Onward: God’s Provision

 Onward: God’s Provision 

Opening Illustration:

Good morning Eastern Shore Baptist Church. Good morning and happy new year. Last week our Associate Pastor Josh Raybon kicked off this new year’s series entitled Onward. 

Onward: in a continuing forward direction; ahead.

Onward: going further rather than coming to and end or halt; moving forward.

If you had to choose a word to inspire your new year, what would it be? Mine is “Onward”. I want to look forward, not behind. I want to focus on future success rather than dwell on past mistakes. I want my relationships to grow numerically. I want them to grow deeper. I don’t want to dwell on every errant word, every broken promise, or every time someone let me down. It’s time to move onward. 

In order to truly embrace that word, in order to embrace “Onward” as YOUR word, you have to have a plan. If you don’t have a plan to move on, then you will be stuck focusing on your past, spinning your wheels, living life in the rear view mirror instead of embracing God’s future for you.  

One of my favorite people from history was Ronald Reagan. President Reagan was my childhood President. He was a brilliant statesman. He was witty and winsome. He was an amazing leader. Not long ago I read his autobiography entitled “An American Life”. In the book Reagan states that he believed that God had a plan for everyone and that seemingly random twists of fate are actually preordained, sovereignty executed, blueprints crafted by a divine hand. Here is a quote from President Reagan’s memoir. 

“My mother - a small woman with auburn hair and a sense of optimism that ran as deep as the cosmos - told me that everything in life happened for a purpose. She said all things were part of God’s plan, even the most disheartening setbacks, and in the end, everything worked out for the best. If something went wrong, she said, you didn’t let it get you down: You stepped away from it, stepped over it, and moved on. Later on, she added, something good will happen and you’ll find yourself thinking - "If I hadn’t had that problem back then, then this better thing that did happen wouldn’t have happened to me."

Reagan goes on to talk about his early career. He was working a low paying, dead end job at Montgomery Ward. He lost that job and he was devastated. He had no job, no income, and very little prospects. How in the world was he going to make it? If being jobless and poor was a part of God’s plan, Ronald Reagan was sure that he wanted any part of it. However, if he had not lost that job, he would have never pursued acting. He acting opened doors for politics and politics led him to the highest office in the land. 

Reagan is quoted in his book saying, “Although I didn’t know it then, I was beginning a journey that would take me a long way from Dixon and fulfill all my dreams and then some. My mother, as usual, was right.”

Friends, Ronald Reagan is just another human example of God having a plan for people. He has a plan for me and He has a plan for you too. The Bible talks about God’s plan for His people in Jeremiah 29:11. 

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

God has a plan to take care of us, His children. 

Matthew 6:31-32 NLT

"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

God even has a plan for transformation, growth, spiritual renewal for all believers. 

Philippians 1:6 NLT

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Friend, I will make a promise to you this morning. God is going to provide for you in this new year. He has a plan for your life, it is good, fruitful, and filled with spiritual growth. 

Do me a favor this morning, fill in the blanks under “Today’s Thought”. God always provides for people who follow His plan. 

Today’s Thought:

God Always Provides For People Who Follow His Plan!

Jerry Bridges was an evangelical Christian author and speaker. He wrote numerous books on Christian living, discipleship, and holiness. Some of his well-known works include "The Pursuit of Holiness" and "The Discipline of Grace." Both books are two of my favorites. I love what he states about God’s plan and provision for our lives. No, life may not always be easy. It may not always be comfortable. Things may not always go the way you want them to go. You got cut from the team. You got fired. You didn’t get the promotion or the job fell through. She broke up with you. He left you. Just because something doesn’t out doesn’t mean that God is not moving. It doesn’t mean that God’s plan is not in motion. Listen to what he says. 

"God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. He is not as interested in making our circumstances better as He is in making us better. And so, He may allow some degree of discomfort to come into our lives in order to drive us to Him for His supply." 

Today’s Quote:

"God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. He is not as interested in making our circumstances better as He is in making us better. And so, He may allow some degree of discomfort to come into our lives in order to drive us to Him for His supply." 

