The Secret of Blessing (Source/Channel)
Over the years, I'm continually reminded that God alone is my source and supplier. Even in times of global economic downturn such as what we're going through, it's exciting to look back and see how He has provided for all my needs through His channels of blessing.
Living and serving in a Third World country where poverty and calamities are widespread, countless people are very anxious about their needs, their jobs, and the future of their families. Oftentimes, many of us can identify with them and their never-ending struggles . But God clearly tells us not to worry and simply look up to Him as the only source (Matthew 6).
"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9: 10).
In past experiences, I confess that I found my self disturbed sometimes when I started to confuse the "channel" with the "source." When I began looking at my work or people as the source, instead of the channel, there's the obvious sign of worry or even panic! I'd to go back and look to God alone to provide. Whew!
True, some of your "channels" may close. But remember that the "Source" remains alive and active ready to bless us. God may use your paycheck or the job of your spouse as a channel to supply your children's needs. But it's just a channel for God's provision and blessing. And God can shift to another channel anytime, anywhere, He desires.
When God our true "source" turns off one "channel," He can turn on another one. A pastor-writer explains it well: "Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He decides to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different from the one you would choose; in fact, God may allow a totally different channel than you would expect, just so that you will keep looking to Him for all your needs."
That, my friend, is the secret of blessing during these trying, challenging times.
Living and serving in a Third World country where poverty and calamities are widespread, countless people are very anxious about their needs, their jobs, and the future of their families. Oftentimes, many of us can identify with them and their never-ending struggles . But God clearly tells us not to worry and simply look up to Him as the only source (Matthew 6).
"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9: 10).
In past experiences, I confess that I found my self disturbed sometimes when I started to confuse the "channel" with the "source." When I began looking at my work or people as the source, instead of the channel, there's the obvious sign of worry or even panic! I'd to go back and look to God alone to provide. Whew!
True, some of your "channels" may close. But remember that the "Source" remains alive and active ready to bless us. God may use your paycheck or the job of your spouse as a channel to supply your children's needs. But it's just a channel for God's provision and blessing. And God can shift to another channel anytime, anywhere, He desires.
When God our true "source" turns off one "channel," He can turn on another one. A pastor-writer explains it well: "Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He decides to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different from the one you would choose; in fact, God may allow a totally different channel than you would expect, just so that you will keep looking to Him for all your needs."
That, my friend, is the secret of blessing during these trying, challenging times.
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