Jehovah Jireh is one of the names given to God. It means ‘the Lord will provide’ and the Biblical reference to this is found in Genesis 22, where Abraham goes out to sacrifice his son, Isaac, but is prevented from doing so by the angel of the Lord. Abraham finds a ram in a thicket which he sacrifices instead of his son; we are told, ‘Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” ‘ (Genesis 22:14)
The provision of God for His people is a topic which could fill many pages. We too have seen many examples of God’s provision on this journey.
The funding from Coalfields Regeneration Trust is one example of God’s provision, and a truly amazing one at that! But there are countless other examples of provision. The chairs which the shop next door had available at a reduced price on our first day as owners of St Mark’s, not to mention the van which could fetch scaffolding for us when we had nothing big enough to transport it. The people who streamed in to help with decoration, including a plasterer, bricklayer and professional painter and decorator (who were not church members, but were friends or relatives of members who just ‘happened’ to be willing to give up their time and expertise free of charge.) Hope House Church in Barnsley, who were willing to lend us their scaffolding so that work could proceed straightaway. Ronseal and Crown Paints have donated varnish and paint to help us. Then there was the amazing collection generously and lavishly given by members of the church. There have been so many examples of people and things being available at just the right time that this surely goes beyond coincidence.
Our response to God’s provision should be one of gratitude and awed thankfulness. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph 3:20-21)
We should also reflect on the amazing truth that God works in partnership with people. God’s provision often comes through people. Are we willing to listen to Him to hear how He wants us to be part of His provision to others?