The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:19

Genesis 22:6-14

6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,
7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood.
10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.

11 At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now, I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

The tragedy at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, was a heartbreaking event that profoundly impacted lives and properties. This disaster underscored critical issues in building construction, maintenance, and regulatory oversight. The catastrophic pancake collapse obliterated 55 of the building’s 136 units.

Since the 1990s, the building has been subsiding at a concerning rate of approximately two millimeters (0.079 in) per year. In 2018, an inspection revealed a significant flaw in the pool deck: it lacked the proper slope needed for effective waterproofing. Over time, accumulated water severely compromised the concrete slabs beneath the deck. The report indicated that the waterproofing had exceeded its lifespan and required complete removal and replacement. The firm warned that “failure to replace waterproofing in the near future will cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”

How can we prepare for such eventualities? How can we assist those in need? In the corporate world, particularly within banking, companies make use of “provisions” to prepare for potential future setbacks.

But what are provisions?

Provisions are funds set aside by businesses to cover anticipated future losses. A provision represents a commitment to a liability, even when the timing and amount are uncertain. Examples include funds for income tax liabilities, warranties, potential loan defaults, asset write-downs, expected legal costs, and more. To protect against these financial uncertainties, companies must allocate provisions to ensure they have adequate resources to handle these potential setbacks.

The Scriptures vividly illustrate the Father’s boundless power and unwavering love for each child of the King. He has generously provided for us and assured us that our needs will be met. But how is this divine promise realized in our lives?

Consider Abraham, who had journeyed with the Father for many years, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Yet, in Genesis 17, he faced a challenge that seemed utterly impossible by human standards. Both he and Sarah were past the age of childbearing, making the hope for a child seem unattainable.

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham chuckled in disbelief, pondering, “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” Likewise, in Genesis 18:12, Sarah laughed to herself, questioning, “How could a worn-out woman like me experience such joy, especially when my husband is also so old?”

Yet, human limitations are no match for the Father. He accomplished the impossible, triumphing over their seeming human inadequacies. Against all odds, they were blessed with a child, and in a miraculous turn of events, Isaac was born.

The Bible is replete with accounts of the Father doing the impossible. Take a moment to reflect on why He acts in such ways. The simple answer is to demonstrate that He is real and that He is actively involved in our lives.

Such acts serve as powerful reminders of His reality and active presence in our lives. As children of the King, we are called to cultivate faith and trust in His promises and provisions. The challenges He sets before us are meant to strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Him. By trusting His guidance, we find ourselves exactly where we need to be, with the right mindset, as the Father orchestrates everything else.

“At the age of 75, Abraham enrolled in the ‘School of Faith.’ Now he was over 100, and he was still having soul-stretching experiences. We are never too old to face new challenges, fight new battles, and learn new truths. When we stop learning, we stop growing; and when we stop growing, we stop living” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Life is difficult. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult” (M. Scott Peck).

Father, I find myself wrestling with trust. It’s all too tempting to seize control and take matters into my own hands. Encourage me to remember that You have already provided for my needs and that Your promises are sure I am re-enrolling in the school of faith.

INSIGHT

In Genesis 22, Abraham reaches a point where his belief in the Father’s promises is unwavering, regardless of the circumstances. He has matured in his faith, ready to exhibit the depth of his trust. This chapter captures a rare and profound moment where the Father enters the time-space continuum. He reveals Himself to Abraham, engaging with him personally. Moreover, He sends His angel to prevent a horrendous tragedy, underscoring His divine intervention and care.

The lesson of Genesis 22 is straightforward and clear. The Lord will provide (Yahweh-Yireh).

Genesis 22:8 “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

Genesis 22:14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”).

Yahweh-Yireh literally means “The Lord will see to it,” that is, “The Lord will provide” (Wiersbe).

In the 21st century, we have an analogous expression. When we make a promise, we say, “I’ll take care of it.” Regarding His provision, the Father says, “I’ll take care of it.” to each child of the King. Amazing! He’s got our back.

“In times of testing, it is easy to think only about our needs and our burdens; instead, we should be focusing on bringing glory to Jesus Christ. We find ourselves asking, ‘How can I get out of this?’ instead of ‘What can I get out of this that will honor the Lord?’ We sometimes waste our sufferings by neglecting or ignoring opportunities to reveal Jesus Christ to others who are watching us go through the furnace” (Wiersbe).

“The Lord will provide – always. He may surprise us, He may perplex us, He may make us wait. But He will always provide exactly what we need when we need it” (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024