DIVINE SUSTENANCE

Title: DIVINE SUSTENANCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 4:19
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:1, Matthew 6:11, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Isaiah 41:10.

INTRODUCTION:
Divine sustenance refers to the continuous provision, maintenance, and care that God extends to His people. It is God’s faithful support that sustains us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Divine sustenance is a key aspect of God’s promises, providing us with everything we need to live according to His will. This message will explore how God sustains us in times of need and how we can rely on Him for provision.

1. WHAT IS DIVINE SUSTENANCE?

a) Provision of Physical Needs:
Divine sustenance includes God’s provision for our daily physical needs—food, shelter, and clothing (Matthew 6:11).

b) Emotional and Spiritual Strength:
It is God’s empowerment to sustain us emotionally and spiritually, even in difficult circumstances (Isaiah 41:10).

c) God’s Faithfulness in Times of Lack:
Sustenance involves God’s faithfulness to provide for us, even in times when resources seem scarce (Psalm 23:1).

d) Constant Care from the Heavenly Father:
God’s sustaining power is constant, and He watches over us continually (Deuteronomy 8:3).

e) Restoration and Renewal:
Divine sustenance involves not just survival, but restoration and renewal of strength and vitality (Isaiah 40:31).

Biblical Example:
Elijah experienced divine sustenance when God provided him with food and drink during a time of drought (1 Kings 17:1-6).

2. WHY DO WE NEED DIVINE SUSTENANCE?

a) Human Limitations:
We are limited in our ability to provide for ourselves and face challenges beyond our control (John 15:5).

b) Spiritual Warfare and Fatigue:
The challenges of life, spiritual warfare, and emotional exhaustion require God’s sustaining grace to carry on (2 Corinthians 12:9).

c) God's Desire to Bless His Children:
God desires to bless us and supply all our needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).

d) The Challenges of the Fallen World:
In a fallen world filled with trials, we need God’s support to endure and thrive (Romans 8:22-23).

e) To Fulfil God’s Purpose for Our Lives:
God sustains us so that we can fulfill His purpose and live according to His will (Ephesians 2:10).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites in the wilderness received divine sustenance through manna and quail as they journeyed toward the promised land (Exodus 16).

3. THE SOURCES OF DIVINE SUSTENANCE

a) God’s Word:
God’s promises in His Word provide the foundation for our faith and sustenance (Matthew 4:4).

b) The Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit empowers and strengthens us, renewing our hearts and minds (Romans 8:11).

c) Prayer and Fellowship with God:
Through prayer, we receive God’s sustenance and continue to walk in His provision (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) God’s Provision in the Community:
God often uses fellow believers and the Church to sustain and support us (Acts 2:44-45).

e) The Blood of Jesus Christ:
The sacrifice of Jesus sustains us spiritually, providing eternal life and strength (John 6:53-58).

Biblical Example:
Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish, showing how divine sustenance can come from small provisions (John 6:5-13).

4. BENEFITS OF DIVINE SUSTENANCE

a) Security and Peace:
When God sustains us, we have peace knowing that He provides for all our needs (Psalm 23:1-2).

b) Strength for the Journey:
Divine sustenance provides us with strength to face every challenge and continue in God’s will (Isaiah 40:31).

c) Spiritual Nourishment:
We are nourished spiritually through God’s Word, prayer, and His presence (Matthew 4:4).

d) Abundant Life:
God’s sustenance leads to a life of abundance, peace, and joy in His provision (John 10:10).

e) Endurance in Difficult Times:
With God’s sustenance, we can endure hardship and overcome challenges (James 1:12).

Biblical Example:
David was sustained by God during his time of running from Saul and was able to continue in God’s purpose (1 Samuel 23:14-16).

5. HOW TO RECEIVE DIVINE SUSTENANCE

a) Trust in God’s Provision:
Trust that God will supply all your needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).

b) Seek First the Kingdom of God:
God promises to provide for those who seek His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

c) Give Thanks for God’s Provision:
Gratitude for what God has already provided opens the door for more sustenance (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

d) Walk in Obedience:
Obedience to God opens the channels of His sustaining grace (Deuteronomy 28:2).

e) Be Generous with What You Have:
God rewards those who give and bless others (Luke 6:38).

Biblical Example:
The widow’s oil was sustained by God’s power as she obeyed and shared with the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:7-16).

CONCLUSION:
Divine sustenance is God’s continuous provision, protection, and care. Whether in times of plenty or in times of lack, God is faithful to sustain us in every area of life. We must trust in His promises, seek His kingdom, and rely on Him for all that we need. In doing so, we can experience His abundant supply and live in the fullness of His grace.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for Your divine sustenance in my life.

2. Lord, provide for all my needs according to Your riches in glory.

3. Father, renew my strength and spirit to continue in Your will.

4. Lord, help me to trust You completely for my provision.

5. Father, fill my heart with peace knowing that You will sustain me.

6. Lord, empower me to endure every challenge I face.

7. Father, open the channels of Your provision in my life.

8. Lord, help me to be obedient to Your Word and commands.

9. Father, teach me to be generous with what You have given me.

10. Lord, let Your sustaining grace fill every area of my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. God will sustain you in every area of your life.

2. You will lack nothing as the Lord provides for all your needs.

3. God’s strength will renew your heart and spirit.

4. Divine provision will flow into your life in abundance.

5. You will experience peace that comes from knowing God will sustain you.

6. No weapon formed against you will prosper as God sustains you.

7. God will provide supernatural sustenance during difficult seasons.

8. The Lord will empower you to overcome every obstacle you face.

9. Your faith in God’s provision will bring forth supernatural results.

10. You will enjoy an abundant life, walking in the fullness of God’s sustenance.