God Will Provide
Posted by Jeffrey K Radt ("JRed") | Posted in America In Prophecy , Bible Study , Daily Bread , How Close Are We? , Prophecy Basics , Religious Persecution , Spiritual Growth , Why Study Prophecy? | Posted on Monday, November 23, 2009
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I think I may have mentioned that Mrs. JRed and I bought a Children's Bible For Toddlers last year with the hopes of reading it to them now when they were old enough to follow along. Well, a few weeks ago we started reading. One story per night just before tucking them in for bed.
A strange and unexpected thing occurred though. We've gotten more out of each story than I'm sure the kids have since it's their first time being exposed to any of them. For us, however, it's been remarkable to review each story in such a simple and straightforward manner, which ultimately helps clarify the lesson(s) that God intends for His children to hear and understand.
I'd imagine the best analogy I can give is to equate it to what it's like when you're sitting in church and the Pastor gives his weekly "Children's Sermon" before dismissing them to Sunday School. Yes, they're designed specifically with the kids in mind, but let's be honest, they are often short and powerful messages for the parents who are sitting there too.
Anyway, the past week has strengthened my faith in the most unexpected way. At the very least, it's helped clarify some of the things we've been contemplating ever since the "Defiance Or Disillusionment?" and "Persecution More Than Plausible; It's Biblical" columns. I'm not looking to foster any kind of lingering debate, but something keeps telling me that we'll all have to face this question of 'What is the appropriate Christian response in the face of tyranny?' sooner than we'd like.
In any event, besides the most obvious Old Testament examples, we have the story of Rahab and the two Israeli spies sent into Jericho by Joshua. Soldiers in God's 'army' helped each other in this spiritual war that continues even until today, and God protected all those involved.
The very next day, we read about Joshua's battle of Jericho. What a stunning case of how God's ways are not our ways!
Next up, we read about Elijah's victory and a few days after that about Naaman and how we should trust God and follow His instructions to the letter because to obey is better than sacrifice. Last but not least, the inspiring story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
A few of the many specific instances where God provided a way out for those who loved Him and relied on him rather than on themselves.
That reminds me of one final point I want to make. Another tradition that is often said to be found in Scripture is "God helps those who help themselves", which I'm sure we've all believed or uttered at some point in our lives.
In fact , a 2005 survey showed that 75% of Christians in the United States believe the Bible says "God helps those who help themselves". Yep, three-quarters of American Christians believe this phrase is found in Scripture. That means that the odds are good that you, who is reading this article, believe it to be as well.
Anyone care to guess where the phrase actually comes from? Good ol' Benjamin Franklin. The idea that God helps those who help themselves is an American one, but it isn’t a Biblical one. Yet, we’ve allowed this belief on the nature of God to creep into our theology. It has gripped our belief system so much that it overtakes actual Scripture, that is until you ask someone to prove it and hand them a Bible. I wonder how many other un-Biblical phrases and philosophies have infected our belief system.
That to me beautifully captures the spirit of this whole on-going discussion on the proper Christian response in times of trial. Obviously, tribulation to any varying degree is what helps us put our faith in action. I mean, without trials and tribulation, we'd never know if our faith is genuine or just a bunch of head knowledge and lip service.
Cherish the 'minor' trials and tribulations that you experience now and look at them as an opportunity to practice living out your cherished faith. That way, if you 'fail' to respond appropriately in one instance at least you can learn from that mistake and apply what you've learned the next time around.
All of this is essential, of course, in the event that you're here when Christians are persecuted beyond comprehension because of the God we live for and the things He told us to believe in.
At least then you'll know how to properly respond, and how to trust that God will provide.
Is it me or have I read
"A strange and unexpected thing occurred though. We've gotten more out of each story than I'm sure the kids have since it's their first time being exposed to any of them. For us, however, it's been remarkable to review each story in such a simple and straightforward manner, which ultimately helps clarify the lesson(s) that God intends for His children to hear and understand.
I'd imagine the best analogy I can give is to equate it to what it's like when you're sitting in church and the Pastor gives his weekly "Children's Sermon" before dismissing them to Sunday School. Yes, they're designed specifically with the kids in mind, but let's be honest, they are often short and powerful messages for the parents who are sitting there too."
on this site before.
Thank you, JRed, for reminding us to trust the LORD rather in ourselves. It's easy to lose that focus in this society. It's true about that saying, "God helps those who help themselves" - it's my mom's favorite saying, and she says it's the one she agrees with most from the Bible - (she very sadly isn't saved - please GOD let her be saved one day ... ) I looked that phrase up, at the time she said that, because it did not sound Biblical to me - it wasn't from the Bible as you said. It seems to be such a self-centered society these days. People seem to feel that they can do everything on their own, and their own way - not wanting anything to do with GOD being involved at all. So sad. When all along it's God's plan, and He knows the way.