By Ed Lyons
I just finished reading Brian Kluth’s book, Experiencing God as Your Provider. In it, he writes, “God our Provider has a plan to allow us to glorify Him and bless others. He promises to meet our needs as we labor in those things to which He has called us.”
Pastors in Kenya receive Bibles from PPF.
Later, he reminds the reader of the story of the recently widowed woman who is in jeopardy of losing her two sons to the deceased husband’s creditor (2Ki 4:1-7). Elisha the prophet desires to help her and asks a poignant question, “What do you have in the house?”
The widow’s initial response is “nothing,” but then she remembers her little jar of oil, which was probably tucked away in a corner somewhere.
By stepping out in faith and borrowing multiple vessels from her neighbors, she sees God multiply what little she has. She is able to pay off her debt and care for her family.
PPF's Ed Lyons delivers medical supplies provided by a children's Sunday school class to the Revival Medical Center in the Kibera slum of Nairobi.
A few weeks ago, I visited Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Lexington, South Carolina. Pastor Jeff Kersey was preaching from John 6:5-11, where Jesus feeds over 5,000 people with a young boy’s lunch. In doing so, He has reminded us that a little is much when God is involved.
He can magnify the smallest amount to meet the needs of multitudes. He can take the smallest seed and grow it into a tree large enough for the birds to nest in its branches.
Imagine what He can do with our gifts, talents, time and energy!
Pastor Kersey went on to say that one of the most notable aspects of the story in John 6 was that the boy hadn’t already eaten his lunch. He hadn’t already devoured the fish and the bread, satisfying only himself. Instead, the provisions God blessed him with were available to bless others.
Miller Orthodontics from Culpeper, VA donated shirts which were distributed in the Gomongo slum in Kenya.
What are we doing with the provisions God has given to us?
In the past few months, Persecution Project Foundation has been blessed with nearly 12 metric tons of relief supplies. These supplies include Bibles, shoes, action packs, blankets and medicines.
Twelve metric tons may seem like a lot, but the current need in Southern Sudan is so great that we wonder at times how those relief supplies will be spread to so many. Then we remember that God is involved, and He will meet the needs of His people. And it’s His good pleasure to use us in the process.
He merely asks, “What do you have in your house?”
