Our Daily Bread devotional often explores the complex relationship between God and His followers. Today’s reflection delves into a common question: Why does God seem to do more for some believers than others? This question, rooted in the biblical story of Jacob and his sons, often surfaces when newer Christians experience dramatic answers to prayer while seasoned believers face ongoing struggles. Why does a God of infinite resources appear to favor some while seemingly overlooking others?
The Stages of Spiritual Growth and God’s Provision
The devotional uses the analogy of a parent raising a child to illustrate how God interacts with believers at different stages of their spiritual journey. Just as a parent adjusts their approach to a child’s needs as they grow, God tailors His provision and guidance based on our spiritual maturity.
Infant Stage: Experiencing God’s Deliverance
Like a newborn infant requiring constant care, new believers often experience God’s presence and power in dramatic ways. This period is marked by vivid answers to prayer and a tangible sense of deliverance from sin, mirroring the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. These experiences solidify their faith and provide encouragement to the entire faith community.
Childhood Stage: Learning God’s Boundaries
As children grow, they require boundaries and guidance. Similarly, God establishes parameters for believers, teaching them principles of righteous living through His Word and life experiences. This stage, symbolized by the Israelites receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, emphasizes learning obedience and understanding that trust involves adhering to God’s commands.
Adolescence Stage: Developing Self-Control
Adolescence is a time of testing boundaries and developing self-control. Spiritually, this stage involves taking ownership of one’s faith and actively engaging in obedience and service. God’s expectations increase, requiring believers to exercise faith even without immediate visible results, much like the Israelites preparing to enter the Promised Land.
Adulthood Stage: Embracing Independent Dependence
As adult children eventually become self-sufficient, mature believers learn to rely on God in more nuanced ways. God’s provision may become less overt, woven into the fabric of everyday life. This doesn’t signify God’s absence but rather a deepening of trust, requiring believers to discern His hand in subtle ways and to exercise their faith independently.
Conclusion: Trusting in God’s Unwavering Care
The Our Daily Bread devotional concludes that God’s apparent absence in our lives often stems from our limited perspective. While His methods may change as we grow, His provision never ceases. He remains constantly present, nurturing our faith and guiding us towards spiritual maturity. Just as a loving parent equips their child for independence, God seeks to develop our reliance on Him, not diminish it. The key lies in recognizing His hand in all circumstances and trusting in His unwavering care.
