Provider

 

Big word. He calls Himself Provider. Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides; it's one of His favorite names. That's His covenant with us. "My God shall supply all your needs..."

 

He wants us to see Him in that role.

 

I just finished working through the book of Ezekiel and discovered a pattern I hadn't noticed. There are some places where it's pretty heavy sledding in that book, but every time God delivers His people He concludes the narrative with the statement, "Then they will know that I am the Lord." Maybe fifty times that phrase occurs. He wants us to know...He's there! He's active. He's eager to provide. Eager.

 

Recently I heard about a wealthy businessman, in his late sixties maybe. He and his wife had worked hard and now were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The pressure was off, they travelled, they could help others, they had a sense of grand fulfillment. But then, unexpectedly, she died. Understandably he was crushed, his plans forever altered.

 

But a year later he met a lady, younger than himself, and by-and-by they married. To their surprise, the following year she became pregnant. He was miffed. He had never had children and now it was evident that his plans would have to change. New responsibilities, new schedule, new restrictions on his time, new priorities. His life took a direction he hadn't planned on. He wasn't happy.

 

When the time came for her to deliver he accompanied her to the hospital. Like all good pre-dads, he paced the floor. Waiting. Nervous. Conflicted. Later that afternoon a nurse brought his new baby boy, snuggled in a blue blanket, and placed it in his arms. Dad was overcome with new emotions. A few minutes later he gazed into the face of his infant son and whispered, "Welcome. I can't wait to give you my world!"

 

God whispers that to you, too. "I can't wait to give you my world. Renewed. Recreated. Unbroken. I am your Provider. Welcome!"

 

By Don Jacobsen