God's Provisions

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 (KJV)

This Bible verse is so true, and we have experienced it in so many ways throughout the years, which is one reason why during this difficult economic time in our country, I do not feel the need to fear. For one thing, God has already told us in Scripture that He will provide for us and that He cares for us even more than the seemingly insignificant little sparrows, but for another, He has truly proved Himself faithful in our lives time after time. For example, when my dad found it financially impossible to put my sister through college and shared with my mom that he did not want to enter debt because of it, the Lord revealed to my mom after she prayed that "He provided for His own", and sure enough He did. Shortly after, a man from our church wrote out a check for $12,000, the exact amount needed to enroll my sister in the prestigious music college of her choice, and He continued to provide along the way. During her years at the college, my sister was able to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a desire and prayer request of hers during high school. So, the Lord continued to amaze us in many ways. Another example of God's provision, in my own life, was when I wanted a new car. You see, I had a little 1991 Geo Metro as my first vehicle during college, which my dad had purchased for me and for which I was and still am truly thankful (since many college students today have to pay for many things themselves). Yet after a few years, the little "guy" just seemed to become more and more in need of repair. At one point, I was rolling down the window to open the passenger door when my dad or mom drove me around in it, the air conditioner stopped working, and overall it was just getting old. When I became a teacher, I remembered how my sister had purchased a car for herself (a sunburst gold Kia Rio) a few years after becoming a teacher, and thought it would soon be time for me to buy one for myself. Yet, I thought about how that would be quite a bit of money to put out. However, I played with the idea and even looked at a few vehicles, but still was not sure. I was delighted, though, one day when my mom informed me that my dad was planning on giving me their 2001 Kia Rio when he purchased a new Kia Sorento for her. So, I got my newer vehicle and a Kia Rio at that! What a neat surprise and a great provision from the Lord and my dad. In addition to the finances and provision of a vehicle, the Lord has also blessed me time and again while shopping for clothes. I remember once seeing a pair of pink plaid capris at Sears, which I thought were absolutely wonderful, and I truly wanted to buy them. The only problem: they were $29.00. Now, my birthday was quickly approaching and I knew I would be getting some money soon, but even after they went on sale for $18.00, my dad (who heard about my desire to purchase them) advised me that this would not be a good idea. So, I took his advice, even though I still wanted them. Shortly after, I arrived at the store and found them at an even bigger discount: $8.00! Sounds great, right? Well, I thought so. Yet, after I brought them home, the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy occurred, and the thought of how meaningless my desire to have these pink pants was in light of the whole scheme of things circulated in my mind. So, I returned them. Priorities are priorities, right? Well, God was good; He certainly knew my heart and I did finally get to own them, but it was after one day going to the store and finding a clearance sticker on them for $2.90. A 90% discount! Talk about the Lord's goodness. Even though I do not still own those capris, I still enjoy sharing with others how God could lower the price on them and still have them in my size at the store. I continue to be amazed at how God can stretch our money when we serve Him and when we tithe. He alone can keep us "reeling in the fish" without "breaking our nets" and giving us wonderful testimonies of His goodness and provisions in our lives.