God Provides

I read this during my devotional time this morning.

2 Samuel 5:23 “so David inquired of the Lord”
Learn from David to take no step without God. Christian, if thou wouldst know the path of duty, take God for thy compass; if thou wouldst steer thy ship through the dark billows, put the tiller into the hand of the Almighty. Many a rock might be escaped, if we would let our Father take the helm; many a shoal or quicksand we might well avoid, if we would leave to his sovereign will to choose and to command. The Puritan said, “As sure as ever a Christian carves for himself, he’ll cut his own fingers;” this is a great truth. Said another old divine, “He that goes before the cloud of God’s providence goes on a fool’s errand;” and so he does. We must mark God’s providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes. He who goes before providence, will be very glad to run back again. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go,” is God’s promise to his people. Let us, then, take all our perplexities to him, and say, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Leave not thy chamber this morning without enquiring of the Lord. (C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening : Daily Readings; February 9 AM).

It reminded me of a decision a single sister in Christ made last week. She’s been out of work for two months and was offered a job on Wednesday, but she had no peace about it. It was a part-time job and it required her to work on Sunday morning and miss church. We talked and prayed on Wednesday night. She also spoke and prayed with many of her brothers and sisters in Christ at Living Hope.

Compelled by her desire to obey God and not give up meeting with the church as some are in the habit of doing (Hebrews 10:25), she turned the job down. This was a big step. Not only did it keep her unemployed, but it also threatened her unemployment benefits. She was risking a lot with this decision. But she knew what it is God has commanded and she trusted Him.

She is now working for that company, but not in the job that was offered. No, soon after she declined the part-time position they called to offer her of a full-time position! Not only is it a full-time job, but she will not be required to work when the church is gathering for worship. “We must mark God’s providence leading us; and if providence tarries, tarry till providence comes.” She waited on God and God took care of her.

Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”