Does everyone truly believe that "God will provide?"

[Thorns]

I’ve seen it stated here on CAF numerous times and I’ve heard it in person among other Catholics that “God will provide”, usually in response to a married couple/person who says that they don’t want children because they are incapable in one way or another (usually financially) to support them.

Yet, I see a lot of these same people that state they could only marry someone with the same level of education and that makes as much money as them if not more, has to be able to be well off financially in case a big family is started etc.

It seems to me that some of these same people don’t exactly believe their own words and don’t believe that “God will provide”. What’s up with that?

 

[Xantippe]

I’ve seen it stated here on CAF numerous times and I’ve heard it in person among other Catholics that “God will provide”, usually in response to a married couple/person who says that they don’t want children because they are incapable in one way or another (usually financially) to support them.

Yet, I see a lot of these same people that state they could only marry someone with the same level of education and that makes as much money as them if not more, has to be able to be well off financially in case a big family is started etc.

It seems to me that some of these same people don’t exactly believe their own words and don’t believe that “God will provide”. What’s up with that?

Are you quite sure it’s the same people or that the circumstances are quite what you describe?

Personally, “God will provide” is not one of my phrases, but I would definitely reassure a frightened expectant parent that things are probably going to be all right. However, I wouldn’t necessarily nudge that same person toward parenthood if they weren’t expecting, but once there was a pregnancy, I would try to reassure them.

Does that make sense?

 

[Thorns]

Are you quite sure it’s the same people or that the circumstances are quite what you describe?

Personally, “God will provide” is not one of my phrases, but I would definitely reassure a frightened expectant parent that things are probably going to be all right. However, I wouldn’t necessarily nudge that same person toward parenthood if they weren’t expecting, but once there was a pregnancy, I would try to reassure them.

Does that make sense?

It makes sense for you, since that is your view.

The vibe I get from the people who contradict themselves with that statement and don’t back it up is that they feel that it’s okay for someone else to struggle and sacrifice and have a hard time financially raising kids, but it’s not okay for themselves to live like that.

 

[Anglewannabe]

The vibe I get from the people who contradict themselves with that statement and don’t back it up is that they feel that it’s okay for someone else to struggle and sacrifice and have a hard time financially raising kids, but it’s not okay for themselves to live like that.

The sin of hypocracie (sp?) is very strong and all over the place

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

It makes sense for you, since that is your view.

The vibe I get from the people who contradict themselves with that statement and don’t back it up is that they feel that it’s okay for someone else to struggle and sacrifice and have a hard time financially raising kids, but it’s not okay for themselves to live like that.

In order to make this claim you really need to have evidence that people are indeed advising others to trust God and that at the same time they do not believe it. Can you prove this? Copy-pasted text as evidence and a good number of different posters who said these things?

And to answer your question, I truly do believe that God provides when we trust him completely. It has happened to me many times: he sent me very concrete help when I needed it. And every time I doubt it and wonder if it is all a coincidence he does it again.

 

[Thorns]

And to answer your question, I truly do believe that God provides when we trust him completely. It has happened to me many times: he sent me very concrete help when I needed it. And every time I doubt it and wonder if it is all a coincidence he does it again.

And yet there are people who are faithful, pray, fast, etc and God allows them to suffer. There is no assurance that “God will provide” for all, at least not in the same way.

 

[JamalChristophr]

Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues. I doubt that is an accident.

Trust in God is also a great virtue, but the two must be held in balance.

I’m not currently employed in a high-paying job or excessively well off financially. Therefore, if some dreamy Catholic gal i propose to decides she doesn’t want to marry me for said reasons, then I’ll try not to hold it against her!

I think women are wise to be moderately prudent in matters such as these. It’s all divine providence, anyways, isn’t it??

 

[Thorns]

Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues. I doubt that is an accident.

Trust in God is also a great virtue, but the two must be held in balance.

I’m not currently employed in a high-paying job or excessively well off financially. Therefore, if some dreamy Catholic gal i propose to decides she doesn’t want to marry me for said reasons, then I’ll try not to hold it against her!

I think women are wise to be moderately prudent in matters such as these. It’s all divine providence, anyways, isn’t it??

That being a deal breaker sounds very worldly and very un-Christlike. Christ lived very meagerly and humbly, why should the servants expect to have it better than the Master?

Its only my opinion, but that is a main reason why I think marriages fail all the time. People put their trust and make their deals and say their vows based on what is earthly. They judge a person based on how much they make, what clothes they wear, what kind of job they have, and very little on the person’s morals, worldview, and characte-; which is ultimately what matters to God and what should matter most in a marriage.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

And yet there are people who are faithful, pray, fast, etc and God allows them to suffer. There is no assurance that “God will provide” for all, at least not in the same way.

God providing does not always mean in material ways. He provides by giving us needed strength, by sending people who can help us our way, etc. My late grandmother struggled throughout her life, taking care of her family, never had much money. But she always said God helped her and provided for her.

 

[JamalChristophr]

That being a deal breaker sounds very worldly and very un-Christlike. Christ lived very meagerly and humbly, why should the servants expect to have it better than the Master?

Its only my opinion, but that is a main reason why I think marriages fail all the time. People put their trust and make their deals and say their vows based on what is earthly. They judge a person based on how much they make, what clothes they wear, what kind of job they have, and very little on the person’s morals, worldview, and characte-; which is ultimately what matters to God and what should matter most in a marriage.

