This week I have been meditating on a quote by Derek Prince, “The Provision is in the Promise.”  What does that mean?  Prince says, “Everything we need is contained in the promises of God.” 

An example of this principle is found in 2 Peter 1:2-4. “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

One definition of provision is something that is done in advance to prepare for something else. (According to MirriamWebster.com) Did you get that?  Something done in advance.  In the scripture above, look at verse one.  Grace and peace be yours in abundance (promise); through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (the provision).  So, in this case grace and peace comes as a result of getting knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.  Getting knowledge of God prepares us to receive the promise, grace, and peace. What do you think?   What else can you find in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

God has many promises for his people; however, the receipt of the promise depends on my action.  If I do what God requires, then the promise is released.  My obedience prepares the way for what God has in store for me.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”  What is the promise?  What is the provision? If we maintain our definition of provision being something done in advance, then the provision is getting the knowledge of Him who called us.  The result is receiving everything we need for a godly life.  Now that makes sense.  The more we know about God and His word the more we believe, the more our faith is increased.  The more faith the more we can receive and experience the promises of God.

Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”  The provision is cast your cares on the Lord.  The promise is he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.  The promises of God come with commands.  If we never obey the command we will never experience the promise.  What is your favorite promise of God?  What is required of you to receive that promise?