Provisioning

The great pre-Fair stockpile is almost set.  Paper supplies were laid in Saturday, the great Aldi run took place after work tonight and the final trip to the other grocery for what little Aldi doesn't stock will happen after work tomorrow.  The Fair begins Thursday.

It is such a blessing to have the wherewithal to load up the refrigerator and cupboards with supplies for the next two weeks, knowing no last minute grocery runs will be needed.  I'm ready to hunker down, waiting out the gales of winter gobs of fairgoers with ease.  The enforced home-bodyness of this week is a yearly attitude adjustment, a reconditioning to a more thankful heart, gratitude to God for His provision in my life.

This Sunday's sermon at church took us briefly back to Genesis 22, to the account of Abraham taking his son Isaac to Mount Moriah, following God's instructions to take the boy there and sacrifice him.  God blesses Abraham's obedience by providing another, substitutionary sacrifice instead, and Abraham names the place Jehovah-jireh, or the Lord who provides.  

The literal meaning of Jehovah-jireh is "the Lord who sees" or "the Lord who sees to it".  Before we are even aware of a lack, God anticipates it and is preparing to meet it.  Whether it is just-in-time financial relief, a timely word from a friend, an unexpected hug from a child or even a rebuke from Scripture, God meets our true needs in His perfect timing and with His perfect provision.

So while I'm enjoying home-cooked meals and puttering around the house this next ten days, I'll be reflecting on the blessing of God's provision - from the incredible provision of Christ as a sacrifice for my sin, down to the wonderful taste of the home-cooked meals.

For what provision are you grateful today?