Provision

God's Provision is sometimes unexpected, and usually not the way we would have done things ourselves; but it is always the best option. Let's look at Abraham and when God told him he was going to have to sacrifice his only son, from Genesis 22...

So back in the day, Abraham and his wife Sarah had no children, and they were very sad. But let's fast forward to when God granted him and his wife with a child - Isaac - hooray! Then fast forward some more, and God says,

"Take you son,  your only son, whom you love - Isaac - and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you."

And you know what? Abraham doesn't even question it (at least not that we read in the Bible anyways), and just sets off on this journey up the mountain. So they walk up there, and Isaac notices there is no lamb, so he asks his father about it. And Abraham just replies simply, "God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son."

Then they get to the top, Abraham builds the alter, and then asks Isaac to lay down on top of the wood. (I am seriously just wondering about all the thoughts running around in Isaac's head at this time?!) Then right before Abraham is about to "slay his son," the angel of the Lord calls out urgently, "Abraham! Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy."

And you know what? God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. And because Abraham had been willing to sacrifice his one and only son, God made a gigantic promise to him...

"I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore."

God may test us and lead us to incredibly difficult (and sometimes seemingly impossible) situations. But God's Provision will always show itself. Again, it may not be the way we want or expect or think we need, but it will be exactly as God plans it. He provides for us in so many ways; ways we don't even recognize or realize, and it truly is an amazing thing when we take a moment to reflect on that.

I want to make just a small list of some of the provision's God has blessed me with:

A paycheck - even if it's not a job I love

Rent-free living with great parents after graduation

Family who continually love and care for me

A church I love being at, with a youth group that makes me so happy

My sweet and loving boyfriend

This list could go on and on and on, but I wanted to keep it short...

Think about this today - what are just a few of the ways God has provided for you lately? Take time to thank Him for those things/people/situations, and then look for more provisions, because I'm sure there are some you're missing. 

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