Session 18

God is PROVIDER

From The Gospel: Five Words You Need to Know

READ:        
• Genesis 22
• 1 Timothy 6:17
                    
“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 22:14
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment...” —1 Timothy 6:17    
                    
In the story of Abraham and Isaac, we see God reveal Himself to us as Provider. If you read earlier in the story of Abraham, you will see that his son, Isaac, was already the direct product of God’s provision in Abraham’s life. Abraham and his wife Sarah could not have children. They had tried for years, prayed for years, and had finally concluded in their old age that they would never have children. But God provided for them, giving them Isaac! And here we see Abraham, believing the Lord as Provider, going to give His son as a sacrifice. Seems crazy, right? Why would Abraham do that? Because he had seen God provide for him in the past and believed He would do it again. And so, true to His very nature, God provides the ram in place of Isaac as a sacrifice. That is when Abraham calls the place, “The Lord will provide.”
                    
In the original translation of the book of Genesis, the name given to God by Abraham is “Jehovah Jireh.” This is Hebrew for “The Lord will provide”, or more directly, “The Lord will see to it.” Think about that attribute of God. He is seeing to it, meaning He sees you. He sees what is going on in your life. He knows what you need. And wherever He sees, He is acting. God is active in your life. At its very core, this name of God means “to provide what is needed; to give sustenance or support.” Our God is Provider. He will see to it. What is the “it” you need? Ask God for it. How much you ASK God for shows how much you believe He can provide. Matthew 7:11 says that God wants to give good gifts to His children. John 14:14 tells us to ask for those things. So, see God as your Provider and start talking to Him. He is a good Dad who wants to provide for you.
                    
RESPOND:        
• How do you need God to provide for you or someone you know? Take a minute to ask Him to do it.        
• How have you seen God provide for you in the past? Take a minute to THANK Him for it.