A PROMISE TO PROVIDE
- Key Verse
"However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me." (Matthew 17:27)
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Central Truth
The Lord is capable of amazing things. He will take care of us and provide for us in ways we do not even understand or imagine.
Reflections
Growing up in the church, I remember reading about all of the miracles that Jesus performed. I remember reading about Jesus making the lame walk, the blind see, and feeding thousands from a few loaves of bread. I read, studied, and heard about these miracles constantly.
Somewhere along the line, they lost their luster and awe-inspiring nature. In my mind these things became something everyone should expect from Jesus.
Jesus tells Peter to catch a fish and pull a coin from its mouth. Please take a moment and think about how absurd that sounds. Peter, a faithful servant of the Lord, believed Him. He knew that Jesus was capable of amazing things and always followed through with His promises.
Throughout the Bible we are told that the Lord will provide, that He has plans for us to prosper, and that He is always watching over us. We are also shown throughout the Bible that every promise God makes is fulfilled.
So why do we often question whether the Lord will provide? I often find myself in a state of worry and anxiety about things that are out of my control. For some reason I lose sight that the Lord is capable of everything and is a loving Father who wants the best for me.
The Lord distinguishes between wants and needs because they are different. Although I continue to have times of worry, there has never been a time when I have been without what I needed.
Throughout the New Testament we read about these amazing miracles that Jesus performs, but we still manage to think that our troubles are too big for the Lord. Our God is a good and faithful God from whom all blessings flow. He is a loving Father who wants to provide for and protect His children. As His children, we should praise Him and put our faith and trust in Him, for He is good.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you recently stood in awe of God? While reading about Jesus' miracles, do you ever sit and think about how truly miraculous they are?2. Think about what is causing you worry and anxiety right now. Have you given it to the Lord? Is it a result of a want or a need?
3. Take time to think about all of the little ways in which God has provided for you and showered you with His love. Name three of them right now.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What did Jesus tell Peter to do in verse 27? Did Peter do what Jesus asked him to do?
2. How did Jesus know the coin would be in the fish’s mouth?
3. Do you trust Jesus that He knows everything and therefore you can obey what He asks you to do?
marcela garza
March 4, 2010 06:17 AM
So true! God has provided for me in ways that I never expected! Also from Houston, God brought us to Dallas five years ago to begin a new season in our lives and it has been a season of blessing after the storm. He is so faithful!!!!Every chapter of our lives brings us closer to Him!!
Jeff Berry
March 4, 2010 07:18 AM
Thanks Robyn for the good reminder. "Wants vs. needs"-- it's easy to mix the two up in our minds. AND THANKS for ministering to and leading my daughter and the other 7th graders!!!! P.S. "Dallas!"
Jan
March 4, 2010 08:01 AM
Robyn, your devo spoke to me all the way through! My favorites are your question 3 about the three things, I can name many more than that when I think about it, which makes me humbly grateful, but most of the time I am focused on something else. And then in the family section question 2 about how Jesus knew the coin was in the fish's mouth, that was one I pondered a little, but when combined with question 3 it is clear that Jesus knows everything, especially what I need, and that I need to trust Him completely, and ask Him to help me remove all my own thoughts about what I need to be doing to control my life. Thanks, you've blessed my day!
Sarah
March 4, 2010 10:22 AM
Thanks Robyn! I was kind of stuck on this passage, not really sure how it makes sense and relates to my life. After reading your response, it really makes more sense, and I find myself in the same predicaments. God is so good and He truly does provide in ways we cannot imagine! Thank you!
Doug
March 4, 2010 12:04 PM
As we read in Hebrews 11.13 and 35-40, God's provisions may include a lot of discomfort, even torture and death! Not really what we're looking for, unless we keep eternity as part of what it means for God to provide for us.
Homero
March 12, 2010 10:48 AM
Thank you Robyn for reminding me of His unconditional love for us.