10 October 2008

Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”)

2 Corinthians 12:9 (New International Version) But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

The other day, one of daily devotional messages I get on-line referenced this passage. The author wrote about her own thoughts, questioning her faith, wondering if God’s grace is truly sufficient?

This has been on my mind everyday since. I picture myself in all kinds of scenarios. One would be in a foreign country where I don’t know the language, don’t know anyone, cannot read signs or anything anywhere, I have no money nor even my Bible, and only the clothes I am wearing. The other is like the movie “Cast Away”, where I am all alone on an island. Again, I have only the clothes on my back, but in this scenario, it is even harder because there is no one, at all. I am totally and completely on my own.

How could I survive in either of these cases? Of course, the chances are better that someone might help me in the foreign country; someone might recognize my plight and offer some food or shelter. However, I’d be easy prey for a predator in search of a victim. On that deserted island, I’d could easily become victim to nature: weather and or animals. What would I eat or drink? How could I build a shelter to protect me from the elements? How would I keep my lily-white skin from frying to a crisp?

The scariest thought of all would be facing all of this without my Bible. I’m so hooked on it and I need it just as much as I need food and water. God’s word has become such an important element in my life. Just like breathing, I have to have it. I need it just as much as I need air.

Millions are experiencing financial set-backs these days. The national economy is a testimony of how bad things are, and they are going to get much worse. The oil situation is only a portion of it. Banks are going under every day. Businesses are closing their doors at an alarming rate. Thousands upon thousands are losing their homes because they cannot pay their mortgages. If the day comes when I am in that situation, when I have nothing except my clothes and my faith, will Jesus be enough? Will my faith sustain me? Will God’s grace be sufficient?

Scriptures

Genesis 22:8 & 14 (New Living Translation) 8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. 14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

Deuteronomy 11:15 (New Living Translation) He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat.

Acts 14:17 (New International Version) Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

1 comment:

  1. This was very good writing. It makes me think. It makes me question and wonder, especially the way the economy is now, people need to hold on to their faith, but is that enough? I wonder....

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