‘Where God guides, He provides.’
Maybe you’ve heard this verse before, it’s in Isaiah 58:11, I don’t know what your association with this line is. First I always thought about material things. For example if God calls you to be a missionary God will provide for your income (well, I’ve been a missionary and that is what He does) but I think it enhances more than the materials needs.
Out of your comfort zone
Sometimes God can call you to do something out of your comfort zone, something you don’t feel like doing or something you can’t even imagine seeing yourself do. “God did you call the right person? Aren’t you mistaking me for someone else?”
I think Paul would’ve thought the same if he new in advance the things God had in store for him. In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks about everything that he has been going through “ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger… ” and he goes on a while longer. I know this doesn’t sound very encouraging… yet. But Paul also talks about God’s grace. How His grace is sufficient.
God’s grace is sufficient
God knows what He has in store for you and what He calls you to do. He doesn’t make mistakes. He promises that His grace will be sufficient to make sure you will not be given anything you can’t handle. He promises to make you strong when you feel weak. He will give you just that, what is needed to fulfil your task.
God is your greatest encourager
I have been a missionary for a number of years and lived for the biggest part of the years far away from family and friends. When I spoke to people at home they would always tell me how it would be impossible for them to be so far from their loved ones, that they wouldn’t be able to hold up. But I think this is exactly where Gods grace is sufficient. He called me to serve in another country, so He provided in my need not to feel homesick and to be able to carry on and love what I did without missing everyone terribly. Where God guides, He will provide, not only in the material necessities, but even more spiritually, in character and skills.
Encouraged by the God of peace
Paul suffered so many things but it didn’t stop him from doing what he was called to. In Romans 15 God is described as the one who gives endurance and encouragement, the Holy Spirit will provide strength. And in Romans 16 God is called the God of peace. Isn’t that just the sort of provision you need when you are called to do something you think is beyond your ability? God your Father who will be your personal encourager, the One who gives endurance and strength when things are hard and His peace to ensure you you’re on the right path. That is the God we serve! He wants to guide you in new adventures, but He will also be your provider in all you need. Let this be an encouragement for the road ahead and maybe even the tasks that will come your way today, God is your greatest encourager!
Read also: When life is not a rose garden or Where is your God now?
