"And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
We all know that God promises to provide for us, to meet all our needs. But just what does that look like in our life? How does He supply?
God Provides through Paychecks
This is a "no-brain-er."
The Lord allows us to have a job that pays us enough money to pay our bills. He also provides opportunities and ideas to bring in extra money through side jobs or starting our own business.
Remember that the Biblical work week is six days, sun-up to sun-down. Many times a second job is necessary to make ends meet, while still working less hours than the Scriptural work week!
God Provides through Family
We all know that God promises to provide for us, to meet all our needs. But just what does that look like in our life? How does He supply?
God Provides through Paychecks
This is a "no-brain-er."
The Lord allows us to have a job that pays us enough money to pay our bills. He also provides opportunities and ideas to bring in extra money through side jobs or starting our own business.
Remember that the Biblical work week is six days, sun-up to sun-down. Many times a second job is necessary to make ends meet, while still working less hours than the Scriptural work week!
God Provides through Family
"Since we're here visiting, let me take you grocery shopping," my mom offered.
I swallowed back the tears that were springing to my eyes. We had little food left in the house and no money until the first of the month. My mom took me to Food Lion and filled the car with food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, toiletries, and special treats that we hadn't enjoyed since their last visit.
She also bought us clothing throughout Mike's seminary years. "I just couldn't resist," she would say with a grin. But we both knew the truth. Since when is a package of men's socks irresistible?
God Provides through Birthday, Christmas, and other Celebrations
"There's not enough money to pay the rent. We're fifty dollars short," Tina moaned.
"I thought you just got a birthday check from your grandmother," I replied gently.
"But that's for me to spend on myself," Tina snapped.
"Tina, right now, that check is God's provision to pay your rent."
Why, in America do we get our priorities so out of order? It is not the time to buy frivolous things when we can't pay for necessities. If money is tight, use gift cards to buy groceries and toiletries. Ask for shampoo, body wash, and undergarments for birthday presents during difficult financial times.
God Provides through Gifts
"A pretty lady with brown skin told me to give this to you," Katie Beth informed me, handing me an envelope that contained five one-hundred dollar bills. My toddler had been riding her tricycle outside while I was making dinner. It was a much needed and appreciated gift!
God Provides through Divine Appointments
I swallowed back the tears that were springing to my eyes. We had little food left in the house and no money until the first of the month. My mom took me to Food Lion and filled the car with food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, toiletries, and special treats that we hadn't enjoyed since their last visit.
She also bought us clothing throughout Mike's seminary years. "I just couldn't resist," she would say with a grin. But we both knew the truth. Since when is a package of men's socks irresistible?
God Provides through Birthday, Christmas, and other Celebrations
"There's not enough money to pay the rent. We're fifty dollars short," Tina moaned.
"I thought you just got a birthday check from your grandmother," I replied gently.
"But that's for me to spend on myself," Tina snapped.
"Tina, right now, that check is God's provision to pay your rent."
Why, in America do we get our priorities so out of order? It is not the time to buy frivolous things when we can't pay for necessities. If money is tight, use gift cards to buy groceries and toiletries. Ask for shampoo, body wash, and undergarments for birthday presents during difficult financial times.
God Provides through Gifts
"A pretty lady with brown skin told me to give this to you," Katie Beth informed me, handing me an envelope that contained five one-hundred dollar bills. My toddler had been riding her tricycle outside while I was making dinner. It was a much needed and appreciated gift!
God Provides through Divine Appointments
My niece, Kim, was staying with us, finances were lean, and it was her birthday. Our toddler, Katie Beth, Kim, and I prayed together that God would supernaturally provide for her birthday.
That day happened to be the Food Pantry day where we could buy one bag of food items for one dollar. Never before and never afterward did this occur; but, that day, I was able to pick up a cake mix and tub of frosting. Later that day, a friend arrived with a lawn trash bag filled with soft shell crab. Could we help them? They had just too many for their large family of seven to eat. Kim's favorite food? Soft shell crab. Is God amazing; or what?!