On a certain level, I can agree with you, at least partially. If that same dreamy gal who first said no to me were to come back after I was making good money and in my nice home and want to change her mind, I’m not sure I would go for that. It’s nice to be loved for who you are, but I do believe the virtue of prudence needs to be active in all the decisions we make in life, too, otherwise it’s a sort of presumption on our part that we can make bad choices and God will in the end fix everything.

My two denarii.

 

[Anglewannabe]

And yet there are people who are faithful, pray, fast, etc and God allows them to suffer. There is no assurance that “God will provide” for all, at least not in the same way.

This is a bit of a contradiction with your post where you say something about people putting their trust in earthly vows.

Sure people suffer in form an earthly point of view, however that doesn’t change the fact God uses that suffering to bring great spiritual gifts to the same people.

God providing does not mean we are free of pain. A hard truth to swallow and the reason so few people want to be Catholic

 

[JamalChristophr]

The Lord will indeed always provide, but we certainly have to rightly understand what that might look like from the Catholic Christian point of view.

One such example I might propose would be the “rich man and Lazarus”. This sort of ties into what Angie said above.

Poor ol’ Lazarus wasn’t provided for in the worldly sense while he lived on this earth. He obviously suffered a lot, but I think he must have had faith and trust in God in spite of it all.

In the end, Lazarus eventually received his due portion, and so did the rich man.

 

[Corki]

It makes sense for you, since that is your view.

The vibe I get from the people who contradict themselves with that statement and don’t back it up is that they feel that it’s okay for someone else to struggle and sacrifice and have a hard time financially raising kids, but it’s not okay for themselves to live like that.

I don’t think anyone thinks “it’s ok” for others to struggle financially. Wanting to live somewhat comfortably is a natural desire. But I think most Catholics, and other Christians (other than the “name it and claim it” variety) believe that there will come things in life that are out of their control, whether it be financial problems, health problems or natural disasters. No one wants that to happen to themselves or to anyone else. But we maintain faith that, IF such things happen, God hasn’t abandoned us and will provide support, material or spiritual.

 

[PennyinCanada]

Why do people say one thing then do something else?
Because they’re human.

I personally wouldn’t want to fault someone who is encouraging another person to look to God in their struggles.

 

[Cricket2]

I’ve seen it stated here on CAF numerous times and I’ve heard it in person among other Catholics that “God will provide”, usually in response to a married couple/person who says that they don’t want children because they are incapable in one way or another (usually financially) to support them.

Yet, I see a lot of these same people that state they could only marry someone with the same level of education and that makes as much money as them if not more, has to be able to be well off financially in case a big family is started etc.

It seems to me that some of these same people don’t exactly believe their own words and don’t believe that “God will provide”. What’s up with that?

I would say you are right. If God is going to provide then they should not be spouse hunting based on the potential partner’s education and financial status. The only criteria I had, should I had the honor of meeting someone, was that they were honest, hard working and faithful, and that they believed in God. I also wanted someone that respected nature and loved animals. I was not out there looking for Mr. Handsome or Mr. Rich or Mr. Smart, I just hoped to meet a true, honest, man. Apparently God was the only one that fit my expectations.

Sure it is nice to have similar education and interests, and financial security can make things easier, but neither is a promise of trouble free times, the absence of difficulties and trials. So the focus on these issues is out of line. Faith in God is essential.

 

[JamalChristophr]

I just hoped to meet a true, honest, man. Apparently God was the only one that fit my expectations.

Hey!! Wait just one New York Minute, there, Missy!

 

[Xantippe]

That being a deal breaker sounds very worldly and very un-Christlike. Christ lived very meagerly and humbly, why should the servants expect to have it better than the Master?

Jesus had no wife, no kids, no house, and no paying job during his years of teaching.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

As Christians (that is Catholic Christians), it is not our goal in this life to acquire possessions. Worship not the golden calf. Once basic necessities have been provided for, the rest is just gravy. Better to live life frugally with a spouse that helps you into heaven than lavishly with a spouse who does not. That’s my take.

 

[Xantippe]

I’ve seen it stated here on CAF numerous times and I’ve heard it in person among other Catholics that “God will provide”, usually in response to a married couple/person who says that they don’t want children because they are incapable in one way or another (usually financially) to support them.

Yet, I see a lot of these same people that state they could only marry someone with the same level of education and that makes as much money as them if not more, has to be able to be well off financially in case a big family is started etc.

It seems to me that some of these same people don’t exactly believe their own words and don’t believe that “God will provide”. What’s up with that?

On reflection, I think there are at least several permutations. Some possibilities:

1. People who say “God will provide” to other people and who live it themselves.
2. People who say “God will provide” to other people but in their personal practice go well out of their way to avoid material discomfort.
3. People who don’t say “God will provide” to others and who in their personal life, go well out of their way to avoid material discomfort.

 

[DarkLight]

On reflection, I think there are at least several permutations. Some possibilities:

1. People who say “God will provide” to other people and who live it themselves.
2. People who say “God will provide” to other people but in their personal practice go well out of their way to avoid material discomfort.
3. People who don’t say “God will provide” to others and who in their personal life, go well out of their way to avoid material discomfort.

You forgot the most annoying one:

1. People who say “God will provide” and don’t consider that they might be the means of provision!