In life, we often face challenges that make us wonder how our needs will be met. Moments of financial problem, emotional stress, unanswered prayers, etc., can be disconcerting. In times like these, we should remember one of God's powerful names: Jehovah Jireh, meaning The Lord will provide.
The name Jehovah Jireh originated from Genesis 22 - the story of Abraham and Isaac. God had asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, through whom He had promised to establish many nations. Imagine the emotional struggle and psychological torture that Abraham must have gone through while he prepared for this. As Abraham and Isaac ascended Mount Moriah, Isaac asked his father, *“The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”* Abraham, full of faith, answered, *“God Himself will provide the lamb”* (Gen. 22:7-8). At the last moment, as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, God stopped him and provided a ram caught in a thicket to take Isaac’s place. Abraham called that place Jehovah Jireh, saying, *“On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided”* (Gen. 22:14). Paraphrasing, Jehovah Jireh means The Lord will see to it and fix it. What is your need today – health issues, financial difficulty, academic problem, marital challenge, spiritual attack? God will see to it and fix it for you today in Jesus name! God does not only know our needs, but He is also prepared to meet them, often before we even realize. Just as He provided the ram for Abraham, God sees ahead in our lives and orchestrates provision in ways we sometimes do not expect. This truth is reinforced in Philippians 4:19 - *“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus”*. You might think, *“That was a great story from the Bible, but what about me?”* The same God who provided for Abraham is still providing today and He will provide for you too. Have you ever had a time when you did not know how you would make ends meet, only for a solution to appear just in time? Maybe a bill was paid, a job opportunity arrived, or a friend gave a word of encouragement. That was Jehovah Jireh at work! In my own life, I have seen how God provides in both big and small ways. Maybe it is the unexpected cheque that arrives when finances are tight, or even finding a needed parking space on a busy day. These are reminders that God cares about every detail of our lives, no matter how small they may seem. Trusting Jehovah Jireh does not mean everything will be easy. We may still face times of difficulty. However, it is the gospel truth that God is concerned about every aspect of our lives. Jesus said, *“Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’… Your heavenly Father knows that you need them”* (Matt. 6:31-32). God has seen the problem before it even manifested and He is already preparing the solution.
When life feels uncertain, remember that Jehovah Jireh is not just a name from an ancient story. He is the God who provides for us in our everyday lives. *“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”* (2Cor. 9:8). Rest in the assurances that God will provide. Jehovah Jireh has got you covered! *SHALOM*.
