Desperate For His Provision

Ephesians 3:20-21
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

                When we think of God’s provision, we may think of all we’ve been blessed to have as a family, a community, or even our nation. We are ranked among the wealthiest nations in the world, yet interestingly, we have a less impressive ranking when it comes to “happiness” and “contentment.” This fact alone means that less materially fortunate nations are filled with more happiness and contentment with their lives than we are, and they have less “stuff” to keep them happy, content, and occupied. Such an illustration should serve as a stark reminder that God’s provision is not solely for the purpose of our happiness, but ultimately holiness – meaning He desires for us to draw nearer to Him, molding and shaping us more like Himself. Along this journey of transformation, there is the joyous promise that as we pursue the Lord in desperation for His provision, He will do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power (The power of His Holy Spirit) that is at work within us.” This same message is echoed again in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “Rather, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him."

                In desperately seeking the Lord for His provision we come to understand that His desire is not simply to provide the material needs of this world to us, but more importantly, the spiritual. This process may require us to experience times and seasons of suffering to bring about the necessary heart transformation God desires in us. At times we may have overwhelming financial, physical, relational, or other needs that through much prayer, God answers according to His will and purposes making unexplainable or unexpected provision in meeting those needs. On occasion, there are matters of the heart that need His provision, and it’s only in our broken desperation that we find our hope in Him, and He is able to provide “immeasurably more” of the life-breathing power of His Spirit to restore our weary souls than we could ever imagine. Today, it would serve us well to seek what is “best” for our lives by becoming desperate for God’s provision, bringing our requests to Him, because often we settle for what we simply see as “good” in this world by attempting to provide for all our needs in our own strength. As Paul writes, we are indeed in the hands of the One who provides and grants us peace when we bring our requests to God, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

                Father, You are our ultimate Provider and able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to Your amazing power and abundant resources. May we be reminded that You desire to be intimately involved in even the most minute details of our lives – meaning there is no request too small nor any so large that You cannot meet according to Your will. Lord, You stand ready and waiting for us to become more desperate for Your provision inviting you into our circumstances in order to bring glory to Yourself as You reveal Your power in our lives. Thank You for Your faithfulness to move in amazing ways as we become more desperate for You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.