Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “what shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:30-32

Our daughter and son in law are quite blessed. They own their own home, have 4 beautiful children and two running vehicles (not new, but running). Whenever they went anywhere as a family, they had to take two separate cars, but at least they had two vehicles. Yet the Lord saw need. They went to church a few Sunday’s ago and a couple that they had met, but were not terribly familiar with, came over and said “we purchased a new car and the Lord has led us to gift you with our van”. Needless to say they were overwhelmed and praising God!

But that is how our God works! He is a faithful and good Father who provides, just like He promised.

Now, there were certainly times in my life when I would have disagreed with you if you had told me that. But, now that I look back I see His loving hand.

One particular year, I was really struggling financially. So much so that I would not eat for days, because I wanted to make sure that there was enough food for my children. But God is so faithful! A couple of times a week one of my bosses would buy us lunch and I would eat part of it and take the rest home so that I would have food for another day. God provided!

A couple of days before Thanksgiving that same year, I was completely uncertain as to how I was going to provide my children with a Holiday meal. We barely had food to provide for regular meals. Then a couple who lived in our complex went to the food pantry, at a local church. They said they weren’t sure why but when they went to get their food, the people at the pantry gave them an extra box and told them that if they knew someone in need they could give it to them and they thought of us. I cried when they set that box on the table, it had a huge turkey in it and everything that you would need for a full Thanksgiving dinner including the pie and the cranberry sauce. That was truly a Thanks-giving! God was so faithful!

Same year, at Christmas we had a similar struggle. On Christmas Eve we still had no Christmas tree and very little food. But I had received a $20.00 gift, in a card. So, we went to the grocery store. We were all a little sad because this was the first year the kids and I had ever been without a tree. When we got to the grocery store there were unsold trees that were marked down to $5.00. We had a family discussion because there was no way to get a tree and a turkey and all the fixings. So we bought a $5.00 clearance sale Christmas tree, a turkey loaf, a packet of instant gravy and one of instant mashed potatoes and had one of the most beautiful, thankful Christmases ever. God is so faithful.

Now, the old negative me would say “if God is so faithful, why’d He let me get in this place of poverty to begin with?” God didn’t place me in poverty. Poor decisions my parents made were a result of my poverty as a child and consequently, poor decisions that I made (as an adult) put my children in a place of poverty.

But again…God is faithful! I am no longer in a place of poverty and neither are my children. Are we wealthy? NO! But we are spiritually rich beyond our wildest dreams. All of our children know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, we have a Heavenly Father who not only provides during those difficult times, but now uses those as a testimony to His love and faithfulness. And, we have (because of Jesus sacrifice and our repentance and acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior) been insured eternity in heaven with our faithful Heavenly Father and each other! Thank you Jesus!

When I look back over the trials of my life, I used to be a “woe is me” person and whine about why “everything happened to me.” I look back at those times now and I thank God for those trials and how He got me through them. I tell people about them, I am not ashamed! Those are now ways that I can talk to people in similar situations and tell them how God got me through them and how He can get them through too. God promises to bless those who preserver under trials like this…”Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12; “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18; “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I pray that as you go through trials, and you will (I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33), that you not only trust and rely on God, but have faith that He will provide, He will never leave nor forsake you (It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8) and He will bless you as you preserver through it and praise Him for the way He gets you through. Because He will!

If you haven’t yet trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you will go to our Life Preserver page and pray the prayer outlined there. When you do, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know so that I can pray for you and help you to grow in your knowledge and relationship with Him.

Luv Ya!