- Jerry Bridges 

Author of “The Pursuit of Holiness” and President of The Navigators 

Background and Context:

Before we read in Luke, I want to give to you some background and context. In Luke 10:1-12, we witness this incredible moment where Jesus is like, "Hey, we need more hands on deck!" Picture this: He gathers seventy-two of his disciples, pumps them up, and sends them out two by two on this epic mission. "The harvest is ready, but we're short on workers, so let's go!"  Jesus tells them to keep it simple, no extra baggage, just rely on the hospitality of the towns they visit.

So, off they go, healing the sick, teaching about the kingdom of God being right around the corner. But here's the twist, there is always a twist: Jesus warns them that not everyone will be throwing a welcome party. If a town shuts them down, no worries, shake off that dust, and move on – drama-free. It’s all a part of God’s plan, don’t worry, God will provide. 

Guess what? The disciples come back celebrating! They've healed, cast out demons, and the excitement is contagious. Jesus is encouraged, affirming their impact and pushes them to keep the good news of the Gospel public. This passage is like a pep talk, reminding us of the urgency to spread the message of repentance and restoration, trust in divine provision, and hey, shake off the rejection – there's still plenty of work to do!

Statement of Belief:

“We believe the Bible to be inspired, God breathed, infallible, and authoritative. We believe the Bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training believer’s in righteousness. God’s Word gives life. It provides peace in trouble and protection in tribulation. It is alive, active, and cuts to the core of the human soul. Since there is no other book like it, let us stand to show our reverence and respect.” 

Today’s Scripture:

Luke 10:1-12 ESV

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. [2] And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. [3] Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. [4] Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. [5] Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you. [7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. [8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. [9] Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' [12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

God’s Provision For You and Me!

I. God’s Plan vs. 3

I want you to repeat this statement after me…

“God has a plan for my life and it is good.”

Say that…

“God has a plan for my life and it is good.”

Friends God wants to provide for you. He wants to provide for me. Check that, He doesn’t “want” to provide for you and me. He WILL provide for you and me.  

Let’s read verse three one more time. 

“Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “but preacher, you said that God has a good plan for me and it’s good. Jesus just told His disciples that He was sending them out as ‘lambs in the midst of wolves’. How in the world is that a good plan?”

There are a lot of preachers and pastors that will tell you that God only uses the good, the prosperous, the easy, the nice things of life to grow you. They tell you that if you follow Christ and if you have a big enough faith that your days will be bright, that your relationships will be roses, and that your bank account will be full, and that you will enjoy a long life of health. 

But what about the days that are hard? What about when your health fails? What about when you bounced the check and your fridge is empty? What about when your car breaks down? What about when loneliness and depression come and knock on your door?

Is that God’s plan too?

The short answer is “yes”. God uses the good, the bad, and the ugly to grow us into His image. In truth, when you join God’s army you are signing up for blessings and bruises. You’re raising your hand for comfort and crisis. When you ask the Holy Spirit into your heart, when you pursue Christ obediently, you are not only a treasure to God but you are also a target for Satan. 

There is nothing that happens that is not ordained by God to happen. Jesus may have been a young man, a man in His early 30’s, but He possesses the wisdom of the ages. He knew that the message of repentance would not be well received by all. He knew that His followers would be hated, they would be reviled. They would be treated harshly and critiqued. Nevertheless, this was God’s plan. 

What about you? Are you trying to live righteously but feel rejected by your friends, your co-workers and your family? Are you trying to be obedient to God’s Word, trying to live as Christ, only to feel condemned? If that’s you, you are in good company. 

The disciples were martyred. Followers of Christ who found themselves in the early church lost their homes, their jobs. They were jailed, tortured, and hunted down. It was the worst of times and they ministered to the worst of people and it was all a part of God’s plan. 

Friends, adversity, suffering and struggle are three of God’s greatest tools for Christian growth. These tools are used by the Holy Spirit to help us achieve proficiency in our spiritual lives and mastery over our sinful natures. People who have overcome the most obstacles are usually the most accomplished individuals. Growth always involves stepping out of our comfort zones, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. 

