Knowing God faithfully provides out of His love and grace is my stepping stone of faith as I cross over rushing rivers, trickling streams and washes of debris left by storms rolled in. It is the constant that keeps me going day in and day out.
I struggled to maintain a strong sense of faith during the first months of leaving my career to focus on strengthening my marriage and family. More than sixty percent of our family income was slashed and two weeks later, budget cuts forced my husband’s income to be reduced.
There was no human way possible for us make it, but I knew God called me to stay home. Despite God’s will, I diligently searched jobs and scheduled interviews. When an offer for employment was made, God would remind me of one constant truth.
“Where I lead, I provide.”
And so, begrudgingly I declined offers of jobs that were perfectly fit for my situation. Jobs that seemed to be delivered by God, allowing me to name my title, wage and hours. But the whisper turned into a whirlwind.
“Where I lead, I provide.”
God is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Will Provide.
During this past year, as we live life more simply, a mountain of hope firmly erects under my feet, even when tremors of uncertainly threaten to shake me off.
God will provide even though our account balance is in the red.
God will provide a sanctuary of peace when my husband and I are at war.
God will provide restoration even while my heart is being excavated.
Because…
I remember the check unexpectedly delivered and the food brought to my doorstep.
I remember fighting in the night and seeing love and joy invade the heart of my husband and I just 8 hours later.
I remember God’s penetrating Word that restored and rebuilt, leading me to a place of serving Him.
God’s provision is as sure as the rising and setting of the sun. The word, “jireh” comes from the same root word used in El Roi, God who sees. It speaks of God seeing and of God being seen. It speaks of His ability to forsee our needs before they are uttered.
From the omniscient view out His window, God says the same thing He told the nation of Israel, “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” – Isaiah 65:24
God’s promises of provision do not guarantee we will have plenty. God has consistently provided for our family, even when we ate potatoes days in a row, turned in our vehicle or stayed home from school because we didn’t have gas.
Where God leads, God provides. Abraham knew about this well.
Jehovah Jireh is used first by Abraham in speaking to His son, Isaac, on Mount Moriah.
In the early morning hours, they went up the lonely mountain together, carrying all the supplies needed for a sacrifice. Out of obedience and trust, Abraham walked what I’m sure was a long, hard, contemplative road of surrender. Surrendering his will to God’s. Even in the midst of this desperate hour, Abraham holds on to the strong cord of faith.
Imagine the reaction of this father’s heart when Isaac said, “The fire and wood are here but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:8)
Abraham didn’t know how God would provide, simply that He would provide. With an expectant heart, He continued to walk up the hill of uncertainty.
Abraham trusted covenant-keeping God to fulfill His promise to have descendants as numerous as grains of sand. Abraham knew He would be a father to all nations. Did he ponder those promises with each setting of stone, placement of the wood and tie of the rope?
God’s promises of provision do not destroy the road of pain, suffering and heartache. When Abraham raised a knife over the body of His precious, beloved and cherished son, I wonder if his lips quivered from holding back a tidal wave of tears.
Faithfully, the God of the eleventh hour swooped in with a message from on high, “Abraham! Abraham! I provided a sacrifice! I made a way!”
So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14)
It was faith in Jehovah Jireh that sustained Abraham’s heart during this ordeal. The same faith Abraham had to maintain unwavering obedience is the same faith God provides us to be obedient to His calling and endure our trials.
Allow the truth of Jehovah Jireh to saturate your heart and sustain every step of your faith.
Where He leads, He provides.
When was the last time God provided for you?
