But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
When we seek the Kingdom of God first and put that Kingdom first, the rest will be added, the Bible says.
The Kingdom of God in the first place means: surrendering yourself completely to God and dying to your own self. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; Galatians 2:20a. Lord what do you want me to do?
Don’t be concerned about anything.
(But worrying is human, right?)
Many people live in shortage. They talk about the high prices, they talk about a broken washing machine or a wage that is too low. They worry about everything. Money, future, work, you name it. That is understandable, when it all just works.
But the Bible says, Be anxious in nothing, but in all things, through prayer and supplication, let your desires be made known to God with thanksgiving; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Yes, but isn’t that human to worry? That’s right, it’s human. But we as a new creation live Spiritually. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
In 2013 we were almost divorced… God saved our marriage, but the time we had, where we followed our own “I”, had consequences. We were on the brink of bankruptcy. The maximum we could be in the red, we were in the red business-wise. The Lord had saved our marriage after we surrendered ourselves to Him again. The consequences were not yet resolved. We didn’t tell anyone, but said, ‘Lord, You saved our marriage. You let us know that we can continue to live in this house. Thank You that You will also provide this piece.”
came in a supernatural way. First because of a calculation error by the accountant, which meant that we had to pay much less VAT than usual. I had two weeks to do that. We gave thanks for provision and also did what we could. I sent a reminder to customers who had not paid and God made sure that just enough money came in for the VAT. A few weeks later we suddenly received a large amount back from the tax authorities. This allowed us to start building again. The next quarter it turned out that the bookkeeper had not calculated it correctly and we still had to pay the other part. At that moment it was possible again. Hallelujah!
We didn’t tell anyone our need…
But made our need known to our Father in Heaven.
God is so faithful that He makes the sun rise on the bad and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45b
When you put the Kingdom of God first, He will give you everything you need. A roof over your head, clothes, food.
I regularly come across people who give all kinds of hints in what they need. I would prefer to have this. I’m praying for that. I have faith for sister. I live on gifts. ‘Oh? And why should I know that? Do you hope that I am your source?’ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your desires be made known to God Philippians 4:6 Let your desires be known to God, says the Bible. It does not say, “And hint to all your friends so that they may provide for you.”
Begging, or being provided by the Source.
Recently someone told me about faith for provision for something. The person told me what it was. Too bad, I thought. Suppose the Lord had now spoken to my heart, without being told. Then it would have been supernatural provision. Had I reacted to this now, it would have been a natural supply. I now knew of the emergency.
Therefore I say to you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Believe that the Father in Heaven provides for your needs. Don’t look at people. It traps you when you start to rely on people. You get the feeling that you have to keep them happy, by being nice to them or something like that. Otherwise they may not give anything more. Foundations also have a hand in this. Be kind to their givers. Show them pictures or videos. Or, for example, by giving gifts.
While people and foundations that have put their hopes in God, don’t have to manipulate you by giving or hinting. They know that God is their Provider. They seek the Kingdom of God first and know that everything will be given to them. They don’t rely on people.
Do not trust in nobles, in the son of man, in whom there is no salvation. Psalm 146:3 Then you don’t have to be disappointed in people who don’t give money. God is your Source, your Provider. Then you don’t have to judge people. Then you don’t have to measure them, if they say no. When you feel a need for something to give, give. The Lord will always provide you, so you will not lack.
Years ago we supported a foundation structurally. Sometimes it was said: If you did not give, we would receive little. That was hard. It was not our calling. It was their calling. We were behind the foundation. At a certain point we didn’t want to give to that foundation anymore, because our hearts were not in it anymore. There was a friendship attached to it, so it was hard to stop. Suppose they got angry. Suppose the friendship ended. We asked someone for advice. We didn’t quite know how this worked. The person said, “If they’re called by God, isn’t God the Provider, isn’t you?” Wow, that was striking language. We needed that. It was even haughty to think it couldn’t do without us. We decided to throw it open and tell what was on our minds. We don’t want to give anymore. “No problem was the answer.” “God is our Source. We are called of Him, and He will provide. That is faith and trust.”
A year later we learned that their ministry had grown tremendously and we were so grateful. God is The Provider. He always responds to faith. Without faith,
however, it is impossible to please God. For whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t rely on people.
Prayer;
Thank You Father that You are the great Jehovah Jireh. Thank You that You never give Your children a stone when they ask for a loaf of bread. Thank you that we don’t have to rely on people, although you often use them. Thank You for teaching us to trust You only because You are a good Father. You know the desires of our hearts, but I also want to tell them to You today. (specify your needs) Thank you that I have already received it.
Amen