Our Daily Bread

Some of you will remember the Y2K scare at the end of 1999. There were worries of power grids shutting down and other calamities due to computers unequipped to handle the changeover to a new millennium (though the 21st century technically started on January 1, 2001). The “Y2K bug” led some people to stock up on food and water, plus withdraw large sums of money. Fortunately, the disruptions were minimal. Many computers were reprogrammed to be Y2K compliant.

Still, we are living in uncertain times. A preacher I respect believes an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack could come upon the United States soon. One well-known evangelist sells emergency food buckets and other survival-oriented products on his TV program. A friend of mine recently bought two food dehydrators and a pressure canner to store more things to eat. She already has a large supply of boxes and cans of non-perishable food.


In Genesis 41, Pharaoh was warned through dreams that seven years of famine would come upon Egypt after seven years of plenty. Egypt survived the famine as Joseph led the collection and storage of grain. Then again, Elijah had to trust the Lord daily for his sustenance during a drought. In 1 Kings 17, ravens flew in meat for the prophet to eat. Water was drunk from the brook Cherith until it dried up. Then God assigned a widow to provide her last remaining meal for him. Supernatural provision resulted.


Should Christians have a surplus of food in their homes? It’s not a bad idea unless that’s done out of fear or greed. As I heard another minister say, “What you hoard is your Lord.” Just before I went into full-time ministry, a friend pointed out something in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus said in Matthew 6:11, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We are to look to God to provide every day and not be afraid of running out. I think it’s good to have some food and money saved up. But even if we find ourselves unprepared for an emergency, God is merciful and will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). 


Jesus also said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So don’t be concerned about how your needs will be met in the future. God is already there to provide.


“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” - Psalm 23:1


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