Remember Jesus’ Promise: The Lord Will Provide

Word-Of-The-Day:  (5) ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (6) So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (7) Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ (Hebrews 13:5-8)

The Federal Government shutdown is going to start affecting the general population in November.  Since its inception in October, the shutdown has, for the most part, affected government employees who have not been paid or have been put on furlough as there is no official budget to fund their positions.  But most public-facing programs had funding previously approved through October, and now in November those programs are not funded. 

Should the shutdown continue through November, many who are on government assistance programs, such as those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, which funds the Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT debit cards issued to those impoverished Americans who qualify, will not be able to purchase groceries using the EBT cards.  This includes families with children, and some are using this to instill fear and panic into those who need SNAP to maintain their nutritional needs.

Some social media posters have stated there will be organized and unorganized shoplifting runs on grocery stores in the beginning of November to counter the shutdown of SNAP, with some calling for civil unrest, to block the entrances of stores so those not on SNAP will also not be able to shop.  There has been rumors of grocery stores locking their doors due to this threat, going to a ‘curbside pickup’ or ‘home delivery’ model of service, though one nationwide chain has denied this and have maintained their stores will stay open, despite the possibly of disruptions to their operations.

For those on SNAP, please remember that with Jesus, He will provide for your needs – a promise that while the government may not be able to always keep, He will.   In Matthew 6:26-34 Jesus promises that as God provides for the birds their food and the fauna its growth, He will provide for His people.  There are many organizations set up to help those in need, such as food banks.  These are often aligned with churches, and other organizations with churches are offering prepared meals to those who present their EBT cards.

As Christians, we can also do our part by providing for our less-fortunate neighbors by buying an extra can or two of food when we shop, to give to those in need.  Each person does not have to do a lot; each person doing just one can in a church of four hundred congregants will accumulate four hundred cans of food.  It doesn’t take much from those of us who our blessed with plenty to bless others by providing just a small portion to those in need.  

It is possible, though unlikely here on the Florida Suncoast, that we may be blocked out of grocery stores, and though we shouldn’t be, we may be afraid to go to the store due to fear.  (‘<God said to Joshua,> “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…” (Joshua 1:9))  I pray (being hurricane-prone Floridians) we were prepared in some form or fashion for the possibility of a shortage on an inability to get to a store. 

While we may not be completely 100% ready, be content with what you have and make the most of what you have.  You may have to put up with some inconveniences, but be content and go with what you have.   There are many others around the world who don’t have anything close to what we possess.  (You’re probably reading this in the comfort of AC, for example.)

If you do run short of needed food or goods, look at alternatives, like the many ‘dollar stores’ that have some grocery items.  If you’re really tired of ‘pork & beans’ or the same stuff you’ve been eating, order ‘carry-out’ or ‘delivery’ from one of your local restaurants; it’ll get you out of the house, and they would greatly appreciate your business.  Remember, the Lord is with you always.  

This is not the first rodeo for Jesus; He has been through many plagues, disasters, wars, droughts, floods – you name it, He has been there with His people.  You are here today because your ancestors got through these things, with Jesus’ help, mercy and love.  Ask for His mercy and His protection, both at home and when you need to go out.  Just don’t put yourself in a predicament if some modicum of civil unrest occurs; use the common sense the Lord gave you.  If you are in need, ask someone from your home church, or one of the local churches in your area. 

And never forget that you are NOT alone.  You have your church family, those of your fellowship, to lean on for support and talk to.  More importantly is that you have Jesus Christ as ‘BFF’!  He is not just a prayer away; He is with you via the Holy Spirit, speak and he already knows what you are asking and what you need.  Jesus is unchanging; always loving and always available.