Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides

"God requires you to work, but your work is not your provider; God is your provider.” – Os Hillman

My parents raised six kids on a single income and somehow managed to send four of us to college. Now, I realize that things were a little different in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but they still had to make a lot of sacrifices and budget their money properly in order to pull that off.

I guess I inherited my dad’s strong work ethic – and thankfully, Deanna learned good money management skills from her parents, too – because I have worked as many as three jobs simultaneously to put a roof over our heads and food on our tables. And yes, to help send three kids to college.

However, as hard as I have worked… and as carefully as Deanna has managed our money… we both understand completely that God is – and has always been – our provider. My paychecks may have been issued by the Wiley Mission, The Saints Prison Ministry, and Risk Takers for Christ, but they were all “signed” by Jesus Christ.

God alone has given me the strength to work 50-60 hours per week in full-time ministry. He has also given Deanna the discipline and skills necessary to stretch my paychecks to the max… even when they arrived in installments or several weeks late.

I guess that is why I cringe every time I hear someone refer to themselves as a “self-made man.” On the contrary, everything I am and everything I have comes from the same singular source. His name is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides.

That being said, He also expects us to do our part by applying our God-given gifts for His glory and our family’s blessing (see the verses below).

“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.” I Timothy 5:8 (NKJV)

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV)

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.” Ephesians 4:8 (BSB)

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President