God Provides for You & Me: True or False?
As Living Perspectives celebrates 35 years in 2017, I will be writing 35 blogs each with a scripture and lesson learned and applied based on God’s word and love for us. I hope this will encourage you and others to see God’s love and role as much bigger than we allow.
“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Evangelist Billy Graham and his crusade came to Seattle in 1975–the 2nd event in Seattle’s new Kingdome. As lead to a team of volunteer businessmen, I was given an assignment for Crusade week: find 100 typewriters; feed the 400 volunteer workers after each evening’s event (6 days); secure pens, paper, copiers and other supplies. When I asked the Graham event executive for a budget the reply was: “trust God – what budget?” Yikes!
As a new believer I had my doubts but also was challenged to put my new found faith to a test. Calling churches, businesses and individuals to participate, our team saw God’s provision:
- Boeing had just refurbished 96 typewriters and loaned them to us for 2 weeks
- A member of my team owned Seattle Typewriter – 4 new Selectrics-100 total
- Gai’s Bread filled my 68 VW van to the ceiling with every type of bread for sandwiches
- Mr. & Mrs. Reser of Reser Foods prepared a bar-b-q for 400+ on Wednesday night
- Petschel’s Meats supplied all types of meats and cheese and machines to slice
- Church groups left fancy sandwiches & cookies at the stadium elevator each night
- Stationery stores contributed chairs and all supplies
God supplied all our needs and more. Hundreds of people came to a faith in Christ in that week. But wait, there is more! During the event my sister, JoAnn, volunteered to work with us. Another of my volunteer team shared the love of Jesus with her, and sis began her faith walk with the Lord.
Abraham named the spot where God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for his son, Isaac: “The Lord will supply” (Jehovah Jireh)–literally ‘He sees to our provision.’ Jesus provided that same sacrifice and provision for us.
In the last 35 years Jeanne and I have shared these verses with numerous men and women who were struggling with financial, career and relationship losses. God’s love and provision: they work together to bring peace, joy and security. Have a wonderful day.
