Our daily bread

A critical error of the human race is that we often give ourselves too much credit. Obviously, there is a sense in which we provide for ourselves, and even a sense in which we are required to do so (2 Thessalonians 3:10). However, it is important for us to remember just how small a part we actually play.

Think of it this way: The Bible says that God feeds wildlife (e.g. Luke 12:24). Yet, clearly, it does not mean that God literally descends from the heavens and fills their troughs like some glorified zookeeper. Rather, animals obtain their food from the world around them. A world God created. Furthermore, they do so using means God provided for them.

As humans, we have the advantage of being placed in dominion over the Earth. We have been given more authority, and more ability, to use God's Earth to our own advantage. But this is something over which God maintains full control.

See, as humans, we have free will. That is, the ability to make conscious choices within our physical constraints. But who decides on those constraints? The Lord alone! God decides the limitations of your body. The time and place of your birth, your gender, your ethnicity, the height you may potentially grow, all of these things and more. Had He desired, He could have given you a genetic illness. He may even send plagues upon your land, over which you have no control. And can you control the weather? We have some control over our personal habits, but who can stop a famine, or create a good harvest?

As the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah, "I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’" (Isaiah 45:5-7).

In context, the Lord is telling Israel just how much power He has over them. When they obey Him, He has the power to prosper them exceedingly. They could produce so much food that they would not have enough storehouses in which to keep it! But should they rebel against Him, nothing could prevent His wrath against them. And how well the Lord lived up to this. When Israel obeyed, they prospered, and not one enemy could raise a sword against them. When they rebelled, nothing could be done to contain God's fury. His mercy alone spared the nation.

Though without specific national covenant, God holds the same power over all of us. As individuals and as groups, God maintains His sovereignty in each of our lives. He is able to prosper us, and just as easily punish us. Thus, we should neither worry about the suffering we will encounter, nor should we put too much faith in ourselves, or in any but God. Rather, as Christians, we are called to be wise. We should work for our provisions, and pray the Lord will bless our efforts. We should lock our doors, and pray that while we sleep, they will hold. If we are sick, we should seek medical attention, but seek the Lord who heals. When we walk with wisdom, in full submission to the will of the Lord, we have no need of either fear or pride, for both come from weak faith. Let us therefore put our futures in His hands, walking in obedience, and trusting that He will provide.