God created each creature with their habitat and natural habits and needs in mind, and provided for them in uniquely wonderful ways. I am living proof of his provision. I won't explain exactly what I mean, but suffice it to say, that what I have does not match up with what I have monetarily earned. I kind of live this life described in the story found in Kings:
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee: tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroard of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
I had this blog in mind a while ago ... it has been lounging in the closet of my mind, waiting to be aired. A most excellent friend prayed over me, and when she spoke about oil flowing in my life, filling and spilling over, abundant oil, I excitedly interrupted her in gratitude, sharing that I had this as a topic of writing waiting in the wings. I know, dear one, I know, what God has done for me and my family, that cannot be reckoned in an accountants book. God does not give what we deserve, he gives us far more, and beyond our wildest dreams. I cannot earn what he provides, and my wages are my reward from a gracious, merciful, provisional Father that holds back nothing from me.
I am thankful, grateful, and sometimes stupefied at his generosity. I ask you, what do you have that you simply cannot take credit for?
Oil, flowing, from one vessel into the next, and the next, and the next ... without growing olive trees, plucking the fruit, and grinding it to a slick. Did you know Jesus is referred to as the Good Olive? I like this very much.
I want you to know that I have figured out, that you and I cannot be more merciful than God. I want you to know that as far as grace goes, he has us beat by a landslide. We don't have to worry about animals feeding and clothing themselves in inclement weather. We don't have to be concerned that somehow they will not be shown the love that all creatures are given by the Sovereign Creator. We get to praise the Provider, the one that does all the behind the scenes work that somehow shows up as edible and wearable, for all his creatures!
Praise be to God, dear reader, because if we had to count on one another to provide our every need, we would fall short of the mark every time. This lovely doxology comes to mind; perhaps you know it, and will sing along?
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.