2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Virtually every heresy has some root in truth. If that weren’t the case, fewer people would be caught up in such things. This verse is among many that have been abused by the “Prosperity Gospel” group to insist that God wants everyone to be financially wealthy. Too bad for them, the totality of Scripture doesn’t give that picture at all. At the same time, this verse is important in helping us trust God as our Provider. Trusting Him as Provider in no way removes our responsibility to be diligent at whatever tasks have been assigned to us, and to be good stewards of whatever has been supplied to us, materially and otherwise. This verse not only points out that God is able to provide, it also says that such provision is so that we will “abound in every good work.” The best take I’ve seen on the Prosperity Gospel material is the late Wendell Smith’s book, Prosperity with a Purpose. It is very true that God is never at a loss for resources, but His provision is never just to “fatten us up.” America has far too much of that! We need to be focused on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, as Jesus said so clearly. (Matthew 6:33) If we will do that, we will discover that indeed, “Where God guides, He provides,” as the aphorism says.

This is a matter of rather acute concern in this church right now, as we are in negotiations for purchasing the land the church building stands on. For those who trust God as Provider, there is unanimity that God is opening a door for us, and we are to go through it. For others, this is a terrifying step into the unknown for such a small congregation. As I have been seeking to communicate, and as several people have really grasped, the question is not whether we have the resources at hand right now, but whether God is telling us to do this. I have experienced God’s provision so many times in so many different ways that I simply look forward to discovering how He’s going to provide this time. However, I need great grace and wisdom in dealing with those who don’t yet have that level of trust. I am reminded of God’s dealings with Gideon, when He told him, “You still have too many people for Me to get the glory.” (Judges 7:2-4) God isn’t likely to be involved in any plan that is fully “feasible” by human standards! That’s not at all to say that we are to be stupid and careless about anything, but simply that our eyes are to be fixed on Christ in obedience, leaving everything else up to Him.

Father, thank You for all You are doing here. As I commented to someone just yesterday in reference to their own personal struggles, growth is seldom comfortable. We are certainly an imperfect grouping of imperfect people, but in Your grace You choose to use us anyway. Thank You. Help us receive the lessons You are teaching us and grow in every way You intend, for Your kingdom and Your glory indeed. Thank You. Praise God!