Sermon Date: 9/7/2025
Bible Verses:
- Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air…”
- Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your need…”
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to bless you abundantly…”
- Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd…”
- Psalm 103:2–5 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul…”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you…”
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-
Introduction:
In times of uncertainty—when our finances run thin, our strength fades, and the future feels unsure—it’s easy to forget one of the most repeated promises in Scripture: God will provide.
But His provision is more than material. It is also emotional, spiritual, and eternal. His sustaining grace is what holds us up when we’re too weak to stand on our own.
Today, we will explore how God not only meets our needs, but surrounds us with grace that sustains us through all seasons of life.
- God Cares for the Smallest Things — and for You
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Jesus points to the birds—not as majestic creatures, but common ones. Creatures who do not stress, budget, or hoard. And yet—they eat. They live. They sing.
Key Point: If God cares for the sparrow, He cares far more for you. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.
Application: Let go of the anxiety that makes you live as though God is unaware of your needs. He sees. He provides.
- God Will Supply ALL Your Needs
Philippians 4:19
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Not some of your needs. Not most. All.
That doesn’t mean He gives us everything we want—but everything we need to do His will and endure with joy.
Key Point: His supply is not based on the economy, your performance, or your bank account—it’s “according to His riches in glory.”
Application: Trust His timing. His provision may come differently than expected—but it will come.
- God Provides More Than Enough Grace
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times… you will abound in every good work.”
Notice the alls in this verse: all grace, all things, all times. That is sufficiency. That is sustaining grace.
Key Point: Grace isn’t just for salvation—it’s for daily strength, for hard days, for good works.
Application: Stop trying to work in your own strength. Receive His grace—not just for forgiveness, but for endurance.
- God Is Your Shepherd and Sustainer
Psalm 23:1
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The sheep doesn’t worry when the shepherd is near. Why? Because it’s the shepherd’s job to protect, to guide, to provide.
Key Point: When the Lord is your shepherd, you lack nothing essential.
Application: Return to the Shepherd. Follow His voice. Let Him lead you beside still waters—even in stormy times.
- God Nourishes Body, Soul, and Spirit
Psalm 103:2–5
“Bless the Lord, O my soul… who forgives… who heals… who redeems… who crowns… who satisfies…”
David doesn’t just praise God for forgiveness—but for every layer of blessing: body, mind, and soul.
Key Point: God’s provision is holistic—He restores what life has broken.
Application: Reflect on what God has already done. Gratitude renews strength.
- God Holds You Up With Strength and Presence
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God…”
God’s provision is not always an answer—it’s often a presence.
Key Point: The greatest provision is not stuff—it’s God with you. Sustaining grace is the promise: “I will strengthen you… I will uphold you.”
Application: You may not feel strong, but you are not alone. He is holding you—right now.
Conclusion:
When we feel depleted, anxious, or uncertain, God reminds us:
“I am your Shepherd. I will provide. I will strengthen. I will uphold.”
Whether you are waiting for provision or walking in it, God’s sustaining grace is active in your life.
So rest in His promises. Rely on His strength. And rejoice in His goodness.
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