Trust God for Provision

“And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts” — Mark 6:7 - 8 NKJV

One of the reasons why many people think twice before accepting God’s call unto ministry is the availability of provision. I know one person who decided to pastor a local church. But when he told his Dad about it, the father asked whether he wanted to live a poor life. That was so discouraging. Today, some people think ministry is for poor people. That’s a lie from the pit of hell.

Friend, God doesn’t provide for what he hasn’t called you to do. If your job, business or ministry is from the Lord, He’ll fund it. And how he does it is in several ways you cannot fathom all.

Look at the life of the twelve apostles. When Jesus sent them out to preach for the first time, He told them not to send anything for the journey – such as bags, bread and money-bag. But why? Was Jesus mean to these people? No!

I believe Jesus did that for two reasons:

To test their zeal for ministry, whether it’s rooted in mammon or God.
To train the disciples about how to trust God for provision in all their life as they do God’s work.

It’s no surprise to me that this leadership act of Jesus worked. Why? Because in Acts 3, Peter and John didn’t have money to give to the man at the gate. But they had Jesus. And He was enough for ministry to keep flowing.

God is not unwise or careless not to think about your well-being. When He delays consistent provision for a while in your life, especially as a minister, it’s not because He doesn’t want you to be rich. No! It could mean He’s training you to become dependent on Him for provision and not people, organisations or even parents.

Just as the Apostles obeyed Jesus, went out to preach and came back rejoicing for the exploits God used them to wrought on the mission field, so you’ll return to God rejoicing each day for learning obedience through the things you have suffered (or suffering now).

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Oh God, I choose to trust You for my daily provision. You have said that You’ll never leave nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). By this promise, I pray, oh God, nourish my life with an abundant provision for the progress of your cause in my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 077