Just in Time

Trusting God’s Provision

Last year, we visited Harlem and stood outside the home where Corrie ten Boom once lived. Though the street has changed with time, the spirit of her courage and faith still lingers there. It was deeply moving to stand in the very place where she and her family risked everything to shelter Jews during World War II. Corrie’s life remains a powerful witness to God’s faithfulness—even in the darkest times.

She once told a story from her childhood that continues to speak deeply: as a little girl, she worried she wouldn’t be strong enough to suffer for Christ. Her father responded with wisdom: “When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the ticket?” She answered, “Just before we get on the train.” He nodded, “Exactly. And so it is with God. He gives you the strength you need—just in time.”

Jesus Himself assures us of the same: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). That’s the kind of God we serve—one who sees ahead, knows our needs, and provides at the right moment.

This truth echoes in Scripture through the life of Elijah. In 1 Kings 17, God sends Elijah to speak a hard truth, then leads him into hiding. In the wilderness, ravens feed him with bread and meat. When the brook runs dry, God opens a new door—a poor widow in Zarephath who, though she has almost nothing, becomes God’s vessel of provision. Elijah tells her: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land” (1 Kings 17:14). And it was so.

Paul reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). And Jesus teaches us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11)—a call to daily dependence on God.

God doesn’t promise to show us tomorrow’s provision today. But He does promise to meet us where we are, with what we need—just in time. What are you facing that feels uncertain or empty? Like Elijah and Corrie, trust and obey. God’s sustaining power may come through unexpected means, but it will come.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your daily faithfulness. When our brooks dry up and our hands feel empty, help us trust that You are already making a way. Teach us to walk in obedience, give with generosity, and trust You fully. Just as You did for Elijah—and Corrie—provide for us, creatively and compassionately, just in time. Amen.

Never Forsaken

 

Trusting in God’s Provision

“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” — Psalm 37:25

David’s words in Psalm 37:25 offer a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness. Over a lifetime, he observed that those who trust in the Lord are never truly abandoned. While trials may come, God remains steadfast, ensuring that His people are sustained.

Psalm 37:39 reinforces this truth: “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.” God does not promise a life free from difficulties, but He guarantees His presence and provision in the midst of them. Charles Spurgeon reminds us, “Hunger may come, but the bread of heaven will sustain them; trials may afflict, but the grace of God will strengthen them.”

Eugene Peterson paraphrases Psalm 37:25 as, “I once was young, now I’m a graybeard—not once have I seen an abandoned believer.” God’s care is personal and unwavering. C.S. Lewis further challenges us to live in daily dependence on Him: “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”

One of the ways God provides is through His people. John Wesley exhorted believers: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can.” We are both recipients of God’s provision and called to be His hands and feet to others.

If you feel uncertain or overwhelmed, take heart—God is your stronghold. His provision may not always come in expected ways, but His faithfulness never fails.

Prayer:

Lord, I trust in Your unfailing provision. You are my stronghold in times of trouble. Strengthen my faith to rely on You daily, and help me be a source of Your provision for others. Thank You for never forsaking me. Amen.