My Father Provides

Acts 14:15-17
“Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. In the past, he let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

My dad worked hard to provide. We lived in a comfortable home, ate nourishing meals Mom prepared, and didn't want for anything. I know there were lean times as well as plentiful times, but I'll always remember my dad coming home after a day of work. He smelled like a mix of oil and metal with the grime and grit of a man who worked with his hands. His provision brought our family comfort  and the ability to live our lives for God.

Paul reminds the people in Lystra and Derbe they have a father who provides. God gives more than we imagine. He pours the rain and shines the sun. His love fills hearts with joy and peace. I've earned nothing, all I have God has given.

Recently, my husband and I drove along a country road as the sun beat down. We passed by a field and he noticed cows huddled under a row of trees, along a fence. God gave them a bit of shade in the midst of the heat. He's a generous father to all of his creation. Praise the Lord for his giving spirit and provision.

What Will You Eat or Drink?

Matthew 6:25-27
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

My daughter, Maggie, noticed a nest of baby Robin’s in an arbor. We watched the momma bird find worms and carry them to her babies. When the momma flew to the yard, we peeked at the precious ones. The new little creatures, totally dependent on their parents, opened their beaks in anticipation. In the robin species, Mom and Dad both gather worms and berries for their hatchlings and even carry away their excrement to keep the nest clean. Just as the babies are cared for by their parents, Mom and Dad Robin are taken care of by God.

Matthew reminds me not to worry about what I wear or what I eat. God provides. As a follower of Jesus I’m assured that my heavenly Father takes care of me. Even when I think I’m without I never am. I am saddened that sometimes I spend too much time thinking about my next meal, what I’ll wear to work, or when I’ll sleep. All basic needs and all met by my Father. Why worry when God takes care of me better than I ever could. I’m blessed to have a husband who loves me and our wonderful children and grandchildren.  And if you see me you know I have plenty of food and am well clothed. This all reminds me not to worry and instead to praise God for his love and care. He is my Father and I love him.

Happy Father’s Day!