Saturday, June 27, 2026

Characteristics of God: He is a provider.

I catch myself worrying about everything - my kids, my future, my finances, even things that haven’t happened yet. Some of those worries I can do something about. Others are completely out of my hands. I’m learning to ask God for the wisdom to know the difference, and the courage to release what isn’t mine to carry.

Matthew 6:28-30
“And why worry about clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Oh, me of little faith!

That stings. I pray. I go to church. I’m in community. I do have faith … don’t I?

And yet, how many times do I kneel at the foot of the cross, lay down my worries, and then quietly pick them back up again? I don’t think I’m alone in that. Most of us trust God in theory but struggle to trust him in practice.

There’s a moment in Genesis when God tests Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. It wasn’t about cruelty - it was about trust. Abraham didn’t know the ending, but he believed God would provide. And he did. At the very last moment, God supplied a ram in the thicket.

That story isn’t meant to suggest Abraham’s obedience caused Jesus to bear our burdens - Scripture doesn’t teach that. But it does show us something important:

God has always been a God who provides before we even see the need.

If he provided for Abraham on the mountain…

If he clothes the lilies in beauty…

If he carried the weight of the world at the cross…

He can carry what’s worrying you today.

Will you let him?

Will you lay down your burdens and trust that he has it all under control?

Questions:
What are you needing God to provide? Can you let go, and trust that God will?

Next Steps:
Read the entire story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22:9-14.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for balancing life and lifting the burdens that so heavily weigh us down. I know that you are in control. I have faith. I pray that each time I bring my burdens to you, I will leave them in your capable hands, and wait for the provisions that you always bring. You are a good Father, and I worship you! Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Jeremiah 9:23-24a
This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord….”

Written by Julie Estep, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily.