GOD PROVIDES ALL THAT WE NEED - Matthew 17:1-13
What Does it Say?  Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials —one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

 Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

 Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist
What Does it Mean?   After Jesus' return to heaven; Peter, James, and John became very important figures in building the early church.  Jesus knew they would come up against persecution and would need a stronger faith, so they could stand up under it.  Jesus included them in this profound event to strengthen their faith.  God provides all we need to do the work he has called us to do.  He knows what experiences are needed to shape us and build our confidence in Him.  He told the disciples not to say anything about what they had seen until He had been raised from the dead.  They probably didn't understand why, but God knew what they needed and he provided it.  I don't understand why God allowed me to be sexually abused as a child.  I have heard it said that the experience that caused you the most pain in your life is also the one that is most significant in helping you grow closer to Jesus.  That has been true in my life.  God has been very good to me as I navigated a difficult marriage, raised my kids as a single parent, divorced, remarried, and have adjusted to a blended family.  I don't always understand what He was doing or why, but I know He doesn't waste anything.  Everything happens for a reason.  Ask God to help you accept the past to prepare you for the future.

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