The first P in the The 10 P's of Trusting God to Overcome Fear Devotional.
In today’s world, more and more people live in fear… even Christians.
Why? What is it that causes them stress? Do they not know the word of God or His promises?
Each month we will take a look at one way we can trust in God to help us overcome our fears whether the fear stems from situations in the world, at home, or at work. Whatever it is, it simply doesn’t matter. We should not live in fear for any reason.
In today’s devotional, we will study the first “P” in a year-long series on trusting in God to overcome our fear or fears.
The first P is Provision. How has God provided for His people in the Bible? Then ask yourself, how has He provided for me?
Let’s take a look at God, the Father, first. He provided for the children of Israel time and time again as they wandered through the desert for forty years.
First the Israelites were hungry and he gave them Manna on a daily basis.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. Exodus 16:4
Second, He provided meat because they complained they wanted more than just manna every day. They wanted meat like they had in Egypt.
“I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” Exodus 16:12
Third, His people thirsted for water, and they complained, but God once again provided life sustaining water to them.
“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Exodus 17:6
God the Father provided them three nourishing things… bread, meat and water that sustained them for the forty years they wandered through the wilderness. Even with all the complaints, God still provided for them. That’s a lesson and promise for us. Despite the media’s claims of food shortages (and there may come a time when there are shortages), but God is all powerful. He owns everything, so how can we doubt He will provide sustenance for us?
When Jesus was on earth, He provided physical, emotional, and spiritual support. Incredible.
Jesus had been doing miracles and crossed over to the Sea of Galilee where the people followed him. There was nowhere to get food, but He too, provided.
And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them [b]to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. John 6:11-13
Jesus had human emotions and provided for His people’s emotional needs. He raised Lazarus from the dead. But more than that, Jesus willingly went to the cross.
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” John 11:1-6
Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” John 11:35-36
(Verse 35 is the shortest verse in the entire Bible. I find it ironic how emotionally packed those two words are.)
Spiritually… Jesus willingly went to the cross to fulfill God the Father’s plan of salvation. He could have come down from that cross any time he wanted to, but love of mankind kept him there. He promised his disciples he’d leave a comforter after he ascended into heaven.
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— John 14:16
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26
When Jesus arose, the Holy Spirit, who is the comforter, indwelled in the hearts of those who believe Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. He is still indwelling in the hearts of men, giving them valuable lessons and discernment concerning the scriptures and daily life.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:2-4
‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39
Each person of the trinity bestowed wondrous gifts unto the people in Biblical times. All of the promises given to those people are given to us (as we see in Acts 2:39) and we need to hold tight to those promises when challenging times threaten to knock us down. We are actually seeing Acts 2:17 happening right before our eyes!
Reflect on how and what God has provided in your life. Keep a journal so you can re-read what He has provided. (And if you’re so inclined, send me an email with your thoughts.)
May God bless you!
First published in Seralynn Lewis’ Red Hearts Newsletter,Volume 24-02.