Provision from an Unexpected Source

Scripture: I have now sent Huram-abi, a skillful man who has understanding. He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan. His father is a man of Tyre. He knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood, with purple, blue, crimson yarn, and fine linen. He knows how to do all kinds of engraving and to execute any design that may be given him. I have sent him to be with your artisans and the artisans of my lord, your father David. 2 Chronicles 2:13-14

Observation: Solomon sends an order to Hiram the King of Tyre, for assistance with the temple. The order is to provide both abundant resources for the construction, and for a skilled artisan. Hiram responds that he will provide all Solomon needs, and also sends a craftsman named Huram-abi. He comes with a very interesting bit of history ... he is Jewish. His mother is of the tribe of Dan, whose land bordered Tyre.

Application: Our church is struggling financially. There are various reasons, including some spending issues as well as giving challenges. However, this is complicated by a desire to initiate a building project. Our pastor is confident the Lord will provide, and yes his faith in this matter is inspiring. Some of us, though, are also pragmatic and would like to see the funding miracle soon. While thinking about this just this last Sunday, I recalled King Hiram, noting that the great miracle of Solomon's building of the temple would not have occurred without a benefactor such as Hiram agreeing and providing the resources. Yes, there was a vision ... but there was also a practical provider.

That said, the inclusion of Huram-abi is enlightening. Solomon needed Hiram's resources, and he had ideas about what forms those would take ... massive amounts of the best timber prepared by people who know how to prepare and manage timber. He also asked for an artisan, and reasonably expected that certainly someone in Tyre had skills. He could not have expected, however, that the response would involve a man born of a Jewish woman, whose existence was thus part of the Lord's overall Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, with actions set in motion perhaps more than 40 years previous, even before David's reign began.

I know that the only way our church can do what is envisioned is through some unknown yet practical provision of major resources. Has the Lord already figured that out and put the wheels in motion for it decades ago? Is this really just a matter of faithfully waiting for God's plan to suddenly materialize?

Maybe. While I am skeptical and even a little angry at how certain matters of financial stewardship are handled at the church, I cannot deny the fact that the Lord can absolutely make anything happen. We have reached a point where only his intervention - through some benefactor - can help. I may not know it, but that may already be fait accompli.

Prayer: Lord, I won't lie and try to pretend I have total faith in what is occurring with Evergreen's finances. I question the judgment of those making decisions on how to spend your money. However, I do have total faith in you. Your will will be done, and to the extent it needs resources, you will provide. May I learn even more about your wonder, authority, and power in the weeks to come. Amen.