FORGET NOT HIS PROVISION

By: Dennis Harworth

Losing everything in a very short period of time was both devastating and depressing. I pray you never have to experience such loss. At the beginning of my overwhelming ordeal, I admit I was nothing like Job in the Bible when he lost it all.  He was a man of steadfast faith and acceptance of his situation and through it all – he did not blame God.  Although he was honest in his grief, he still trusted God to be sovereign over all of the circumstances that had happened in his life.  Unlike Job, my faith and my emotions went to an all-time low and I angrily blamed God for everything – even for the consequences which came from my bad decisions and mistakes.

After nearly a year of suffering the emotional trauma and deep depression from the results of doing life my own way; I finally came to my senses.  I realized that God’s ways are always the best ways and His Word is always faithful and true.  So, I first tested the Lord with tithing and when that proved true; I began trusting Him for His promises.  I became desperately diligent to take God at His Word and use His wisdom to get out of the mess I was in.  Over the next two years God supernaturally provided, in a number of miraculous ways, to free me from not only the bondage of depression and despair, but also nearly one hundred thousand dollars in debt.

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) and wants to abundantly bless you as well by fully trusting and obeying His Word.  However, I must share with you from experience, that although being freed from your “wilderness experience” is wonderful, it can also make you vulnerable to forget the Lord when you have everything you need.  Just like the Israelites, we are warned to not forget the Lord your God when you become full and prosperous with fine homes, large flocks and herds and your silver and gold are multiplied (Deuteronomy 8:11-13 NLT).

You must understand that hardship can drive you towards God, while success and prosperity can quietly pull you away from Him.  I have seen many believers who have survived horrendous trials and as their lives began to thrive with rich blessings; they slowly stop pursuing the things of God.  Soon, they are no longer even coming to church.  Don’t get me wrong – the blessings are not the cause; they are gifts from God and He gives you richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).  But you are in danger when the gifts cause you to forget the Giver.  Just so you are aware, here are three dangers of having plenty:

Spiritual amnesia – When you have all your physical needs met, you might tend to rely on yourself and forget that God is the source of your provision (Philippians 4:19).

Pride – When you believe you have achieved your wealth with your own strength and energy and forget that the Lord your God is He who gives you power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

Disobedience –When you are full of self and do only what you think is right, you forget about trusting God and obeying His Word (1 Samuel 15 22).

I am sharing this with you so that you would recognize the danger signs of taking God for granted.  Not too long after I got completely out of debt, my life rose to an all-time high.  Somewhere along the line, I started to notice a little complacency settling in.  My active faith seemed like it was being replaced with comfort, temporary security, and a lack of enthusiasm for the things of God.  The vibrancy I had been enjoying was subtly getting dull and sluggish.  Fortunately, God graciously brought to my remembrance His provision in my “wilderness time” and got me back on track.

Therefore, let me encourage you that God wants to abundantly bless you in every area of your life (3 John 1:2).  I can confidently testify that God is faithful and true to His Word.  As you continue chasing after the things of God, you will continue getting blessed spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially.  God promises those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10 TPT).

Realize having everything is absolutely worthless if you forget the God who provided it.  For the blessing of His provision is never greater than God Himself.  The Lord wants you to have blessings, not the blessings having you.  No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).  So, when you have plenty, give God all the glory.  When you succeed, give Him all the thanks and praise.  When your needs are met, remember the Lord your God.  When you have an overflowing abundance in your life, you will be able to avoid the dangers of plenty as long as you FORGET NOT HIS PROVISION.