We are studying about resisting worry and fear by looking at Jesus’ sharing in Matthew 6. He addresses what we gals are really concerned about: clothes! Jesus really does cover all the bases, doesn’t He? Let’s see what He has in mind.
“And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’“ (verses 28-31)
I believe Jesus’ list is a representation of all our needs. He isn’t limiting His remarks only to clothes (or food in the previous verses of Matthew), but is saying, “If God will provide these needs, then He’ll provide every need.”
That’s why I also love 1 Chronicles 29:11-12. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone.” (NASB)
Concerned about your finances? God is sovereign over that. Tweet That! Concerned about getting the promotion you need? God is sovereign over that. Concerned about getting the admiration you need? God is sovereign over that. Concerned about strength to do what God has called you to do? God is sovereign over that too.
And guess what? The best part is that Jesus wants you to feel important, valued, and worthwhile! Not just wants; He longs, yearns, even craves for you to know the significance He places upon you. Because you are His cherished creation, He’s going to meet all your needs.
Dana Finch discovered that recently. She has spoken for many years in the secular business arena and then felt God guiding her into speaking for the Christian community. She didn’t know how to make it happen, but she had been preparing for God’s provision by setting up her Web site, logo and brochure.
She told me, “God confirmed His sovereign touch upon it all last Monday when I was teaching a business workshop, and a friend I know from a neighboring town attended. We went to lunch and I shared what the Lord has been doing. She began to smile, so I asked her what she was smiling about.
“She answered, ‘Dana, I heard you speak last year and immediately began praying for you because I knew you should be teaching Christian women. I want you to be our speaker for our church women’s retreat next Fall.’
“WOW! God reminded me that it was in His sovereign timing and leading that He will give me opportunities. It was a humbling reminder that I don’t need to worry.”
Does God want you to have that job you’re seeking? Then He’ll sovereignly give you favor with the boss. Does God want you to have new furniture? Then He can supply a good price. Does God want you to be on that committee? Then He will provide the invitation. Whatever He wants for you, He will sovereignly provide for you. Tweet That!
But that doesn’t mean that we never take action. His sovereignty doesn’t represent a fatalistic kind of perspective that takes away any involvement and decision-making on our part. We are expected to cooperate with God as we follow His leading in each of the situations outlined above.
The important thing isn’t whether or not we have a big or small part in what God brings into our lives. What I want to emphasize here is that all of our worrying does not contribute anything positive to our lives. We can trust God to bring things to pass as we respond to His leading in every circumstance of life.
(Excerpt from Partly Cloudy With Scattered Worries)