Does the Lord really Help?

I have a friend who in the past couple years has lost a husband and daughter. I asked her if she felt like during these times the Lord has Helped her? Has provided for her? Without hesitation, she answered "absolutely yes!" In speaking with a guy who has recently lost his job, I asked him if he felt like the Lord has or will provide for him and his family, "Without a doubt!", was his reply.

Does the Lord provide? Does He come through for His people? Paul, a man in his 60's, writing from a prison cell, expressed with utmost confidence that the Lord provides for every need to His people. How does this happen in real life?

One way the Lord provides is through the gifts of others, but those gifts are directed from the Lord. StoneBridge is fully supported through the financial and spiritual gifts of others. Patti and I give to the Lord and through the ministries of StoneBridge the lives of people are being changed. Paul knew this and that's why he wrote Philippians 4, to encourage these believers that God would meet their needs in response to their generosity to Paul.

God provides for us through the work of our hands. When we do our work as to the Lord and not merely to be seen by men, we are blessed. Our families are provided for. We are able to be an encouragement to others.

Sometime the Lord steps in directly. We receive good news from the doctors visit. Or we experience as sense of God's peace when the news isn't what we wanted to hear. Jesus and his friends were confronted with the impossible task of catering an unexpected lunch. Jesus challenged the disciples with feeding the crowd (see John 6). They didn't have the means or money. Only a little kids happy meal. Yet with that Jesus showed them all that nothing is impossible with the Him.

So with you friend! What situation are you facing that seems daunting? Have you asked Jesus for help? Do you believe He wants to help you? Will you seek to give Him Glory?

Join me Sunday morning as we seek to understand the various ways the Lord looks to provide for His children. "My God", Paul exclaimed. "Will provide", the promise, "according to His riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)

See you Sunday!
Pastor Mike

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