Josh Hossler | 08/31/2021
It can be hard to trust but over and over again we see a picture of a God who provides for all of our needs.
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
When I think of God providing, my focus is often on financial things. That seems to be the biggest area of worry and struggle for most people. One of the things that helps me though is to think of all the other ways God also provides. When I realize just how many needs of mine God takes care of, it gives me greater courage to trust He will provide for me financially too.
So, here are five needs and five ways God provides.
We are wired for relationship. Even introverts need friends. Not only does God give us a new family in Jesus Christ, God is faithful to give us close friends to do life with. These friendship become one of the most significant sources of encouragement, support, and joy.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
We live in a crazy world. Life is coming at us and swirling around us at a relentless pace. The pace can leave us in serious hurt. God reassures us though that He is our joy. He is our source of stability. He is our peace.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The Bible describes God as “Jehovah-Rophe” (or Jehovah-Rapha) more than 60 times. Jehovah means “God” and Rophe or Rapha means “to restore,” “to heal,” or “to make healthful.” God is faithful to take care of all of our physical needs for food, rest, and even restoration. God will use all kinds of methods to do this but the bottom line is, God takes care of our physical needs.
“I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26
Our greatest need would have to be our need for forgiveness. Our sin causes spiritual death and separation from God. God knew we had a spiritual need. So he sent His Son. God takes care of our spiritual need completely! What great joy and confidence know this is settled. We are secure in Him!
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32
There are times we have needs we don’t even know we have. The great part is God does and God provides. There’s a part in the story of the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. They are in the desert, their supplies have run out, they have no where to turn. They turn to God and God turns it into a teaching moment. He wants them to learn to depend on Him. He wants to provide for their needs and He wants them to know this. The solution is something called “manna”, a bread-like substance that appeared in the mornings as the sun melted away the dew. God used this to sustain them for their 40 year journey in the wilderness. What stood out to me was one verse:
“The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was. And Moses told them, ‘It is the food the LORD has given you to eat.'” Exodus 16:15
The Hebrew word “manna” literally means “what is it?” God provided for a need with something they didn’t even know existed. The same is true for us. God is such an amazing provider – He will provide for needs you don’t even know you had with things you didn’t even know existed. He simply wants us to trust Him. So, whatever you’re going through, be encouraged, God provides. You can trust Him!
In which of these five areas have you seen God provide the most? How has He been faithful to you? Does this give you greater confidence that He will continue to provide in every area of your life in the future?
“God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Josh Hossler | Lead Pastor
Josh is the founding and Lead Pastor of Evident Church. He is passionate about helping people find their purpose and follow Jesus. Josh enjoys his family, preaching, leadership, writing, and is also is an adjunct professor of philosophy at Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI. He and his wife Raelyn, have three daughters, AvaRae, AdaLyn, and AnaBel.More from Josh Hossler
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