”8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ”
1 Timothy 5:8
Being a father and a husband is not easy.
Being a child, or a wife, well that can be even harder.
Imagine a famly in which the father, and husband, is the sole provider. This not only puts an enormous amount of pressure on the parent in charge, it creates dependency which can become a fragile pillar that can easily crumbled onder the tremendous weight that comes along supporting an entire household over a long period of time.
That’s the situation I was in for over 15 years, supporing a wife who refused to work to help our family.
So today, after taking care of my ex-wife’s bills including mortgage, utilities, life and home owners insurance, credit card payments and even car insurance on a vehicle she doesn’t even drive, I gave praise to God for providing all I need to support my family.
Being a faithful provider has not been easy. I have to admit, it’s been rough at times, specially when I didn’t have enough money for my own needs.
Even through the worst times, I had my Bible with me so when my tank ran near empty, I gleaned from the sacred wisdom of Scripture as I explored the responsibility and significance of providing for our families, drawing inspiration from 1 Timothy 5:8: 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
In this verse, the Apostle Paul delivers a poignant message that transcends the temporal and reaches deep into the core of our familial responsibilities. It serves as a gentle reminder that our provision for our loved ones is not merely a duty but a reflection of our faith and an expression of our devotion to God’s divine order.
1. Godly Provision as a Sacred Duty:
The call to provide for our families is not a secular obligation but a sacred duty. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are entrusted with the responsibility to be the stewards of God’s provisions, ensuring the well-being and flourishing of our loved ones. This sacred duty goes beyond financial sustenance; it encompasses emotional, spiritual, and physical care, creating an environment where our families can thrive.
2. Faith in Action:
Providing for our families becomes an active demonstration of our faith. When we embrace this responsibility with love, diligence, and integrity, we manifest the principles of our faith in tangible, real-world actions. Our faith is not a passive belief but a dynamic force that propels us to embody the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. By providing for our families, we live out the Gospel message and become living testimonies of God’s love.
3. The Essence of Love:
At the heart of providing for our families lies the essence of love. Love is not merely expressed through words but is revealed in the sacrificial and intentional acts of care and support. Just as Christ provided for His disciples and the multitude, we, too, are called to emulate His selfless love within the sacred confines of our households. True love is manifested when our provision reflects the nurturing and protective nature of God’s love for His children.
4. Balancing Priorities:
While the call to provide is essential, it is equally vital to strike a balance between our professional pursuits and our familial responsibilities. Our vocations should not become stumbling blocks that hinder us from fulfilling our duties at home. Rather, they should complement our role as providers, allowing us to contribute to our families’ well-being while remaining anchored in God’s divine order.
5. Seeking Divine Guidance:
As we navigate the complexities of providing for our families, let us seek divine guidance through prayer and reflection. God, our ultimate Provider, stands ready to offer wisdom, discernment, and strength as we fulfill our roles within our households. Through a surrendered heart and a commitment to aligning our actions with His will, we can navigate the challenges of providing for our families with grace and purpose.
Providing for our families is not a burdensome task but a sacred calling that aligns with the divine order established by God. As we embrace this responsibility, let us remember that our provision goes beyond material sustenance; it encompasses the holistic well-being of our loved ones. May our actions as breadwinners be guided by love, faith, and a deep commitment to living out the Gospel within the sacred walls of our homes.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
