God’s Coworkers: Providing for Needs
Scripture Reading — Genesis 2:8-14
The Lord God made all kinds of trees . . . that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.
The other day, I ran to the store for a gallon of milk. I didn’t think much of it then, but lots of people work hard just so I can pour milk on my cereal. A farmer cares for his cattle and milks them twice a day; a trucker hauls the milk from the dairy to a co-op, where it is pasteurized and packaged. Another trucker drives the milk to the grocer. Clerks stock the milk cooler. A cashier makes pleasant conversation while tallying up my bill. All of this takes place so I can enjoy my Frosted Flakes!
We’ve been reflecting on how our work plays a part in God’s bigger purposes in this world. Today’s verses draw our attention to the way God not only sets us to work but also provides for our material needs. Even after the fall, God’s care has continued. Jesus, in his ministry, cared not just for the spiritual needs of people but for their physical needs as well.
God uses countless professions to meet our basic needs, from restaurant chefs to truck drivers, from clothing manufacturers to home builders. Let’s give thanks for all who are coworkers with God, through whom God faithfully provides for us in abundance!
Lord our provider, every morsel of food we eat, every article of clothing we wear, every home or apartment we dwell in is a gift from your gracious hand. All that we have comes to us because you work through many hard-working people to meet our needs. Thank you! Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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