Thank God for His Provision
Matthew 14:22-34

I've got good news and I've got some bad news...Which would you like first?

BAD NEWS - No one gets through life without trials! That's not a very pleasant thought, but it's a reality of life. That is the bad news.

GOOD NEWS - We serve a good God who provides beautifully—especially during the dark periods of life. Today, I want to talk to you about being thankful for His provision!

Matthew 14 tells of a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus provided for His disciples on that fretful night and He also provides for us today. Just as He met the needs of His disciples in that unsettling situation, He supplies our needs in time of difficulty. How does He do this? Pastor and Author, Charles Stanley offers the following three insights.

First, the Father gives Christians His presence and the promise that He will never leave (Heb. 13:5-6). This is, perhaps, the greatest gift because from this awareness, He offers a sense of comfort, courage, and confidence.

Second, the Lord blesses His children with a pathway through trouble. He is in total control of our storm and will use the trial for His purpose. We may not understand, but we can trust His hand to guide us and accomplish good. Sometimes the reason and benefit of a difficulty will becomes obvious, while in other cases, it may never be clear.

Third, the Father offers believers the potential to grow. Hardships are exercises in trust and times to learn more fully who God is and how great His power and love are.

No one enjoys trials. But remember to express gratitude for God's hand in your life and the ways in which He will use the adversity. Hardships are chances to trust your Creator and to know Him better. Of course, they are painful, but don't waste the opportunity to become all the Lord has planned for you.