God's Loving Provision

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