Prepare: Positioned for God's Purposes預覽

A beautiful part of John the Baptist’s story is how God provided for him in the wilderness. Both Matthew and Mark note his diet of locusts and wild honey, showcasing God’s creative and faithful provision as John fulfilled his prophetic calling. Are you worried about provision? John’s life reminds us that our God is faithful to provide as we walk in His purposes.

At first glance, eating locusts might seem desperate, but locusts were an ideal food source for John—nutrient-rich, easy to gather, and permissible under Jewish dietary law (Leviticus 11:22). Packed with protein and minerals, they sustained John’s demanding ministry without requiring cultivation. God’s provision ensured John could faithfully fulfill his calling.

Alongside locusts, John was sustained by wild honey. This natural sweetness complemented his diet, providing quick energy and symbolizing the sweetness of God’s promises (Psalm 119:103). Locusts couldn’t be hoarded, constantly reminding John of his dependence on God’s provision. It echoes the prayer in Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our daily bread.” While we often long for annual bread—security far into the future—God calls us to trust Him for daily bread, meeting our needs one day at a time.

When we step out in faith, it’s easy to feel pressure to take shortcuts or compromise integrity to secure financial “stability”—cheating on taxes, neglecting generosity, or relying on worldly schemes. Don’t fall for it! What you build in your own strength, you’ll have to carry on your own shoulders—let God do the heavy lifting instead. God’s provision frees us from such traps. Simple obedience is our role; provision is God’s.

Scarcity is a tactic the enemy often uses to dissuade us from following God’s purposes. “What will my family eat? Will there be enough? What if I’m wrong about what God is calling me to do?” Rest in God’s faithfulness. John’s story reminds us that God delights in sustaining His children in the work He calls them into. You can rest carefree in His care.

REFLECTION:
Do concerns about finances, time, or resources limit your willingness to say “yes” to God? How can you surrender those worries?