The God Who Meets Our Needs

Saturday, May 18, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.”

Luke 1:49–53

After Mary received the life-changing news that she would give birth to the Messiah, she went to see her cousin Elisabeth who was expectant with John the Baptist. As the two rejoiced in God’s goodness, Mary offered a song of praise and gratitude to God. One of the things she focused on was the great things God had done for her and her people. It was vital for her to remember, knowing the hardships that lay ahead, that God would always be faithful.

Hudson Taylor, who founded the China Inland Mission and did so much to spread the gospel, kept a plaque in his home with two Hebrew words on it: Ebenezer and Jehovhah Jireh. The first comes from the life of Samuel, where the prophet set up a memorial honoring God’s deliverance from the Philistines. He said, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). The second comes from Abraham when God provided a ram to offer in place of Isaac on Mt. Moriah as he said, “In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen” (Genesis 22:14).

It is important for us to look both backward in gratitude to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and look forward in faith to be reminded of God’s promises. No matter what challenges we may face, God has promised to meet all of our needs. Just as we have trusted Him in the past and proved Him faithful, we can confidently trust Him for the future.

Today's Growth Principle: 

No Christian who relies on the promises of God has ever been let down.