Jesus knew that the only way to develop a strong faith in His followers was to test their faith. Sheep sent out among wolves indeed. God uses the good and the bad to grow and develop us. 

Growing up I watched a TV show called “The A Team”. The show follows a group of former United States Army Special Forces soldiers who become mercenaries. The main characters include Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, and of course Mr. T himself Sergeant Baracus "B.A." Baracus among others. Each week the A-Team met an unfortunate person needing help. Facing impossible odds the A-Team always one depending on one another and sticking to the plan. In fact, every episode concluded with Hannibal saying, “I love it when a plan comes together”. It was not always easy and each episode involved challenges needing to be overcome. 

Know this, God loves it when a plan comes together too. You may be struggling today, but God is using that struggle to grow you, shape you, and develop you. You are not forgotten about. He is aware. Listen to what He reveals to us in Psalm 32. 

Psalm 32:8 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

II. God’s Provision vs. 7

Good news, God has a plan for you and me. We see that demonstrated in Jesus sending out the disciples two by two. Let’s cover our second point from this story. God’s provision. Let’s talk about God’s provision. Let’s go back to verse 7 this morning. 

[7] And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 

You know what, let’s add verse 4 to that as well. 

[4] Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 

So, Jesus does something unusual, He commands the disciples to go out on a road trip but He tells them not to pack. How many of you would set out for a long journey, maybe a trip to another state, city or even another country but pack absolutely nothing for the trip? How many of you feel like you are naked if you forget your phone at your house? All of us obsess with preparing for long trips. We pack. We plan. We want to make sure that we have everything we need for whatever situation arises. 

Men, how many of you are married to “planners”? I am. My wife cannot be out planned. I have never seen a more diligent planner when it comes to packing for a trip. She lays everything out meticulously. She counts the days and makes sure that she has just the right outfits. Don’t even get me started on the medicine bag. Gracious, we have enough medicine for surgery if need be. Honestly, it is what I love about my wife. 

Back to Jesus, He sends out the disciples with nothing but what they are carrying. He tells them that they will face adversity. They will struggle. It will be hard. But then He says, “fellas it may be hard but you are not allowed to carry anything. No money. No food. See the shoes you have on your feet, that’s it. In fact I don’t want you to even speak to anyone you pass”. He was forbidding them to even ask for help. If help came their way, it would have to come from the generosity of a stranger. 

Why would Jesus do this? Why this exercise? Why now?

Simple! Jesus is teaching a lesson. Jesus was always teaching lessons. What do you think that Jesus was teaching His followers? 

Dependance! Jesus was teaching His disciples about dependance, belief, and faith. “Guys Im sending you out into the great unknown.” It may have been unknown but they would not be alone! Notice, when the disicples came back, what was their attitude? What was their emotional state? We didn’t read it but the answer comes in verse 17, 

Luke 10:17 GW

The 70 disciples came back very happy. They said, "Lord, even demons obey us when we use the power and authority of your name!"

They didn’t just come back happy. They came back VERY happy. The Greek word for “very happy” is khar-ah’. It means gladness, joyful, joyous. It means exceedingly joyful. Luke paints the picture that when the disciples returned they were jumping with joy. Imagine what their emotion was when they left Jesus. Chances are they were scared. Do you know how I know they were scared? I know because I would have been scared. For heaven’s sake, Jesus tells them that they are going out into the world as lambs being led to the wolves. That is frightening language. These men would have been familiar with that imagery. Many of them were probably shepherds. They knew what wolves did to lambs. They had seen the dead rotting carcasses of lambs and sheep that had been brutalized by ravenous wolves. It wasn’t pretty. So they leave Jesus scared. Worried. Frightened. 

However, something happens on that road. Something takes place in those towns. Yes, the wolves were out there in the dark. Danger was present in the unknown. Still, they discovered that God was out there in the dark. God was present in the unknown. What they learn is that God does His most miraculous works in the darkest of moments and in the midst of the unknown. 

They returned with joy because Jesus never really left them. They didn’t need anything else. They didn’t need the money, the food, or the fellowship of strangers because God’s presence was enough. Jesus’ guiding hand was plenty. 

