DAILY DEVOT IONAL 37
Joseph Jueng
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. - Matthew 6:33-4 (NRSVue)
What will happen to the dinner ministry? This was the worry running through my mind as I made my way to UMC at New Brunswick one Sunday in mid-May of 2020. What had begun as a bi-weekly Rutgers campus ministry initiative had morphed into a daily meal feeding over 50 of the most vulnerable members of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. With my new appointment and no extra pastoral support coming for my senior pastor, I was anxious about the future longevity of this critical mission.
That afternoon, a man I didn’t recognize approached during a lull in meal service. He introduced himself as Pastor Art. He had come to the New Brunswick train station with a backpack full of sandwiches, expecting to find people in need. Instead, he was directed to our church. It turned out he was on a scouting mission to see if his congregation could alleviate food insecurity in the city. The name of his church? God Will Provide. Through Pastor Art and the members of his church, the dinner ministry was able to not only continue but thrive. And although they have since phased out of the mission, God’s provision has kept the food outreach going—now serving over 100 meals every night, seven days a week.
This experience reminds me to cast my burdens upon the Lord, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Truly, the worries of tomorrow are not ours to carry. Instead, when we seek first His kingdom and trust in His faithfulness, we will find that God indeed provides.
QUESTIONS:
1. When faced with times of fear and uncertainty, how can you shift your focus from the challenges ahead to trusting in God's provision for today?
2. Have you ever experienced God's provision in ways that were surprising or unexpected?
3. How did it strengthen your faith?
PRAYER:
Gracious God, we thank you for your constant provision and for reminding us that we do not need to worry about tomorrow. Help us to trust you with the needs of today and to seek first your kingdom in all things. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen