March 2
Title: Provisions
Verse: Matthew 6:31-33 - "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection:
Ray and I stood at the dock, our eyes locked on the ferry as it vanished into the horizon, leaving behind the realization that the next one wouldn't arrive for six days. The park ranger approached us, laying out our options: wait a week for the next ferry or try our luck with securing a private charter. Eager to find a quicker way back, we chose the latter.
Thankfully, the island was equipped with a payphone—a convenience in our moment of need. I can't quite recall how, but a phone book must have been involved. Despite our efforts, the season worked against us, with no charters available. One individual was willing though at a steep cost of $600. Faced with this, we decided to wait for the ferry.
The ranger, upon hearing our decision, reminded us of a cabinet at the station filled with food left by previous campers. This bit of information was a silver lining, ensuring we wouldn't go hungry. So, with our plan set, we visited the ranger station for a bit of "shopping".
Opting for a change of scenery, we moved camp to the Bay Campground, closer to the dock. As we set up our home, a couple wandered through our site. They were owners of a small cabin, a legacy from before the island became part of the National Park Service. The husband offered an invitation to join him for fishing the next day, and his wife promised dinner if we were still around in a few days. Despite the unexpected extension of our island stay, the generosity and kindness of strangers began to paint our predicament in a more favorable light. Instead of fretting over our misfortune, it seemed the island had more adventures and hospitality in store for us.
The ranger's assurance of provisions and the unexpected kindness of strangers highlighted a significant truth: our needs were met in ways we couldn't have planned. This experience mirrors the essence of Matthew 6:31-33, reminding us that worry adds nothing to our lives. Instead, it is in seeking God's kingdom and trusting in His provision that our needs are met— often through unexpected means. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, who were led and fed by divine hand, we too experienced the provision of our needs, not through our foresight, but through the generosity of those God placed in our path.
Prayer:
Gracious God, in moments of uncertainty and unexpected detours, help us to remember to surrender our worries and to trust in Your divine care, knowing that You are with us in every challenge, guiding us and providing for our needs in ways we could never anticipate. May we always be open to the unexpected blessings that come with surrender. In Jesus’ name, Amen.