I've only got a short post today because I want to ask for more reflections on yesterday's entry. I'm interested to know what further experiences or insights or questions you may have about living life by faith in the way described yesterday. What do you think/feel about it? Does it raise any concerns? What experiences of remarkable provision have you had?
Let me prime the pump. Awhile back, I had a rare moment in which I actually had a craving for a certain style of shoe, a kind of upgraded moccasin-type look. I mentioned to Gayline that maybe my next pair of shoes could be that style. Within a week someone gave us a bag of hand-me-downs, at the bottom of which was a pair of size twelve shoes, just the size I needed and style I wanted. No one but Gayline and God knew about this desire/need. But clearly even before I asked, God was making provision.
About 4-5 years later when that pair of shoes was worn out I mentioned to Gayline around Christamastime that if the kids wanted to chip in and get me another pair for Christmas, I'd be cool with that. Three days later someone gave us another bag of hand-me-downs and yes, in the bottom of it was another pair of the same style shoes provided for me. And yes again, only God and Gayline knew of the need.
Twice, separated by 4-5 years, in response to a single comment about shoes, and to bless our simple reliance upon Him, my Heavenly Father heard and answered and gave manna/moccasins from heaven.
So, have you had this kind of experience? If you can't think of many do you think it's because you haven't received them or haven't noticed them?
Go ahead: click Commments; type your thoughts in the box; type in the key letters/word; click anonymous if you'd like(if you're willing type your first name in the box with your comments; it's more fun that way); and then click to post your comments.
Friends: take time to see and taste the manna today.
I have really been blessed to read and reflect on how wonderful God is to His children. Your perosnal walk and experiences have enriched and strenghtened my faith to trust Him more. I believe I am more prone to go and buy what I need especiaaly if I have the money to do so, rather than asking and trusting. My question is..."how do you balance the two?" If you have need of something that is relatively cheap (like a broom) how do you determine whether to wait for God to provide or to just go to the store and spend $10??
ReplyDeleteBeing the very proactive and planning person that I am I realize that I am easily prone to self sufficiency. I want to trust more and wait more. I am desiring to grow in my faith and watch God provide supernaturally. The posts have been very helpful.
Excellent Steve!
ReplyDeleteMy thinking is that we'd do well to simply cultivate an instinct to ask first, wait for a little bit , and then take whatever actions we may need to take.
In other words if the Lord wants us to ask for daily bread--which is about as small a thing as it gets--then maybe it would be good for us to take a few moments to reflect on any and all needs, seek God for it, consider whether He may have already provided for it through our job and savings, but then give Him some time to act in special ways so that the money resources we already have might be freed for other more important things.
I'd not want to argue for anything mechanical, legalistic, or formulaic here; something more personal and relational. Something like: "Lord, here's a need that I know you know and care about.Thank you for caring. Would you make it clear to me how you're going to meet it. Please provide for me, and help me keep my eyes open for the surprising work of your kindness and grace."
Some things to think about.
In 1997 we had 5 small boys under the age of 7. We had just moved from MN back to the east coast (PA). My idea of studying at Westminster didn't pan out, so I worked at a couple of temporary agency jobs (security guard, and then an office helper).
ReplyDeleteI didn't know where I was going, or where I was taking us as a family. My confidence was shaken-- I felt aimless, and out of God's will.
In my office position, some of the men asked me to fill in their time sheets and fax them to headquarters in VA. This would have amounted to me lying for them. I refused to fill out and fax their time sheets, and they were angry. I decided over that weekend that I would return to work on Monday, and quit as soon as the boss came in.
Over that weekend, I recall sitting on the bed and weeping before the Lord that Sunday; determined to quit that office job but wondering what to do next... I was desperate, and deeply concerned, and I let the Lord know.
On Monday morning, while waiting to quit the job, the office phone rang. It was the director of Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, asking me if I would consider coming there to run Food Service for the summer.
I had a new job even before I had the chance to quit that morning!
Turns out that as I was praying that Sunday, my name came into the director's head, and he felt prompted to offer me that "summer job" which turned into 3 years of free food and housing. This in turn led me to Keswick where I am now.
As some of you may know, my family moved a lot while growing up. I tell people that it had to do with a job change--what I don't specify is that it was often because of a change from having a job to no job.
ReplyDeleteTimes were tougher than I knew. Unbeknownst to me, there were times my dad was not sure how he would put food on the table.
I found out there was one instance where there was no money for groceries and a bag of food showed up on our doorstep.
God certainly kept my family fed and sheltered. There is no other explanation.
Thank you Tim for jogging our memories of just how good God is in all of our lives! Here's 2 examples of how God provided for Steven and I.
ReplyDeleteWe bought our house 2 weeks before we got married so Steven moved in alone. We got married and came home from our honeymoon and 1 week later found out that we were expecting our 1st son Paul. The house needed to be totally renovated room by room and Steven not only had to do mostly all the work but was starting a new job as well. Needless to say all the work got done (God' grace) but we were now living in an empty house with only our bedroom set as furniture. God provided a dining room, living room, and a family room furniture all for free! Another way God has provided for us was when we decided it was God's will that I stay home with our children but had no means to cover 2 of our bills plus any xtras that came along each month. Steven was determined that this was God's will for our family and that He will provide. I agreed. The last check from my job came and maybe a week later Steven found out he was getting 3 raises from his job! We not only covered those 2 bills but had enough left over for any xtras that might come up. God has truly been faithful to us and continues to be!