OUR GREAT PROVIDER

Can I pray for you in any way?

Send any prayer requests to TheChristianWalkPrayers@gmail.com.

In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.”

“The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.”

1 Samuel 2:4-5, 7-8

This ends our reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we have studied Hannah’s prayer in micro-fashion within 1 Samuel, chapter 2, we have discovered the following reasons we should praise our Lord:

1. He is infinitely powerful and sovereign above all,

2. He is perfect in holiness and righteousness.

3. He is a God who delivers.

4. He knows us fully to include everything we do.

Today, we add to this list as Hannah continues. Look again at here at these words:

“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.”

“The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” 1 Samuel 2:4-5, 7-8

Here, we see where Hannah reminds us once again how God is our great Provider, ever looking after those who less fortunate…those who stumble and need His strength to keep from falling. This truth is further affirmed by these two verses from the 37th Psalm:

If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Now, given the fact that God’s promises are always true, I’m sure there are many who can testify to the validity of these words and how God has worked wonders in their lives when they were in times of difficulty. I know I can.

And if you are presently in tough circumstances, take comfort in these words because the day is ahead when God is going to make things work out for you for He does indeed come to the aid of the poor and needy. All we need to do is be patient, trusting Him while allowing His will to be done in your lives. He will not allow us to fall, will arm us with His power, and uphold us with His mighty hand…just as He said He would.

The bottom line is that our Lord will make the way for us in life, providing just the right type and amount of help He knows we need. As He is doing this, we need to remain hopeful as believers, ever being in a spirit of praise for we know God is hard at work, especially when we are going through hard times.

In Hannah’s case…as it was for Rachel, Leah, and Sarah before her…we saw where God opened up her womb, allowed her to conceive, and then bear a child. All this took Hannah (as it did the others), from the grip of cultural shame to a place of honor, joy, and thanksgiving. He did it for them because it was His will to do so.

As we close, we need to see how this scripture passage speaks not only to those who are in need but those who have plenty as well, those who received abundant blessings because it was God’s will to bless them.

Given this, there was a call to humility in the midst of riches. Those well off weren’t to be arrogant or prideful, carrying themselves as if they were better than others. They weren’t to become selfish and self-serving. For just as easily as God provides, He can also take away, a truth we see underscored in our scripture passage:

“The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.”

And so if you are blessed with wealth, it’s because it is the Lord’s will that you are that way. Conversely, if you are going through a period of poverty, it’s because it’s the Lord will for you to be going through that as well. In either instance, the Lord is working to instruct you so you might become a more faithful, dedicated servant to Him and others. Choose to sin against Him, whether well off or poor, and you can expect His consequences because He not only has the power to exalt but humble as well.

Frankly, I don’t know about you but I would rather choose to live humbly than to not do so and force the Lord to humble me Himself.

All and all, I’m so thankful that we serve a Lord who keeps us in check…who teaches us that all things come from Him. Indeed, He is our Great Provider, just one more reason to always show Him our gratitude.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to TheChristianWalkPrayers@gmail.com.