A few years ago, God called me to an all-encompassing assignment I did not choose for myself. I spent the first weeks grumbling and resisting the assignment. Finally, on a cold winter morning, God led me to the familiar story of Mary’s angel visitation. I was reminded that God’s provision is enough to carry me through every assignment—even the ones I don’t choose for myself.
Most of us have heard the story of Mary’s angel visitation. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will give birth to the promised Messiah. Immediately after receiving this earth-shattering news, she wants to know how this will happen since she has never been with a man. Gabriel tells her that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and she will give birth to the Son of God.
Most likely, I would have had a few more questions for Gabriel. I would have asked him about Joseph’s reaction. I would have said, “What are we going to tell my parents?” Most likely, I would have protested that becoming a mom wasn’t on my immediate agenda.
Not Mary. Instead of a litany of questions, Mary accepts the assignment set before her. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word be fulfilled,” she answers.
When We Don’t Understand the Lord’s Ways
We could all learn something from Mary’s obedience.
Mary trusted God.
Even when God’s plan didn’t make sense, Mary trusted that following him was the best path for her life.
Unlike Mary, when the Lord leads me into an assignment that doesn’t make sense to me, I tend to flail around like a fish out of water. I tell him I’d rather not proceed without a five-year plan. I ask for evidence that he’s going to provide for me.
Much to my dismay, God doesn’t often offer five-year plans for the journey of faith and trust. Even more frightening, he often waits for us to take the first step into his assignments before he provides the needed provision (see Joshua 3:8 or read this post for an example).
The Lord has likely called you into some uncertain waters in your life as well. He has called you into assignments you would never choose for yourself. Maybe you’re following him with a trusting heart, or maybe you’re waiting for more details before you take the first step.
If you’re waiting for signs of God’s provision before taking the first step, consider this: The fulfillment of your greatest dreams might be contingent upon your willingness to take the first step before you see signs of God’s provision. But here’s the best news: When God calls you, he also provides for you.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about God’s provision.
Scripture About God’s Provision:
1. The same Creator who provides for the creatures of the earth will provide for you.
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food (Job 38:41)?
2. You are precious to the Lord, and he sees your every need.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:7).
3. Seek the Lord first, and he will provide everything you need.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
4. God is waiting to give you good gifts.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:11)
5. God demonstrated his love by giving his own Son for us. He will give us all we need.
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things (Romans 8:32)?
6. The Lord promises to give us all we need to live godly lives.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).
Your Invitation to Connect With the Lord:
Have you been resisting an assignment from God in any area of your life?
Is your resistance wisdom from the Lord, or is it fear-based? Remember this: Fear-based resistance is never from God.
Ask God to show you one step of obedience you could take within the next few days as you trust in his provision with this assignment. Is he leading you to make a phone call, send an email, or dig out your resume? Follow through and take this step of faith within the next few days. You might be surprised by the Lord’s provision.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Stacey Pardoe
Featured Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay
[…] Open the full article on the kingdomwinds.com site […]