Equipped for Today: What "Life and Godliness" Really Means
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV).
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of fear, isn’t it?
To focus on the limited knowledge we can see rather than the truth of what God says. I often find myself guilty of this. There are times when faith is louder than fear, yes, but there are other times when fear gets louder than my faith.
What are you afraid of? Finances, or lack thereof, or the future?
The list could go on and on.
I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s provision recently, inspired by a much-needed conversation with a good friend. As someone who works in the creative industry, income can ebb and flow and sometimes be inconsistent, and it’s easy to let the fear of the financial future get louder than my faith.
And that fear hits even closer to home right now as I watch my family navigate a similar season. You see, my dad was laid off from his job late last year, and no matter how many doors he’s knocked on, as I write this, nothing yet has come through.
We know God will provide and that He’s never failed us, but as the days continue with seemingly no answers in sight, sometimes, we wrestle with fear.
Dwelling on fear, as easy as it can be to fall into that trap sometimes, is quite unhealthy. Whatever we dwell on and choose to think about will naturally affect what we believe and how we live. This means if we choose to fix our eyes on things above, then that will naturally affect what we believe about God, ourselves, and the circumstances we find ourselves in.
I had a moment recently where fear threatened to consume me. I’m talking about anxiety physically gripping my heart, even though at church the previous day we’d talked about the importance of believing God’s truth over the lies in our heads. Yes, the timing was quite “convenient.”
There’s a reason Scripture reminds us to focus on: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 ESV).
Instead of worrying God won’t provide, why not reflect on what He has done in our lives already? It’s good to remember and recount what the Lord has done.
When I chose gratitude and to remember His goodness instead of fear, my anxiety began to ease.
The truth is, God always provides for everything we need. Often it comes at what we call “the last minute,” but it is certainly never too late.
I love what Peter reminds us of in this passage here. God has granted us everything we need for life and godliness.
In addition to caring for our spiritual needs, God cares about our material needs as well.
When it comes to the practical side, what do we need for life?
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about what they will eat, wear, or drink. And in verse 26 (ESV), he says: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Let that soak in.
If God cares for the birds of the air and provides everything they need, how much more will He provide for His children?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Look around you. Do you have food to eat? Clothes on your back?
Maybe you don’t know how you’ll pay the bills this month, but maybe you’re not supposed to know right now. I heard a story once about a man who needed money for his little son’s birthday party, but he and his wife didn’t even have that. They didn’t know what to do, but they wanted to bless him. While out on a walk, the Lord led him to the exact amount of money he needed to bless his little boy.
When you need it, God will provide it.
Sometimes, He’ll provide through a family that gives eggs from their farm to yours all summer. Or who invites you over and offers to pray over you. Or maybe God will use the kindness of a friend who introduced my dad to leadership at the company he works for, in hopes it may open a door for a job. Or what about my friend who took 2 hours out of his day to point me to the Lord and be a listening ear when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it?
Sometimes, it’s simple things. Sometimes, we get to be that person for someone else, not realizing how a simple act of obedience can truly bless someone’s day and be what we didn’t even realize they needed. Other times, the Lord allows us to be on the receiving end of His goodness through His children.
Pray with me: Dear Father God, please help me to trust that You will give me everything I need for life and godliness. You care about the sparrows and lilies of the field, so how much more do you care for me and provide for me? Thank You for Your provision in my life. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/thekopmylife
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