Provision

     It is so intriguing that the very things we gather in preparation for a storm are the essential necessities of our spiritual lives, as well as our natural lives. We scramble to purchase candles, batteries, water and food to preserve our natural lives in the midst of disaster, when our spiritual lives may be lacking these life-giving staples everyday. God has provided to us these spiritual substances through the provision of His Son and His Spirit. The word provision literally means, “to see ahead as to what will be needed.” Just as in the preparation for a natural disaster one cannot wait until the items are needed to go about attaining them. We would be hard-pressed to attempt to navigate the gales of a hurricane to find provision after the storm has struck. God knows what our needs are and His desire is that you take stock and stock up on the spiritual provision that He has afforded us. Let us see what the scripture reveals about these truths.
     A candle will afford us light when lit on a darkened night. Its flickering flame pales in comparison to the True light of Jesus Christ as John 8:12 proclaims, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” By faith in Jesus and resultant salvation we are given this light to eternally illuminate our paths.
     Stocking up on batteries that run our flashlights, radios, and various other pieces of equipment will ensure that we are able to navigate, obtain information and keep our families safe in times of dire threat. Romans 15:13 speaks of the ultimate power source,“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, we are able to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles and build a place of refuge for others as well. The word Paraclete is derived from the same root as the familiar word “parallel.” It means “One Who comes alongside.” The Holy Spirit indwells and infuses us to prevail over the enemy.
     We  endeavor to buy gallons of drinking water and fill our bathtubs for hygienic water use in preparation for the possibility of our electricity failing in a storm. Water is the essence of life. The human body is comprised of 60-70% water. John 4:10 tells us,“Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.'” Water is a necessity, may we drink of Him daily.
     By the empty bread aisles apparent in most grocery stores before an imminent storm, it is obvious that bread is a diet staple. We will never come to Jesus and find He is empty of this food of life. In John 6:35 Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

The tending of a vital relationship with God will ensure our provision in this life and in eternity.

I pray that you stock up on God's provisions, we never know when the next storm may occur.

Patti