May 26

It is somewhat difficult for us to fully grasp the reality that our God is our Source and First Cause. We tend to think of ourselves as innovators and initiators; as thinkers and doers. Indeed, we are, but as Jesus says quite clearly, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

We readily accept this truth in the spiritual realm, but Jesus doesn’t qualify the statement—it covers all of life. It is He who is involved in every aspect of life from beginning to end. Of all the verses that span that truth, there are two that affirm it vividly.

In Psalm 113:9 He says that He makes the barren woman to be a joyful mother. Whether through the miracle of birth as with the prophet Samuel’s mother (I Samuel, Chapter 1) or through the joy of adoption (Isaiah 54:1, 2), He is the Author of life.

He is also its Finisher. He tells us, “It is appointed to man once to die…” (Hebrews 9:27). He orchestrates everything in between life’s beginning and life’s end. II Corinthians 9:10 states it clearly, “God provides seed for the sower and gives the increase for your needs and for your service to Him."