Provision

God has ALWAYS taken care of us.  Despite what some might think going to a Christian college or seminary is not cheap, and working in ministry is usually not the highest paying job.  That being said, God has never let us go without- well without necessities at least.  Of course I’m sure I’ve missed seeing God do incredible things several times because I chose to put it on my credit card instead of letting Him provide.  And now I am paying for that- with GOBS of interest. 

But we are trying, trying to rely on God more and on ourselves- our own wisdom and understanding about money- less.  For instance, in the last 6 months we have: had the alternator replaced in one vehicle, air conditioners fixed in 2 vehicles, had a new baby- which meant I was out of work for about 8 weeks, had flat tires- 2 or 3 I think, gas has gone up, and today my husband is putting spark plugs in the car- hoping that is the problem and not something bigger. 

But also in the last 6 months we have had thousands of dollars come into our hands unexpectedly! And someone gave us a car! I’m not kidding! I’ve also had an increase in pay 2 times, a decrease in child care cost, bought a new laptop- not on credit- and started a new job venture.  

But deep down on the inside I think- Come on God why couldn’t you have provided those thousands of dollars on top of taking care of everything else.  I would love that new car- or a REAL vacation- or a day at the spa!  It’s a battle inside- a battle against my selfish nature.  A battle to fight off the urge to charge the card just because I deserve it.  A battle to use the money that God’s given me as best as I can. And honestly I fail, everyday.  Almost everyday last week, I got Starbucks- probably shouldn’t have.  And I went out to lunch or breakfast several times even though that isn’t really in the budget.

When we give our money to God- we are tithers- we do our best to expect that he will take care of us.  I’ve been dreaming of getting a “new to us” car for at least the last year and a half and it hasn’t happened yet but- if the spark plugs work- we are taken care of.  And if the spark plugs don’t work- God will show us again that He will take care of the rest.

So what about you?  How do you struggle with understanding God’s provision?  How has God shown himself to you in this area?