People or jobs may seem to be sources of comfort or security respectively. However, these are resources that our God uses. He is our only Source. Here are three biblical examples.
- From the book of Ruth, we learn that Naomi and Ruth moved from Moab to Bethlehem, and Ruth was able to glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters from the field of Boaz. Eventually, Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. On the surface, Boaz was the provider of Ruth’s need in her humble situation, but Boaz was simply the resource God used to bless Ruth and Naomi. It was the hand of God, the Source, at work behind the scenes. God has always been the Source.
- In 2 King 4, a distraught widow came to seek help from Elisha. Out of poverty, her creditor was about to take her sons as his slaves. All she had with her was a little oil. Elisha asked her to look for as many empty jars as available from her neighbours. Instead of sitting around, the widow and her sons followed through with actions. Elisha told the widow to pour the little bit of oil into the first container. What good was it to transfer the oil from one container to another? However, she filled up the first one, then the second, then the third. Where was the oil coming from? The Source. Eventually, the widow and her sons were able to fill all the jars with oil, paid for their debts, and had leftover for their living. God asks for our obedience. If we obey, we will see God’s favour. God is our provider in all circumstances.
- In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah, as a cupbearer, desired to go back to Jerusalem and rebuilt the wall. The King took notice of his sadness of heart. Not only did the King give Nehemiah permission to take an extended leave of absence, but also special letters which allowed Nehemiah to obtain materials for the building work. It might appear to be the kindness and generosity of the King, but God had used the King to bless the work of Nehemiah.
Recognize that behind the resource is the Source. Behind the income and behind the opportunity is the Most High God. Let us be grateful for the resource, but keep your eyes on the Source. James 1: 17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Let’s be thankful of God for every good thing!
Grow In God's Grace 