“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

God Lives by the Rules

For many years, my husband and I cared for children who lived in dysfunctional homes and whose single mothers needed a good, long break so they could get their lives in order. The children, all boys, would be referred to us by teachers, school principals, and psychiatrists. It was a ministry for which we felt unprepared by the standards of the world (but for which God had clearly prepared us fully).

These parents never, ever gave us a penny. We had their sons for the entire school year, and sometimes longer than that, and no assistance was ever offered. (Not that we would have taken it, or expected it, or even wished for it.)

Now, the devotion that comes to mind: Can you think of anything God asks us to do that He is unwilling to do Himself? I can’t.

This fact was brought home to me this past Christmas. With every song-mention of the wise men’s gifts for baby Jesus, I had this thought: what did Mary and Joseph do with the gold, frankincense, and myrrh? How did they carry it with them? Was there very much of it? Was it heavy? How did they keep these riches safe from robbers and marauders?

Plain and simple, when God sent His Son to earth, He sent provisions also. He provided for the members of His family. He didn’t expect destitute Mary and Joseph to figure out a way to feed and house this Child. I’m sure He sent enough, in the form of the wise men’s gifts and various other means, to get them through what their own meager resources could not supply. He sent an uninvited (though welcomed) Guest, and sent all they would need to see their ministry through until it was no longer needed. Jesus was no burden to them.

God sent what was needed to house a King. This King no doubt did not live in the manner to which He was accustomed, but He had enough and was content. He was about His Father’s business. Whatever He needed for the work was given by His Father.

One of God’s rules for parents is that we provide for our own, and He, as Father, lives by the same rule. Searching the Scripture, we find other instances of Him doing first what He asks us to do. We give, because He gave to us. We love, because He first loved us. We forgive, because He forgave us. We live, because He lives. He provides for His own.

We have what it takes—because He gives it to us!

You are our compassionate, understanding Father who walks the talk. Help us live like You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.