2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Peter asserts that we have everything we need. But what happens when your life doesn’t match what God’s Word says? When your world is filled with lack, it may feel like God is not living up to His promises to you. How can you trust a God who doesn’t keep his promises?
I remember finding myself in such a place in my life. I had been faithful in tithing and giving; serving God and His people to the best of my ability. Yet I found myself homeless with two young children. After which, I lived in a woman’s shelter and later in section 8 housing on public assistance.
I would ask myself, “where was the God who said that the righteous would not be forsaken and their seed would not have to beg for bread”? (Psalm 37:25), because there we were - begging for bread. This was also the same God who said that we would have more than enough and then some left to give (2 Corinthians 9: 8-11), yet I was the one who needed help.
The beautiful thing about God is that He’s indeed a promise keeper. As I reflect on that period in my life, I can see how God kept His word and made it a reality in my life. I was able to feed some of the neighborhood children and create and sell items to send my children on mission trips. God had provided and given more than enough to give, and He continues to provide.
Maybe this is your journey right now. You are like the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) where you are down to your last dime. Know that God is able and willing to provide for you. It is in the moments when we focus not on our current circumstances but on others around us. And the fresh hope found in the gift of gratitude is that we can unlock the beauty and joy found just around the corner.
So, as you reflect on your life, what do you have in your hand that God can multiply during your time of famine? I pray that He will show what you have and then give you the grace to surrender it so that He may use it to feed you, your family, and those He has placed in your life. Remember that we are empowered with everything we need through His divine power.