The Lord will provide

Have you ever watched a favorite something run out, and not know if you would be able to get more (maybe a seasonal treat)?  It's something that we experience over and over again from the time that we are babies.  In a home with parents that are able to provide, we often find out, that even those things that we only get annually; we will get again, and there is a trust that is developed.  We have gone through a revamp of our budget and our diet as a family; seeing things disappear and not come back on a "regular" basis is unsettling for the kids, but I reassure them there will be another opportunity.  (Since they are kids, unless that's tomorrow, or the next time I'm at the store, it gets a little scary for them.... will I really?)  

It's healthy for them to go through these experiences of scarcity or loss of items with safe people, and knowing they are still going to get their needs met.  Our consistency; physically, relation-ally, and emotionally being there for them, is more important in building trust than the things- whether it be the chips they love and will now have as a treat, or the toys they used to get every time we went to a store.  It's losing people that is the scariest thing, and does not come with the reassurance that the person would come back restored.  They need us, to help them build that trust in people again.  The trust that will allow them to lower their guard and engage with others, building healthy, instead of manipulative relationships.  If we just continue to keep getting what they're asking for without investing in relationship with them, they will learn manipulation, and even that it delights us to be manipulated.

So that was a little side- lesson to this greater lesson:  God is our provider, and we inherit the fullness of all that is His when we accept Christ as our Savior and make Him Lord of our life.   

If we truly believe this, then why are we afraid we won't have enough?  

 You might say, "because I don't have enough, and I don't know where the next provision is coming from."  This is a hard thing to teach someone, but why I tell you it is important how we respond to lack, and to controlled giving/receiving.  When we believe, we line ourselves up to receive.  Going back to the exercise that strengthens us to be receivers of more and bigger.  Risk, do the work, receive.  Pray, be open to hear what He tells you to do, do it, and repeat.  You will receive when you keep looking to the Giver.  You might deny it, but is it really your doubt that God is your ultimate provider?  Do you doubt that He will give you everything you need, and that His legacy is infinite, so you don't have to worry that if you take on one more child (or because you have taken on one more child), you will have to make smaller slices of what you thought you were giving to your first children?  You were thinking too small to start!  I challenge you in this: God delights in blessing His children.  But not when we come to Him out of manipulation!  We must come seeking relationship, desiring to know Him more and glorify Him with our lives and everything He directs us to and blesses us with.  

This is the one area God does allow us to test Him: in giving.  When He calls us to give, He tells us He will give us more.  Why would that not apply to caring for the orphan, and then making that child our own?  

Read Malachi.  Especially Chapter 3, but the whole book (there's only 4 chapters).  This is a book of warning and promise. Chapter 3 verse 5 is for us to examine ourselves:  "I will come near to you for judgement.  I will be quick to testify against ....those who oppress the fatherless... but do not fear me."  I'm not saying the rest of the verse there is not important, but that line is for us.  It's a warning and a promise.  Do not withhold from the fatherless you have taken in, and trust that your offering to care for this child is seen. Verse 10, He will "throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."   And it ends (chapter 4 verse 5 and 6) "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah... and He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."

He is very concerned for you, your children, and the orphan.  Keep your hands open in receiving and giving, to the ones in your home, and to the ones that have not yet a home.  And don't forget the widow, your parents, and the disadvantaged among you.  He will pour out to those He knows will keep their hands open.

https://youtube.com/shorts/QaqdJSiCaEM?si=4Fg0ZDGLoc02Onlw listen to this short message from Joseph Prince.

You have read through those verses on caring for the orphan, remind yourself of what He says about how He will care for you:

• Philippians 4:19: 

  "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". This is a foundational verse on God's provision for believers. 
2 Corinthians 9:8: 
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work". This verse emphasizes that God can provide the means for believers to be generous to others. 
Matthew 6:26: 
"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?". This verse uses the example of birds to show that if God provides for them, He will also provide for you. 
Matthew 7:7: 
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you". This verse encourages believers to ask God for what they need, promising that He will respond. 
Genesis 22:8: 
In this account, Abraham says to his son, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering". This is where the name "Jehovah Jireh" (the Lord will provide) originates. 
Isaiah 41:10: 
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". This verse reassures believers of God's presence and strength. 
Psalm 34:10: 
"The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing". This verse connects seeking God with good things.