Matthew 10:5-15

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’[c]8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,[d] cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics[e] or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it.13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

(ESV)

Contemplation:

Jesus instructs his disciples to travel light.  To trust wholly in His provision for them.  He tells them to forsake things that would normally seem essential for a journey.  God will provide for them as they go along.   They are to go without a backup plan.  What a challenge!  How often in our pursuit of God's will do we plan extensively for every contingency, stashing away one provision after another in case...God fails?   While this is prudent in many of our human interactions, there is no prenuptial agreement with God.  He calls us to abandon ourselves to His love.   To trust him completely.  How often have we spent more of our time, energy, and resources on the contingency plan than the plan God Himself has given to us?  Too many times we seek a solution of our own making instead of pressing more deeply into an absolute trust in God's provision.

Question:

Is God my only plan or do I have a backup plan?

Prayer:

God, I am too easily moved by my insecurities even when the work I do has been commissioned by you.  Overwhelm my fears with your love.  Let me learn to count on your provision for my life.  Let me trust you so completely that I do not need a backup plan.