Thursday, July 15, 2010

God's Riches


"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." 1 Timothy 6:17-18

The phone rang, interrupting my typical home day care scene. I left the little group of three-year old boys playing cars on the living room floor, picked up my one-year-old daughter and balanced her on my right hip and answered the phone.

"Hello," I answered cheerfully.

"Hi," my husband choked back.

"What's wrong?" I asked with eyes shut tight as if to wish away the bad news I was about to hear.

"They let me go."

The details didn't matter. The fact remained, our main source of income was gone. We were headed to a bad place and there was nothing either of us could do to stop the journey.

The economy was much like today's with few jobs and a flooded market of unemployed people. I kept the day care running by day and worked part time at night for awhile. In between job applications and interviews, my husband mowed lawns, did odd jobs, did whatever he could to bring in money.

The journey was wearisome. We wondered if it was ever going to end. On the worst days, I wondered if we'd have to give up our house. Remember, the house that God gave us? (see blog entry June 3, 2010 A Good Gift). Would I give it up? Could I give it up for the sake of my family? Would God ask me to do that? I certainly didn't want to entertain such a thought. My home was a precious gift to me; a gift that spoke to my heart and brought me great pleasure. It was home.

Two and a half years passed before my husband found steady employment. Every month the bills were paid, including the mortgage. It was a relief to know that journey had ended but much was learned of God's faithfulness and generous spirit. Not only did God provide for our every need to sustain us but he provided those things to bring us joy.

There are so many today that are on this same journey. Take heart. It will end. Know that God does provide fully, generously. His resources are limitless. Buckle up and see where God leads you on your journey.

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