Has God Provided for You?

I read the words again for the thousandth time this morning. The red ones. The ones that say this:

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? ... And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:22-26, 29-32).

How often in life do you stay awake into the dark night wondering how you're going to make it through another day? How often do you worry about when the next paycheck is going to come in as you stare at an empty refrigerator and empty closets? How often do you look at the pile of sneakers your kids have just outgrown - all at the same time - and know the bills will use the entire paycheck while your kids are running barefoot in the wind?

You're not alone.

We all go through trials and tribulations in life. Many have found themselves standing in the unemployment line over the last five years and before. Many have wondered the same. Many face financial hardship even when they have a job, living paycheck-to-paycheck and watching costs of basic necessities increase.

What's one to do?

Based on Luke 12, we should do (or, not do) the following:

1. Do not worry about your life. God has His hand on it.
2. Do not worry about what you will eat or what you will wear. God will provide.
3. Consider all of God's creation - the ravens, the flowers of the field. God takes care of them, and they aren't the height of His creation. We are. You are. You are of more value than all of these. If God feeds them, He'll feed you.
4. Do not be anxious for the rest when you are unable to do the least. Let God show you the way.
5. Don't seek the physical things in life - what you should eat or drink. God knows you need these things.
6. Don't have an anxious mind. It's not getting you anywhere but worn out.
7. Seek first the kingdom of God. All of these things will be provided by the hand of God. Watch for His hand in your life every moment of every day, and be grateful. Seek instead the spiritual things of His kingdom. Serve and love one another and watch what God will do.
8. Do not fear. It's God's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Receive your inheritance, child of God.

I've recently had the pleasure of editing a book entitled God's Provision in Tough Times. I even have a story of my own in there. This incredible book is filled with testimonies of people who have found themselves in dire straits, financial difficulty, and the unemployment line. Some have had to apply for food stamps, as humbling as that is to admit. But each one tells the testimony of God's provision. Every one has a thread of hope woven throughout. If you are facing difficulties in your life, financial or not, this book becomes a gift of encouragement. I hope you'll order your copy today and allow God to minister to you through your reading it.

Break Away DVD ~ An Encouraging Review

Break Away is the story of Francois, a hard-working husband and father who gets laid off from his job. After unsuccessfully trying to rebuild his marketing career, Francois must find another way to support his family. Using the only thing he has left - an old mountain bike - he becomes a message carrier. Along his path, he makes a new friend and provides shelter for his brother, who was recently released from prison. As Francois becomes an encouragement to many people, he realizes a new dream: the race of a lifetime.

Despite a slow start and amateur acting, Break Away had me watching to the final credits. This movie is inspiring, encouraging, and a great reminder of what life is all about. In difficult financial times, it's easy to want to give up, to quit, to let life take its toll. What this movie provides is a reminder that life is more about making money and that God will always provide when we put our faith and trust in Him.

This movie's message is incredible. God can take anything - whether it's five loaves and two fishes, an old mountain bike, or a laptop - and use it to bring blessings to His people and those around them. It's something to think about, isn't it?

If you or a loved one is facing a change in career, a job loss, financial difficulty, or just a plain old lack of hope, this movie is for you. I recommend you check it out. It releases tomorrow, April 23rd, on DVD. Here's a preview for you to enjoy: