"The Power To Provide" by Kirk Hunt

And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. (Ruth 4:16 KJV)

Naomi, a woman old enough to be a grandmother, nursed Ruth's infant son, Obed. At her age, as a childless widow, Naomi could have been a powerless charity case. Instead, she provided joy, comfort and sustenance to those around her.

Too often, we throw people away. We identify those who are not immediately useful, or convenient, then decide they are useless. The practice is so widespread that we might shelve ourselves, citing oft-spoken but wrong-headed reasons.

Check your wrist. Is there a pulse? If so, then you have the power to provide.

The power to provide is not limited by age, health or skill set. The power to provide springs from a desire to do what it takes to benefit others. Put yourself in the fray. Try not to be surprised when you are in extraordinary demand.

Pick a minister and ministry, then give your prayers and other support. Invest your hard-won wisdom in someone starting out, or starting over. Hold up weak and feeble hands with grace and hope.

Don't worry about your payoff. God's grace has a way of sticking to the servant who serves. His provision lingers with those who deliver to others. Are you willing to be one of God's providers?

Naomi's story had hard, dark chapters, but ended in the joy of a laughing infant. Despite your story, you have the power to provide. Look around, someone is hungry for what you have to give.

Think: God has already given me the power to provide.

Pray: “Lord, teach me to provide Your blessings and benefits to those around me.”

Copyright © March 2008, Kirk Hunt