Brad suddenly found himself single and living in a studio apartment with his son. In an effort to win his wife's heart back, he gave her his paycheck and worked side jobs to pay his own rent. Where would they get furniture? Each day, another resident was getting rid of something (a couch, a dining room table, a bed, a dresser...). Did Brad want it? Yes, of course! Soon, his apartment was furnished—all because of divine appointments, just being in the right place at the right time.
God Provides through Hospitality
When Mary and Steve needed a place to stay, another family in the church took them in for six months, giving them a spacious bedroom and attached bath while its occupant, their daughter, was on a mission trip to Israel.
This young couple and their two children would have been happier to have lived in their own apartment, but this was the way God chose to provide. It was a testimony to their family, confirming the Gospel message with love in action.
God Provides through Miracles & Angels
Robert needed to move his family out of the apartment where they were living, but he had nowhere to go. He was crying and for the first time in his life, he prayed. A few minutes later, he ran into a man in the parking lot who started a conversation with him. Learning that he needed a place to live, the man took him to an apartment complex nearby and provided first and last month's rent plus a security deposit. Robert signed the new lease in tears, dumbfounded.
"How are you going to move all your things over here?" the man asked, when they had returned to his family to tell them the good news.
Robert shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. He had no idea.
The stranger flagged a man in the parking lot with a truck, offering him money to moved Roberts things to his new apartment.
A man Robert didn't know paid all the fees necessary to get Robert into a new apartment and paid to have this furniture moved. Robert never saw or heard from the stranger again.
I had the privilege, a year later, of leading this man to Christ. He is now part of our church family. Robert and I both wonder if the stranger was really an angel.
That day happened to be the Food Pantry day where we could buy one bag of food items for one dollar. Never before and never afterward did this occur; but, that day, I was able to pick up a cake mix and tub of frosting. Later that day, a friend arrived with a lawn trash bag filled with soft shell crab. Could we help them? They had just too many for their large family of seven to eat. Kim's favorite food? Soft shell crab. Is God amazing; or what?!
Brad suddenly found himself single and living in a studio apartment with his son. In an effort to win his wife's heart back, he gave her his paycheck and worked side jobs to pay his own rent. Where would they get furniture? Each day, another resident was getting rid of something (a couch, a dining room table, a bed, a dresser...). Did Brad want it? Yes, of course! Soon, his apartment was furnished—all because of divine appointments, just being in the right place at the right time.
God Provides through Hospitality
When Mary and Steve needed a place to stay, another family in the church took them in for six months, giving them a spacious bedroom and attached bath while its occupant, their daughter, was on a mission trip to Israel.
This young couple and their two children would have been happier to have lived in their own apartment, but this was the way God chose to provide. It was a testimony to their family, confirming the Gospel message with love in action.
God Provides through Miracles & Angels
Robert needed to move his family out of the apartment where they were living, but he had nowhere to go. He was crying and for the first time in his life, he prayed. A few minutes later, he ran into a man in the parking lot who started a conversation with him. Learning that he needed a place to live, the man took him to an apartment complex nearby and provided first and last month's rent plus a security deposit. Robert signed the new lease in tears, dumbfounded.
"How are you going to move all your things over here?" the man asked, when they had returned to his family to tell them the good news.
Robert shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. He had no idea.
The stranger flagged a man in the parking lot with a truck, offering him money to moved Roberts things to his new apartment.
A man Robert didn't know paid all the fees necessary to get Robert into a new apartment and paid to have this furniture moved. Robert never saw or heard from the stranger again.
I had the privilege, a year later, of leading this man to Christ. He is now part of our church family. Robert and I both wonder if the stranger was really an angel.
Would you like to learn more about God's provision and managing your money for the glory of God? Would you like to teach your teens to manage their money to honor Christ? I have written my own high school economics curriculum Economics, Finances, and Business that uses living books and hands-on projects. You can purchase the print book Amazon and the E-book at PayHip.
However God chooses to supply all your needs, He will lavishly provide with love. You are His beloved child. Just wait, and watch, and see the Lord bless you!
May the Lord bless you in every way--physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially!
Cordially,
Meredith Curtis
However God chooses to supply all your needs, He will lavishly provide with love. You are His beloved child. Just wait, and watch, and see the Lord bless you!
May the Lord bless you in every way--physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially!
Cordially,
Meredith Curtis
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