For some reason, that sentence struck me in an unsettling way.

My initial thought was a normal Christian one, "Of course He won't....because He is our Provider". But then that thought was immediately followed by, "Oh really? He won't let YOU starve? Why not?"

Why won't He let you starve? I have met plenty of starving people in Africa and India. I'm sure there are people starving right outside your door in Costa Rica. Why won't He let YOU starve? What makes you different? Do you really think you are more special or important to God then the 100 million people all around the world right now who are malnourished and literally starving to death?"

Now, please understand that the above thought was not directed in judgment of that particular missionary. I know she knows there are people starving in Costa Rica; she has written blogs about how much their lives humble her and how thankful they make her for what she does have. She does ministry with the slum children, loving them, feeding them, and teaching them. I understand that she is aware that she is NOT more special or more important in God's eyes. (and I really love her blog because she is raw, and real, and honest).

Yet, she still said that FAITH-filled statement. "I know God won't let us starve."

It's the same kind of statement I've said a million times in my Christian life.

The list goes on and on and on. I wanted to believe when I was planning my wedding that God was a God of detail and He would make sure our special day was absolutely perfect!

Now, I understand that those statements have a lot of truth in them. He is our Provider. He will never forget us or forsake us. He does come through in miraculous ways sometimes! He even showed up in some of the details of our wedding day! We have a whole "God Did" book of wonderful things He has done for us specifically. But here's where those statements have started to rub me the wrong way...

What about the people overseas who live in utter despair, crying out for God to feed them, heal them, help them? For many of them, it doesn't happen.

There are millions of mothers out there, right now, living in poverty.... crying out for God to help them feed their children.

There are millions of children out there, crying out for God to heal their parents from AIDS.

There are millions of refugees out there, crying out for God to give them a home.

There are millions of widows out there, crying out for God to protect them.

And I don't understand it, but I know that in both situations He is still good. And in both situations, He is still powerful, and loving, and in control. I know He still hears all our prayers.

What I wonder is, WHY do we think we are different than them? Why do we say, with absolute certainty, that He WILL provide for us?