The Great Provider

Matthew 6:26-29 states:  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.

In the past few months of my life, I have come to realize - God means what He says!  I know, life shattering :)  He truly is the great provider.  I could share literally countless situations in the past few months of how God has provided.  Here are a few.

Our kids were participating in Fine Arts.  We didn't have the money for anything - not a hotel, not food, not gas, nothing.  A friend stopped by and literally threw gift cards on the counter - providing our food for the trip.  We pricelined a hotel and if I remember correctly, got it for like 30.00.  Gas money, provided.

Marty and I were able to get away for a weekend because someone gave us a hotel gift card.

One paycheck, after we paid the bills, there was no money left for food.  Again, God provided and gave us a weeks worth of groceries.

Another paycheck, again, no money left for food or gas after paying the bills.  Marty and Jon cleaned out the shed - and were able to return some scrap for like 40.00.  On their way home from the scrap yard, someone called with more scrap for them to pick up - which resulted in another 53.00.  The Blazer, which guzzles gas like it's never been fed before, lasted almost an entire week on one tank of gas.  I usually fill it every other day.  This was the same week the other car had broken down and Marty had to take the Blazer 40 miles to work, and 40 miles home from work - every day.  On one tank of gas.

This week, as I begin to prepare for Elyse's open house for graduation - gift after gift.  Tent and chairs provided at almost no cost to us.  My yard is a disaster after winter with a mess of bare spots - someone just "happened" to have a bag of grass seed they no longer needed.  This friend also showed me a deal on getting postcards to send out for invites and thank yous and a very low cost.  Yesterday, a friend contacted me and has a bunch of left over plates and decorations from their kids graduations in the past.  I'm just smiling watching God provide everything.  I have no doubt that by the time we have that open house, everything we need will be provided.

God always provides.  Sometimes at the very last minute, but He always provides.  For the past 8 months, I have watched God do amazing things.  I thought we would be out on the streets by now - but paycheck by paycheck, God has provided. 

One of these days, maybe I'll stop worrying about it - but until then, I'll continue to marvel at how God provides.