Recently I was reading through Isaiah chapter 3 and came across an account where God was speaking to and through Isaiah to pronounce judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their rebellion against Him. At first glance, it was a depressing passage of Scripture, but then something jumped out at me that left me amazingly encouraged. In chapter 3:1 I read these words: “For behold the Lord God of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and supply, all support of bread and all support of water.” God then goes on to detail a whole list of things he would take away besides bread and water. “The mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder...” As I was contemplating the dire situation the Hebrew people were facing because of their sin, it seemed like the Holy Spirit whispered into my spirit and said, “If I can take it away, that must mean I am the One who gives it in the first place.”

 

In today’s world, far too many Christians have forgotten where their support and supply come from. God’s providence is at work in our lives. He has the power and desire to provide for us. He also has the ability to remove our support and supply if we choose to rebel against Him.

 

As I soaked afresh and anew in these thoughts, I began to ponder two things:

1. If America doesn’t wake up, God is going to cut off our support and supply. We are so filled with pride and arrogance concerning our wealth and power that we have forgotten where our blessings come from.

2. If those of us who know and love Jesus and are on His mission will stay true to His will and plan, He will provide the support and supply necessary to survive and even thrive.

 

We tend to think the most significant factors in having the necessary resources to accomplish the work God has called us to are the people, plans, and programs we can put together. These are important, but at the end of the day, what we need more than anything else is the favor of God Almighty. We find His favor when we are doing His work in His way. It’s really that simple. If you’ve been stressed over your support and supply lately, I encourage you to remember that God longs to meet your needs as you align your life, work, and ministry with His plans.