Who is my provider?

As a working husband and father, I often picture myself as the sole provider of our family. In fact, I've even described myself as such in recent conversations with colleagues/prospective employers. It is easy to slip into that way of thinking and in those moments forget that I am so deceived. Most people are not even phased by the deception, often times agreeing with me and offering casual condolences like "I understand" or "You're right. You've got to make sure you can provide for your family".

There's now a tugging in my heart and I must ask the question...do I provide for my family???

To most Christians, the obvious answer is "No". The church answers of "God is my provider" or "He is all I need" run rampant through my mind. But let's get real people...we are not perfect and we have a tendency to make a name for ourselves and think higher of ourselves than we should (consider the Babylonians and their infamous tower). Ashamedly, I admit I am such a person. I've lost count how many times I have answered "Yes" to this question. In so doing, I place myself on a pedestal that I have no right to be on. My view of God becomes so limited, forgetting that He literally spoke the world into motion and provided everything it needed by His word. Last time I checked, I am not able to do that.

I need to change my way of thinking. Or as Romans states, "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." I am so grateful for the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit who reminds me that He is the provider for my family. He gives us breath, He provides a job/income, He sustains us by meeting our needs (not our wants). The Gospel of Matthew tells us He feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers in the fields. How much more will He provide for us, the people He created to know Him and make Him known!!!

Exalting God above all else has provided peace to me and the family. Peace that is unfathomable and I cannot explain. I am also amazed that how quickly I fade into the shadows as I lift Him up and take my mind off myself and my measly abilities.

I have found comfort in Isaiah 26:3..."You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You".

Now the question is "Who is your provider?"