soul sings, great is, Great is Your faithfulness.”
I am so thankful for a Father who never changes. Regardless of my feelings and circumstances, I know I have a Father who loves me unconditionally and will meet me where I am every single day. A Father who knows I’m far from perfect, but still shows up and provides for me in ways I could never do on my own… and if there’s ever a time when I happen to forget this, I know I can look back over my shoulder at my life and see just how God provided, even in the trenches.
Prayer:
God, I am so grateful YOU are over all things. Thank you for all the ways you’ve provided in the past, and for all the ways you will provide in the future. You are faithful and trustworthy, and this gives me such peace. Draw me back to you when I am tempted to fear or to control what is not mine to control. My hope is in you. Amen.
Pray For Our Church: Take some time to pray for Pathway today—the people who make up our church, the staff, the ministries, etc. Ask God to work in and through us.
Pray For Our City: Pray for the people of our community and ask God to be at work in our hometown.
Pray For Our Nation: Pray for our nation—its people and its leaders. Boldly and specifically make your requests, then submit those desires to God’s will. Express your trust in Him.
Reflect:
- How have you seen God’s faithfulness and his promises lived out today?
- Write 2-3 points of gratitude and thank Jesus for these things.
- Spend time praising God for who he is, what he has done, where he is at work, and what he has promised.
By Sierra Becker
Sierra Becker and husband, Chris, have called Pathway Community Church home since April 2016. They have two little girls, Jolie (5) and Lily (3). Previously, Sierra worked for Pathway in the Care Ministry department, and currently serves on the Meals Ministry and Funeral Teams.