Perhaps it takes less faith to believe God will provide through the hand of man, the hand of God, or the work of our own hands than from the hands of our enemies. But consider how God provided His greatest gift, salvation itself, in the death of Jesus through the hand of Satan and the actions of evil men. Recall how Satan entered Judas before the betrayal of Jesus (Luke 22:3).

In referring to God turning the sea into dry land, Psalm 66 recalls God delivering Israel from the Egyptian army through the Red Sea. Prior to this deliverance, Israel had been slaves in Egypt. Yet, on their way out, God told the Israelites to ask for gold silver, and clothing from their enemies. When Israel obeyed, the Egyptians gave them what they asked for, so a people who had been slaves left Egypt with great riches from the hands of their enemies (Exodus 12:35-36).

Once we believe that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28) we can worry less about our enemies and focus more on loving God to gain confidence that God will, in fact, cause our enemies to work for our good. God's provision through our enemies is a divine act orchestrated through Jesus, exercising all authority in heaven and on earth. Attempts to manipulate circumstances to obtain it are likely misplaced. Instead, we can praise the Lord Jesus even when he brings us through fire and through water.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for every provision in my life and that of those whom I love. I willingly apply my hands to all You would have me do so that You can bless others and me through the works of my hands. Help me to realize Your blessings that come to me through others, even my enemies. I’ll give You honor and glory for each one and with joy, I will use those blessings to bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Sometimes it is easy to overlook God’s blessings. Think about the times blessings have come your way when you didn’t realize the hand of God was at play. Offer praise and adoration to your Heavenly Father for all those blessings. He inhabits the praises of His people.