Yesterday's post on God's provision seemed to strike two different chords with people. For some it resonated and reassured. For others it caused a clashing and clanging that invited honest reactions to bubble to the surface.
As my mama would say, "Well, Lysa, you sure rocked the boat with that one."
But those who know me best would be quick to say I'm never afraid of making some waves especially when it produces healthy conversations about God. So, grab your Dramamine and hold on tight.
Like I said, God and I have had to have some serious conversations about all this. It is hard when you know God could provide but doesn't seem to be.
Anonymous wrote, "I am sorry to say that today I am in agreement with Joyful and "Anonymous." Lysa, the rest of the verse you quoted - 1 Tim 6:17 - says God provides us with all things FOR OUR ENJOYMENT. I understand that His ways are not our ways, but I have to confess that I am struggling (that sounds like such a mild little word - it's more like full-body-contact wrestling) to understand how He is providing EVERYTHING FOR OUR ENJOYMENT when some of His very own children don't have what they need just for LIFE - food, jobs, safety, even a home sometimes. I doubt any of them are enjoying it. I am way-hard struggling with this one."
Oh, anonymous, I hear you and understand that wrestling.
That's why I have made the choice- and it is a choice- to park my mind with the truth no matter what.
Easy?
Nope.
Necessary?
Absolutely.
Listen to how the Message finishes out that same passage:
1 Timothy 6:17-19, "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
So many times in my life, I've discovered God's provision in packages that are way different than I think I need, want or expect.
Let me give you a recent example of this.
Many of you know the story of our adopted son, Mark. If I were choosing Mark's provision, it would come in a package complete with good grades, a college degree, and a professional job insuring he could provide for his one day family. These things speak of success in my limited scope.
However, it's not Mark's reality. No matter how much I have prayed and begged God to work a miracle with Mark's learning disabilities, at this point, college is not going to be in his future.
But listen to what happened yesterday. I was sitting at my kitchen table pouring over an application Mark is filling out hoping to get a summer camp job. To be honest I was beyond discouraged at his misspelled words and misunderstanding of some of the essay questions. The application was a disaster.
Suddenly the phone rang. The lady on the other end was a mom from another student at Mark's high school. Apparently, her son was jumped by a boy in the school parking lot yesterday. Many students stood around and watched her son get pummeled by this angry student. Out of nowhere Mark ran and pulled the boy off her son and settled the situation down.
With a catch in her throat, she was calling to thank me and assure me of what a fine young man Mark is.
Y'all I wouldn't trade the depth of character in my son that phone called revealed for all the A's and perfect SAT scores in the world.
Is God providing for Mark?
Yes.
I just have to change my definition of success to match what I know to be true about God.
And then in God's timing- according to His plan- with His truth firmly planted in my mind- I can see this verse coming to life...
"Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
Now, here's your part today. Will you look up a verse about God's provision- promises- or care for us- and post it in the comments below? I can't wait to read and study your verses.
Then, join me tomorrow for the third and final (for now) post looking at God's provision. It's the most exciting one yet.
As my mama would say, "Well, Lysa, you sure rocked the boat with that one."
But those who know me best would be quick to say I'm never afraid of making some waves especially when it produces healthy conversations about God. So, grab your Dramamine and hold on tight.
Like I said, God and I have had to have some serious conversations about all this. It is hard when you know God could provide but doesn't seem to be.
Anonymous wrote, "I am sorry to say that today I am in agreement with Joyful and "Anonymous." Lysa, the rest of the verse you quoted - 1 Tim 6:17 - says God provides us with all things FOR OUR ENJOYMENT. I understand that His ways are not our ways, but I have to confess that I am struggling (that sounds like such a mild little word - it's more like full-body-contact wrestling) to understand how He is providing EVERYTHING FOR OUR ENJOYMENT when some of His very own children don't have what they need just for LIFE - food, jobs, safety, even a home sometimes. I doubt any of them are enjoying it. I am way-hard struggling with this one."
Oh, anonymous, I hear you and understand that wrestling.
That's why I have made the choice- and it is a choice- to park my mind with the truth no matter what.
Easy?
Nope.
Necessary?
Absolutely.
Listen to how the Message finishes out that same passage:
1 Timothy 6:17-19, "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
So many times in my life, I've discovered God's provision in packages that are way different than I think I need, want or expect.
Let me give you a recent example of this.
Many of you know the story of our adopted son, Mark. If I were choosing Mark's provision, it would come in a package complete with good grades, a college degree, and a professional job insuring he could provide for his one day family. These things speak of success in my limited scope.
However, it's not Mark's reality. No matter how much I have prayed and begged God to work a miracle with Mark's learning disabilities, at this point, college is not going to be in his future.
But listen to what happened yesterday. I was sitting at my kitchen table pouring over an application Mark is filling out hoping to get a summer camp job. To be honest I was beyond discouraged at his misspelled words and misunderstanding of some of the essay questions. The application was a disaster.
Suddenly the phone rang. The lady on the other end was a mom from another student at Mark's high school. Apparently, her son was jumped by a boy in the school parking lot yesterday. Many students stood around and watched her son get pummeled by this angry student. Out of nowhere Mark ran and pulled the boy off her son and settled the situation down.
With a catch in her throat, she was calling to thank me and assure me of what a fine young man Mark is.
Y'all I wouldn't trade the depth of character in my son that phone called revealed for all the A's and perfect SAT scores in the world.
Is God providing for Mark?
Yes.
I just have to change my definition of success to match what I know to be true about God.
And then in God's timing- according to His plan- with His truth firmly planted in my mind- I can see this verse coming to life...
"Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."
Now, here's your part today. Will you look up a verse about God's provision- promises- or care for us- and post it in the comments below? I can't wait to read and study your verses.
Then, join me tomorrow for the third and final (for now) post looking at God's provision. It's the most exciting one yet.
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