Times are tough; I know that’s what we’re thinking sometimes. Financially, we struggle. With compassion, we see our children wrestle with making difficult choices because they lack funds. Budgets are strained; debt burdens us; a restless dread wrestles with us when the house does not sell or the car makes a new strange noise, or bills sit unpaid.
Yet, God says He will provide. And He does! He gives us hope. He gives us health. He gives us a beautiful new granddaughter to love. He gives us times of togetherness and pulling together. He gives us friendship. He puts up strong wallls of protection. We feel His presence. We know His eternal and hourly care and concern. He is a very present help in times of trouble.
So, let us give thanks! Let us look for what Beth Moore calls GodStops, where the unmistakable presence of God stops us dead and our tracks and makes us see His work at hand. Or, as I call them, let us look for Godinstances. For the Christian, there is no coincidence in His providence and provision for us. Everything is a divine appointment; every circumstance is an opportunity for vision.
In the past week, these answers to prayer have occurred:
1. Just when I was having a pity party about this being a “slim Christmas” God provided three days in a row of substitute teaching jobs.
2. Just when Paul thought he was facing sure financial difficulty when his car smelled of ozone and refused to run, and he had to have it towed, he heard, “There’s no charge, Mr. Jackson.”
3. Just when I was about to publish my new book with an outfit that sounded “too good to be true,” I read the fine print that said I had to agree to purchase 1,000 copies! Whoops! Instead, I am publishing it for free on Create Space.
4. Just when our daughter carefully checked her bank balance, the car repair still left her a bit of reserve. Just as she made decisions to not attend a convention because of finances, she set her goal on a trip to her college reunion in the fall instead, giving her something better to look forward to so her disappointment at the near-term trip was mollified a bit.
5. Just as we “hoped” all would go well with Mary’s pregnancy and delivery, we were astounded with the presence of God with great health for mom and baby, good adjustments with two-year-old Kaley, and friends who have showered the family with meals and met their needs with their loving compassion and generosity.
6. As I look to publishing my new book, Bless You Bouquets, a friend and I read these words from Jesus Calling: “As you go through this day look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. I lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to brighten your day. When you reach the end of the day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet. Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart. Receive My Peace as you lie down to sleep, with thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in yoru mind.”
And so, on this Sunday morning, may be rejoice yet again! In the words of John Newton:
“Safely through another week, God has brought us on our way; Let us now a blessing seek, Waiting in His couts today: Day of all the week the best, Emblem of eternal rest; Day of all the week the best, Emblem of eternal rest. While we pray for pardoning grace, Through the dear Redeemer’s name, Show Thy reconciled face, Take away our sin and sharme; From our wordly cares set free, May we rest this day in Thee; From our worldly cares set free, May we rest this day in Thee.
Here we come Thy name to praise; let us feel Thy presene near; May Thy glory meet our eyes, While we in Thy house appear; Here afford us, Lord, a taste Of our everlasting feast; Here afford us, Lord, a taste Of our everlasting feast. May Thy gospel’s joyful sound Conquer sinners, comfort saints; Make the fruits of grace abound, Bring relief for all complaints; Thus may all our Sabbaths prove, Till we join the Church above, Thus may all our Sabbaths prove, Till we join the Church above.”
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