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As I watched this scene play out before my eyes I could not help but reflect upon the concern and care God provides for those who are His children. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told the disciples not to worry about food, drink, and clothing because their Heavenly Father knew their needs and would provide for them. During this passage Jesus used birds to illuminate the point that God provides for the birds but His children are much more valuable than birds. Thus, if God cares for the birds, He will care for His children. Now, of course, God's provision presents itself in various forms; sometimes God provides for His children with clothes closets and soup kitchens, sometimes God provides through jobs, sometimes God provides through others who have been blessed by God, but the point is: God knows our needs–sometimes better than us–and He will provide in His timing and in His will. Now, this does not mean we can be lazy, reckless, and not plan ahead with what God has given us, but it does mean we are free from the oppression of worrying about the cares of tomorrow.
Just as that man on the beach was above those sea turtle eggs and was working in the best interest of those turtles, God is over us and above us and He is working in the best interest of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The responsibility of those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is to obey the principle found in Matthew 6:33. It records, “But seek first [H]is kingdom and [H]is righteousness…” The focus of those who are children of God is to pursue the Kingdom of God and God's righteousness as first importance. Our responsibility is to honor God wherever we find ourselves in life and let God provide for us as he does the birds of the air. Therefore, do not worry about your provision for tomorrow because God knows your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and will provide; rather, focus on pursuing righteousness and holiness in the corrupted world in which we live.
James Christopher Powell has served as assistant minister in Northwest Florida for ten years.
He studies at The Baptist College of Florida where he is working on a Master's degree in Christians Studies.
He married his wife Jennifer in March 2014.