I was
having a conversation with my neighbor on the topic of how my husband and I
make ends meet. She couldn't understand how we could raise such a large family
on one income with the economy like it is. She was having a hard time just
feeding herself so she just didn't think it was possible.
I'm actually
used to questions like these because we do have such a large family, so my
first thought in how to answer her question was a step by step, detailed list
of how we do things now, and how we always prepare for tight times. As I opened
my mouth to tell her some of those things, God reminded me of the many times He
has provided for us.
Like the
time I had been praying to be able to quit my job. We couldn't afford to live
on just Scott's income so I prayed and prayed. Right before I was due to go
back to my job after maternity leave, Scott was offered a 50% raise. Needless
to say, I went in and gave my notice.
Another
time, a few years later Scott's company had massive layoffs. God had prepared
us that entire year for what we knew would be his last there. We didn't even
know about the upcoming cuts, but God did!
I could
keep going because time and time again God has provided for us. Yes, even
through a layoff with seven children at home, God provided.
As I am
rattling off my standard answers to my neighbor, that still small voice reminds
me of how we have to trust Him first. Scriptures start coming to my
mind:
"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.
Hebrews 13:5
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead
of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy
31:8
“That
is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food
and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body
more than clothing?
Look
at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your
heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they
are?
Can
all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And
why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they
grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,
yet
Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
And
if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into
the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little
faith?
So
don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink?
What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your
heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Seek
the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you
everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its
own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today
Matthew
6:25-34
While God wants us to be good
stewards and prepare for the seasons ahead, He also wants us to know that it is
He who really provides for us. It is Him who should get all the glory. Yes, we
prepare, but it is Him who is Jehovah Jireh.
That day I was able to give a
testimony to my neighbor of the faithfulness of God in how He had taken care of
us. I know that in the years many trials have come our way. God has been
faithful every single time. Whether it is from Scott getting extra work, people
bringing over clothes, or God teaching me how to be frugal, we have always had
enough.
So, while we plan and while we learn to be better stewards of the money God has
entrusted to us, let us not forget of God's provision. He tells us to trust Him
and not worry, but to seek Him first. He demonstrates His love for us time and
time again by taking care of us no matter what comes our way.
What are some ways you’ve seen the
hand of God’s provision in your life? Let’s share of God’s goodness today
because I know there are some that could use the encouragement while
they are struggling to trust Him to meet their needs.
-Teresa
