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
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it may be difficult for some people to trust that God will provide. After all, people that have lost loved ones or their employment may be tempted to think that God has abandoned them. Nevertheless, through it all, God remains faithful to his promises. Indeed, notwithstanding our circumstances, God has and will continue to provide.
In today’s text, Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac as he was instructed to do by the angel of the Lord. Isaac had no clue that he was the sacrifice that his father was asked to offer. In his childlike innocence, he asked his father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham replied that the Lord would provide (Jehovah Jireh).
I can only imagine the emotional trauma Abraham experienced at that moment. Yet because of his faith in God, he remained steadfast in his obedience to the Lord. Abraham believed that even in adversity, God is faithful and trustworthy. God rewarded Abraham’s faith and provided the lamb for the burnt offering.
During my prayer and meditation time this morning, the Lord reminded me that he is a provider and instructed me to write this devotional. The Lord wants to remind the saints of God that he is Jehovah Jireh. It does not matter the state of the economy or the devastation of COVID-19. The Lord is a provider. Indeed, we are all here today because the Lord has provided for us.
I love the way Tamela Mann puts it in her song entitled: “God Provides.” She says, “God provides, so why do I worry about my life.” Somebody needs to be reminded they should stop worrying about life. Just have faith in God and wait for his provision. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” So why then do we allow worry to cripple our faith?
During the coronavirus pandemic, God is providing healing. God provides liberty and justice for victims of oppression. He is providing daily bread for those that are hungry. It is because of his provisions that the vicissitudes of life do not consume some of us.
Can I remind you that God provides rain so the ground can yield its harvest for us to eat! God provides oxygen so we can breathe. The Lord provides sunlight so we can get Vitamin D, among other benefits. It is because of the Lord we have water to drink, and shelter from the storms of life.
As for me, the Lord continues to multiply the little that I have. Just when I feel he will not show up on time, the Lord provides. He has done so over and over again. Even when I am disobedient, the Lord provides. He provides forgiveness for my sins and the restoration of my soul.
2020 may seem like a year of misery for many people. Despite the many challenges we have faced in 2020, God has provided in ways we cannot explain or deny. Many people may have grown weary of sheltering in place. Nevertheless, they should thank God for providing a place to shelter in.
God has even provided more income for some people that have lost their jobs. I have a friend in prison in New Jersey who had COVID-19 twice. God provided healing for him both times. I recently received a letter from him wherein he praised the Lord, who is his Jehovah Jireh.
Do not doubt God amid hardships or emotional trauma. The Lord is our provider. Our God has a perfect record in providing for our needs. Do not let what you see or what you feel control what you think about God and how you serve him. The Lord is Jehovah Jireh.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, thank you for providing for all of our needs without fail. May those who question or doubt your faithfulness realize that we all sustained by your provisions.