El Shaddai

I hope that you had a good weekend.

Quite a few things happened in the past few days... Perhaps, it's God's way of reminding us to trust in Him with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Indeed, those who acknowledge Him as Lord - He makes their paths straight.

My weekend flew past a little too quickly for my liking. However, I did taste God's faithfulness. In the previous week, I kept praying about a particular issue that troubled me. When the weekend arrived (while I got busy and distracted preparing to lead worship in church), God began to faithfully speak to me about His provision through His Word, circumstances and some random people. Why should I spend so much time worrying about my own sustenance when God has clearly indicated this: Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all my needs will be covered? A moment in need is the perfect opportunity for Him to show me His goodness and loving-kindness. After all, the Word of God has implied that goodness and loving-kindness follow God's sheep all the days of its life! (Ps 23:6) *BAA BAA BAAAAA!!!*

Twice in the past 2 days, my attention got drawn to a particular common phrase, through 2 different passages - one Old Testament and the other in the New Testament. "Lilies of the valley". How beautifully this phrase ministers to my heart! Those common lilies do not toil or spin. They just bask in the sun and smile in the cool showers of dew and rain. But God has still provided for each of them and made them fruitful. Now, if I were one of the lilies, I would perhaps feel like there is nothing unique about me. I fit into the crowd, sure... but you could easily mistake me for another of my neighbours. You could well pass over me and still miss nothing. But God did not leave me out when He clothed us... and He gave me His 100%. The best and most complete He could do. I'm speaking for the lilies - but if God cared so much about the common lilies, what more those whom He made in His own image... His servants and ultimately, children?

Even Ulf Ekman's daily devotional material (which I read everyday) spoke on the same subject. Let me quote part of it: "Rise up! The Lord is your provider! Stand up! God will never abandon you. On the contrary, He is in covenant with you, and whatever you lack, He has. He is interested in this aspect of your life. He does not despise your financial needs. He takes care of every area of your life. If He could cause ravens to bring food to Elijah, He can perform great miracles for you too. Yet He has even more than that. He is El Shaddai, the God of Abundance, who wants to meet all your needs in an abundant way in Christ Jesus..."

I am grateful that God never fails to bring me fresh perspectives of His provision at every new beginning. In the opening of every new season.

Have a blessed week, friends.