God as everything
In the past year lots of things have changed for us as humans. Amidst covid-19, life has taken on a whole new normal. As Christians, we have had to depend more on God, exercising our faith to the fullest. Church was no longer an in-person experience but one where we had to learn to stay connected virtually. We have come to see God in all his glory as Jehovah:
§ Jireh – our provider,
§ Nissi – our Banner,
§ Shalom – our peace,
§ Rophe – our healer among many other names.
Jehovah Jireh (God, our provider)
As a Christian, I have witnessed God as Jehovah Jireh many times. One situation in particular was testament to this fact. I believe in tithing and as God has spoken to me about this on more than one occasion, this is a principle I need no more convincing on. To be honest, the principle has become a part of me.
One day, my mother called me about a particular medical procedure she would have to undertake. The cost would be shared between myself and my sister, but in all honestly, after bills, the only place I could think of finding this money was my tithes. I prayed about this and laid it all out to God. I had to help my mother and also honour my commitment to my tithes.
A few days later I was advised at work that I had received an award. Now this particular award came with monetary value. It was my first work award and I had had no idea I was a recipient until now. Needless to say, in the nick of time I was able to assist my mom and still had money left. I looked and God and marvelled at just how he worked. He knew I had a genuine need and he worked things out in such a way that I would have had this money just in time. He had provision from a place I was not even aware of. This was a novel option in the grand scheme of things.
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (St. Mattew chapter 6, verse 26).
Both riches and honour come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone. (1st Chronicles chapter 29, verse 12).
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians chapter 4, verse 19).
God decides how and when to bless us
We also have to realise that God decides how bless us and when. I realise that each story is different with friends, and this is even seen in the Bible. God is creative! We cannot limit him to the how. Take the perfect example of this in the parable of the good Samaritan (St. Luke chapter 10, verses 25 – 37) highlights how a Jew was blessed by a Samaritan. This was very unlikely, but a good principle. It’s like having an unsaved person bring you a word from God.
One can also refer to how God decided to bless Abraham and Sarah with a child (Genesis chapter 17). God had waited until Sarah was past the child-bearing age and then he decided when to bless her. Imagine being barren and yet God tells you, you will be ‘the mother of all nations’. This is a complete faith moment here.
God can also tell you he will bless you with something in the future, near or far. Take the example of David. He knew from as long as being a shepherd boy that God had chosen him to be King. He would however have quite some obstacles to overcome to become King (1st Samuel chapter 16, verse 12 - 13).
For His Glory
We often think to ourselves in many of these stories, why was it this way? God could have given Abraham and Sarah a child before her 90s; David’s plight to Kingdom could have been faster or less painful. God is sovereign and chooses to do things his way and we know that his way is the best way. He does things for his Glory so that we will know without a doubt that he is the one who has blessed us in this way.
God has been my provider in many seasons of my life. He often doesn’t do the same thing in the same way. As I have noted, he is creative. He is our creator, what else could we truly expect from him? I have learnt that we should be open to expect him to act in different ways and not limit him to our understanding. Trust him when you pray to answer however he chooses and then marvel in the wonder that is our divine creator.
So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” (Genesis chapter 22, verse 14).
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians chapter 4, verse 19).
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, (Ephesians chapter 3, verse 20).
He is Jireh…
Kimberley Salmon from Jamaica West Indies is a praise and worship leader who remains passionate about touching hearts through singing and writing as she thrives to become a published author of Christian women’s fiction. She loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is grateful for God’s saving grace which continues to transform her life. As a senior Press Service International Columnist, she is elated that she can now share her journey with God with the world.