Friend, is it possible that God is calling you into the dark? Is He calling you to the unknown this year? Are you afraid? Let me give you a piece of advice, stop into the unknown with Christian courage. You are not alone. God will provide for you. He will not abandon you. You don’t need food. You don’t need money. You don’t need anything that the world can offer. Jesus is enough. His presence is plenty. His hand will guide you. God does His most miraculous work in the darkness and He grows our faith when we dive into the unknown. Jesus even tells us this in Matthew 6 when He talks about worry. Listen to Matthew 6:31-32.

Matthew 6:31-32 ESV

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

III. Our Perseverance vs. 10-11

Friends, God has a plan. He will provide. Lastly, we must persevere. Let’s talk about our perseverance. Let’s ready verse 10-11 this morning. 

[10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' 

Any pastor or preacher that tells you that becoming a Christian sets you up for sunny skies and apple pies is a liar. Living as an obedient Christ follower puts a target square on your back. The Devil hates true Christians and he wants nothing more than to destroy you, damage your family, deter you from the righteous life, and dismantle your most cherished relationships. That’s why Peter gives us a warning about Satan.

I Peter 5:8 NIV

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Peter actually tells us that the Devil is looking for Christians, obedient men and women who love the Lord. 

If you are really a believer in Christ, you won’t have to look for difficulty, difficulty will find you. 

Case in point, I was at our Primetimers Senior Adult Luncheon on Tuesday. It was a special time. Probably one of the best luncheons that I have ever attended. Bill Browning, our Senior Adult Pastor, had invited a few church members to deliver their testimony. To say that it was inspirational would be an understatement. We had members talk about their challenges, their difficulties, how they had dearly loved family members die tragically and suddenly. They talked about depression, anxiety, and loss. 

One testimony that I had never heard was that of my friend, my brother, Phillip Webb. Phillip is our Deacon Chairman. Man do I ever love this guy. He has been there for me like no other man. He has stood with me when I found myself standing the hot searing flames. He has taken arrows for me with grace and dignity. 

Phillip told a story about when he was a younger man. He had worked at the same company for over 13 years. The company management called him in to have a talk with him. Times were hard. Times were lean. Still, 13 years Phillip had invested in this company. He had give them his blood sweat and tears. Phillip went into the meeting confident but left confused. As he put it, he was the collateral damage of a bad economy as the company was trying to sure up their middle management. JoAnn was a stay at home mother with two children. Phillip got in his car, was driving across the Bay, and had no idea what to do. He called Brother Grant, my predecessor, and asked him to pray for him. Grant did. 

In that moment, Phillip remembered that he has prayed to God that he wanted a carrier change but didn’t know how to make the jump. Months earlier he had asked God to help him. He just didnt expect God to “help” him this way. Through his tears and disappointment, doors began to open for Phillip. He sold cars for 6 months. After that, he was signed on at a machine shop. He did that for a while, learning the ropes. Eventually Phillip opened his own machine shop which has been in business for more than 2 decades now. What Phillip didn’t know was that being self employed offered him freedom to be at home, to raise his children, to invest in his wife, to serve God’s people here at Eastern Shore Baptist Church. What Phillip didn’t know was that a 32 year old pastor named Stuart Davidson would be introduced into his life and that young pastor would need not just his guidance and wisdom, but that he would need his presence. Phillip was able to be there for that pastor because he was self employed. Able to meet with that young pastor, give him hours of time because God had allowed Phillip to become his own boss. 

God allowed that terrible time in Phillip’s life to occur. God ordained it. God had a purpose for it. Phillip didn’t

understand it at the time but looking back, he gets it. He sees the bigger picture. Phillip shared a Scripture that he held on to during those days. I want to share it with you this morning. 

Hebrews 10:36 AMP

For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

Jesus knew that the disciples would have to endure. They would have to persevere. Friends, we must persevere as well. That’s what this series is all about. This year is going to be a great year but it will have its fair share of challenges. Endure people. Endure Church. Persevere. Remember you are not alone. We have Jesus and we have each other. I’ll close this morning with James 1:12. 

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Trust The Lord, He Will Provide For You!