Trusting God vs. God’s Provision: A Question about the Divine Partnership in Our Daily Lives
Introduction Following Christ was never promised to be easy—not even by Jesus Himself. Here's what I've wrestled with this week: the tension between trusting in God's provision and recognizing the role we play in solving our day-to-day challenges, …
By Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter on September 1, 2024
Introduction
Following Christ was never promised to be easy—not even by Jesus Himself. Here's what I've wrestled with this week: the tension between trusting in God's provision and recognizing the role we play in solving our day-to-day challenges, using the abilities and opportunities that God has given us.
It's a balance that can be difficult to navigate. On one hand, we are taught to trust in God and rely on Him to meet our needs. On the other, we are also equipped with abilities, skills, and wisdom to address the challenges we face. This raises a question: When we pray for God's provision, should we trust God and expect Him to intervene, or should we recognize God's guidance in empowering us to take proactive steps toward the solutions we seek? In other words, should we trust that God will provide, or trust that He has already provided? Or both?
God's Provision and Our Responsibility
The Bible is clear that God is our Provider. One of His names, Jehovah Jireh, means "The Lord Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14, NIV, emphasis added). This name was first revealed to Abraham when God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. In this case, Abraham was obediently following God's directive to sacrifice his promised son, but God intervened at the last possible moment. It's a powerful reminder that God sees our needs and provides for them in ways that are often unexpected.
However, God's provision doesn't always come in the form of a miraculous intervention. Sometimes, His provision is found in the abilities and opportunities He gives us. For example, when we pray for financial help, we might be hoping for a sudden influx of money. But what if God answers that prayer by guiding us to a job or by giving us the skills to manage our finances better? In these instances, God's provision is still there—He's just empowering us to take action and be responsible stewards of what He has given us.
A perfect example of this blend of divine provision and personal action is found in the story of Peter and the temple tax. When Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish, He instructed him that the coins needed to pay their taxes would be found in the mouth of that fish (Matthew 17:27). Peter used his God-given skill as a fisherman, but the provision—coins in the fish's mouth—was a miraculous act of God. Jesus' instruction may not have made sense to Peter, but he trusted and obeyed, and as a result, experienced God's provision.
This story beautifully illustrates how God often provides for us in ways that combine our efforts with His divine intervention.
The Balance of Trust and Action
The tension between trusting God and taking action is not new. The Apostle Paul, who trusted God deeply, was also a tentmaker by trade. He worked with his hands to provide for his needs and those of his companions (Acts 18:3). Paul's life illustrates that trusting in God and taking proactive steps are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often go hand in hand.
Consider the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Jesus is emphasizing God's willingness to provide for our needs. However, this provision may come in ways that require us to act, using the gifts, talents, and opportunities He has already provided.
Trusting in God's Guidance
When we pray for guidance, whether it's for financial provision, health issues, or any other need, we should be open to the ways God might answer. God may provide through direct intervention, but He may also provide through the wisdom and resources He's already given us.
For example, if we pray for help with a health issue, we might be hoping for immediate healing. But what if God's answer is to guide us toward a healthier lifestyle—better diet, more exercise, and medical advice (I think the doctor's manual starts with "drink more water and lose some weight"!)? This is still God providing for us, though it requires us to act on the guidance He gives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Trusting God with all our hearts doesn't mean we are passive. It means we trust His guidance and take the steps He directs us to take. It's about recognizing that God's provision often comes with a call to action—a partnership where we trust God's plan and participate in the process.
Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide
As I mentioned earlier, "Jehovah Jireh" is one of the names we can use to refer to God (sort of like the facts that I will answer to Dave, Dad, or Papa, among other things). Just like my name "Dad" implies that I have children, this name for God refers to the fact that "the Lord Will Provide." It's a name that reminds us of God's faithfulness. But it also invites us to consider how God provides. In the story of Abraham and Isaac, God provided a ram as a substitute. But Abraham had to be willing to take action—to prepare the altar and be ready to sacrifice his son. It was in this willingness to trust and act that God's provision was revealed.
In our own lives, trusting Jehovah Jireh means being open to the various ways God might provide. It means asking ourselves if we are looking for a quick fix, or if we are willing to walk the path God has set before us, even when it requires effort and action on our part.
Conclusion: A Divine Partnership
So, here's where I've landed with my question: the answer is both. God's provision and our trust in Him are part of a divine partnership. When we pray for God's help, we should be ready to act on the guidance He provides, recognizing that His provision might come in the form of opportunities, wisdom, and the abilities He has already given us. And at the same time, we should expect that God will also intervene in ways that we could never imagine.
Let us embrace the truth that God, as our loving Father, knows exactly what we need and provides in ways that are ultimately for our good. By cultivating a heart that trusts in God's provision and a spirit that is willing to act on His guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace, knowing that we are never alone and that God's provision is always sufficient.
As we continue to trust in Jehovah Jireh, let's also remember the words of Jesus in John 10:10 (which has been a recurring theme in my spiritual journey of late), where He reminds us that He came so that we might have life, and have it to the full. This fullness of life comes from trusting in God's provision and being active participants in the unfolding of His plans for us.
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