Thomas Obadiah Chislom, the author of the popular hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” struggled with health complications for most of his life. His illness often led him to be confined to his bed and whenever he felt better, he would work extra hours to meet his financial needs. Yet despite the struggles he may have encountered, Thomas Chislom declared “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided / Great is Thy Faithfulness / Lord Unto Me.”
I recently heard this song and it has stayed with me. Upon hearing it, I began to reflect on the refrain of the song. Have you ever considered that all that you have needed has been entangled in the pages of your life’s story? That may be a tough bit to accept…that through the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of your story, God’s faithfulness is constant. That the genetics you needed, God provided…That the family you needed, God provided…the friendships you needed, God has provided…[insert what you needed here], God has provided.
It can be difficult to see God’s hand in our lives sometimes, especially when the situation is unpleasant. But I think that even in those times, we have to trust that God is providing for us. He is providing strength, an opportunity for us to depend on Him, and an opportunity to develop the characteristics that will take us to the next level. The next time you feel led to complain about your situation, consider that this may be an opportunity for God to provide something you need.
