From April 11-17, 1970, the whole world watched to see if the unthinkable would happen: astronauts lost in space. It was the American Apollo 13 mission to the moon—cut short by a malfunction on the spacecraft carrying the three astronauts. Though their moon landing was canceled, the astronauts made it back to earth safely as a result of technical wizardry on the part of the ground crew and the astronauts.

Fast forward to June 2024 when those risks were highlighted afresh. Two American astronauts were making a routine trip to the International Space Station to join other astronauts. The plan was for them to stay on the ISS for eight days, then return to earth. But the spacecraft on which they were to return to earth was deemed unsafe, and they ended up stuck at the ISS. What was to have been an eight-day mission to space became a nine-month mission—a clear example of how plans can change and how important provisions are to account for the unforeseen.

I cite these two examples because space travel represents perhaps the most complicated endeavor in the history of mankind. We think that some of the things we undertake in our personal lives are complicated—building a new house, moving to a new city, undergoing a serious medical surgery, or even healing a personal relationship that is in crisis. But compared to building rockets and space vehicles, sending them and their passengers to the moon or to rendezvous with a space station, living in space for extended periods, and returning home safely, our personal projects on earth are simple by comparison. Not unimportant, for sure, but decidedly less complex. We can only give thanks to God for the wisdom and creativity He has gifted to mankind to be able to send astronauts into space and bring them home safely.

Imagine the “what if?” scenarios that must be considered when planning a mission to space. They are the same kinds of scenarios we must consider when making plans in our personal life. Timing, finances, resources, contingency plans, and more. The Bible encourages us to be wise in our planning while we trust God at the same time. We are encouraged to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), meaning that we must trust God for what we can’t see at present or foresee in the future.

We are talking in this month’s magazine about living in the will of God. And that requires daily planning and decision making about the necessary parts of living life in this world. That also means trusting God for His guidance and especially for His provision in all the areas of our life. Let’s talk about four major areas of life that we must be concerned about on a daily basis and how God promises to provide in each one.

Physical Provision

We are conscious daily of our need for physical health and endurance. Most of the plans we make involve our ability to carry them out in the physical domain of life. Thus our need for physical health and vitality.

We have to recognize at the outset that there is no biblical guarantee that we will live a life free of aches, pains, or limitations. But that does not mean we should not live wisely when it comes to the physical part of our life. Healthy nutrition, exercise, sleep, and balance are all part of maintaining a healthy life. Jesus referred to His own body as the temple of God (John 2:21) and the apostle Paul reiterated the same truth more than once (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). God by His Spirit dwells in our body as His temple. And we like the priests of old should treat our temples as divine dwelling places.

That said, we live in an imperfect world where our bodies at times suffer infirmity. Based on Jesus’ ministry to the sick in His day, we should never hesitate to ask God for healing grace and mercy if and when we become sick. We have to assume that as God’s will directs us into service for Him, He cares about our physical ability to carry out His will. Because we are told to pray about everything in our life, we should trust God for provision for health and strength to carry out His will.

In two major episodes in my own life, God graciously answered prayers for healing, and I believe He stands ready to answer prayers for you in the same way so you may carry out His will.

Material Provision

A pastor once told his congregation, “Do you know what moves this ministry forward? Money!” His well-taught congregation laughed because they understood what he was saying—and they were known for giving generously. Obviously, it is God who provides for our lives and our ministries by His grace. But the way of the world is such that we require food, clothing, housing, transportation, and many other things to carry out what we believe to be God’s will. It was true for Jesus and His disciples, and it is true for us as well. Jesus had followers who supported Him financially as did the apostles. Paul even tells us that he worked as a tentmaker to make money for his sustenance so as not to be a financial burden on the churches to which he ministered. One way or another we require material support in life. And that becomes a faith focus as we carry out God’s will.

Jesus taught that God provides for His creation, which includes us (Matthew 6:25-34). As we seek God and His Kingdom, He will make it possible for our provision to be supplied (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19).

Emotional Provision

A story is told of a straitlaced pastor who spent most of Friday and Saturday nights worrying that somewhere, somehow one of his church members might be having fun. I can’t imagine a more unbiblical perspective on life. The Bible is filled with references to joy, happiness, and satisfaction. God never leads us into situations for the purpose of our being unhappy or in despair. Even if we find ourselves in a trying circumstance—such as Paul did on many occasions—we can experience the joy of the Lord knowing that we are in His perfect will and that He is watching over us. Joy is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which was written while he was in prison. (He mentions joy or rejoicing multiple times.)

Difficulties are “but for a moment” while God’s “favor is for life”; sadness may last for a night, “but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Emotional happiness is not determined by whether we are laughing or crying but by the certainty of knowing we are in God’s will and that He is with us (Hebrews 13:5).

Spiritual Provision

The above three provisions—health, finances, happiness—can, to a degree, be verified externally. Our circumstances may dictate whether we believe God is being faithful to meet our needs in those areas. Thus the need to maintain the discipline of walking by faith and not by sight.

But when it comes to God’s spiritual provision, we are not dependent on external manifestations. Instead, we are dependent on what God did for us in space and time through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s death and resurrection assure us that our sins are forgiven and we have been reconciled to God by faith. God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then that is true for you whether you feel like it is true or not. Total spiritual provision has been made for you to live a life that is pleasing to God and pleasing to yourself as well.

Here is the takeaway: God’s purposes will always be met with His provision—physically, materially, emotionally, and spiritually. Never doubt that God will provide for you wherever He is leading you to serve Him.