Tag: faith

Provision Comes after Surrender

I have been contemplating God’s message and His timing for a couple of weeks…

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

For the last several months, Chris and I have been concerned for our business and for all the excessive expenses that have come with it. We’ve discussed options, we’ve researched, and most of all, we’ve continued to seek the Lord in prayer—giving our tithe regardless of our financial situation.

I’ve been poor in spirit in other ways this year, yet as a family who owns a small business, a lack of financial provision hits hard at certain points in the year. Projects ebb and flow, and so does income. I’m still learning to be quiet and faithful in these seasons, believing God will supply our needs, as I’ve only been working alongside my husband for a little over a year.

Just this morning, the Lord asked me a question that pierced my heart:

“Are you going to be a Bible-believing, faith-sustained believer, or are you going to be a whiny, unbelieving baby?”

Ouch. My answer is clear: BIBLE-BELIEVING, FAITH-SUSTAINED BELIEVER.

As I write this and you read it, remember—God’s provision encompasses so much more than finances, yet His sovereignty covers our financial needs as well as every other area of life. Breathe deep for now. Your surrender and obedience are necessities inside your covenant walk with Jesus. Surrender to Him is not only required for salvation, but it is also required for progressing in relationship with Him. God’s promises are ultimately fulfilled inside the covenant you and I have made with Jesus in accepting Him as our sovereign, omnipotent Savior.

Provision at the Perfect Time

The Lord gave me this word:

“The provision comes after the surrender in obedience—no matter what I have asked of you or how long I ask you to be obedient. It happens this way for each person in the Bible.”

He reminded me of Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice Isaac—the very son of promise.

Abraham prepared for days, carrying both the wood and the weight of obedience. He listened. He followed. And at the most precise moment, God provided the ram in the thicket.

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” … So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:8, 13-14).

God’s provision always comes in His perfect timing:

  • And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
  • But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).

The Lord’s word and promise to me was:

“I will rectify this situation and open a new door in a new place. Be obedient. Stay the course for now. Do as I have instructed because the provision will come at the most precise moment. The most precise moments are ordained for the obedient, submissive brides.”

Covenant Relationship and Obedience

Provision flows from covenant relationship.

  • I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants… to be your God (Genesis 17:7).
  • Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).
  • If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love (John 15:10).

Sometimes, covenant obedience means cutting off hindrances:

“Like a tight pair of pants, she will shrug off this mess! Wait and listen for the precise moment.”

It’s bold imagery, but it carries a serious point—there are moments when hindrances must be removed decisively so that God’s plan can move forward unhindered.

Chastity in the Covenant

The Lord also spoke to me about chastity—remaining pure in thought, word, and deed in my covenant relationship with Him:

“Chastity inside the covenant relationship with Me—purity in deed, in speech, and in mind. Remain chaste inside the covenant relationship/relationships. Be pure in thought, in deed, and in speech.”

Biblically, chastity is about undivided devotion:

  • I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him (2 Corinthians 11:2).
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8).
  • Finally… whatever is pure… think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Encouragement for the Waiting Season

If you are in a season of waiting, don’t lose heart. God’s provision will come at the exact moment He has ordained. Keep your covenant with Him. Remove what hinders. Stay pure in thought, word, and deed.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

Closing Prayer

As I close this post, I am reminded that my Father’s provision comes at the precise moment for the precise need.

Lord, I give You my yes, my surrender, and my obedience while I wait for Your provision. I thank You for being my comforter, my rock, and my foundation—today and always. Amen.

Weekly Devotional Challenge

Theme: Be Patient in the–Submitting • Obeying • Abiding

This week, let’s lean into God’s will by practicing three intentional disciplines:

1. Daily Submission

Each morning, before checking your phone or starting your day, pray this simple surrender:

“Lord, I give You my yes today. I submit my plans, my thoughts, and my desires to Your perfect will.”

Scripture Focus: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

2. Active Obedience

Look for one tangible way each day to act on what God has already asked of you. It could be following through on a nudge to encourage someone, being generous with your time or resources, or refraining from something that hinders your walk.

Scripture Focus: “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

3. Patient Waiting

End each day with a moment of stillness before the Lord—no requests, no lists—just quiet, trusting His timing.

Scripture Focus: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7a).

💡 End-of-Week Reflection:
On Sunday evening, journal about what you noticed.

  • Where was it hardest to submit?
  • What small act of obedience brought unexpected peace or joy?
  • How did God meet you in the waiting?

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