Doesn’t it seem like at times that as soon as Jesus gets you through one faith journey, he has another one waiting in the shadows?...sometimes taking us a bit deeper in our trust and reliance on Him for our many needs. Last June I witnessed the Lord’s miraculous provision for my six month stay in South Africa. I was amazed at the financial gifts that came in before I left…many from unexpected individuals…and in the end just the right amount to cover those months. This current season however, Jesus has me on a new journey. I sensed him saying to me, “Last year I provided financially for you before you left…but this time I want you to trust me to provide while you are there.” Ahhhh, that seemed a bit too scary…was I crazy…was this unwise? I knew without a doubt I was meant to return, and now just needed to walk ahead in obedience. One week before I left at the end of January, just enough money came in to pay for February rent in Cape Town and a few trips to the grocery store! God is good.
Well, as it is with money…it doesn’t stay around too long when needed…and I quickly saw my little fund getting lower, with petrol (gas) and other needs. I remember one afternoon thinking, “Lord I have no idea how you will provide for these next few weeks, but can you make it a good story…I want to share it with people for you to receive the glory.”
Last Sunday at church the financial burden was growing on my heart…thinking “Ok Lord what are you going to do here?” When I arrived home I went to make some spaghetti for lunch, and was disappointed to find that my mince had disappeared from the freezer. As frustration grew in my heart, the Lord began to show me that the deeper issue going on was the lack of faith and fear that I didn’t even have the money at that moment to go to the shops and buy some more. Sitting in a helpless state on my bed…I decided to check my email…and low and behold as my new messages came in, I saw an email from my parents telling me of a financial gift that had just come through from a woman I had never even met! It was enough to go towards groceries, petrol and some of March’s rent!!! I burst into tears as I tenderly thanked the Lord for his timing and compassion, and asked forgiveness (as I frequently need to do) for the continual unbelief in my heart.
What deeply blesses me is the fact that I have never met this faithful woman. I have been deeply blessed by her obedience to Jesus…hearing that still small voice and following through on what he was asking her to do. She is now apart of a greater story. As her gift helps with my gas, groceries, and other living expenses…it also serves those that I serve in my day to day life here…the men and women I get to pray with, the teachers I get to serve, the children I get to love on…she is now an extension of that and I am grateful!
The Lords ways are truly different from our own!
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