I would like to share a story of God's provision in my life. I have, once again, been provided for, by God. He is FAITHFUL, abundant and merciful.
On December 10th I took a trip home to visit my family in PA. My father had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and we were not sure how much time he had left. I wanted to be there and spend time with him and help my family in any way possible. I ended up staying for 3 weeks. It was only the 2nd Christmas my children and I had spent with my family in the last 12 years. It was very special to me to be there with my family but, my heart was heavy to think that this would be the one the kids would remember. Reading God's word and spending time in prayer each day, was the only thing that kept me sane. Each day, GOD showed up, faithfully strengthening me, encouraging me and loving me. THANK YOU GOD . . . thank you so much.
After about a week of being home, I had a conversation with my manager about what to expect financially so that I could be prepared. She told me to plan on not getting paid, since I did not have any sick or vacation days left. I didn't know how I was going to pay rent when I returned, or how I would buy food for us. Again, I clung to God's word each day and to the promise that he would provide as he has so many times before.
I had shared this with my friend Robin and she encouraged me, telling me that I had good friends and a good support system and reassuring me of God's faithfulness. She told me that she already had an amount in her mind and heart that she knew she would contribute. Her friendship, love and willingness meant so much to me and I knew that God WOULD provide.
When we landed in Phoenix, my ex-husband met us at the airport to get the kids. He handed me a check and said that he happened to get 3 paychecks this month and wanted to give me an extra 'support' check. I was beside myself. God was coming through. Thanks to the obedience and generosity of people in my life, I was being provided for. After he and the kids left, my friend Wes gave me a ride home. The conversation in the car was tearful and very open. It was so good to talk with him about everything that had happened during my visit. When I got home he gave me a visa gift card to help out with food and what not. I told him the same thing I had told my ex. That this was an answered prayer and that God was providing. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
With these contributions I ended up being about $600 short of what I would have had if I had received normal paychecks. I was thinking about how I could cut back or who I could call to postpone payment for a month. Then, something amazing happened. God, in his abundance and mercy, provided more than I needed.
While in PA I received a text message from a friend that volunteers at our church's information desk. She simply said that there was an envelope for me at the front desk. The Sunday after my return, I went to the desk and they handed me a plain white envelope with my name typed on the front. Inside there was a blank piece of paper and cash. I was stunned. I had to sit down. I couldn't believe it. I sat in the worship center crying as I counted out one thousand dollars. What an AMAZING, FAITHFUL GOD. I have no idea who gave the money, but I do know that they are obedient and will be blessed for it. Not only did God replace the wages I would have earned, he also provided enough for me to start a small emergency fund for me and the kids. I am so incredibly GRATEFUL and HUMBLED by everything that happened.
Praise be to God and thank you , thank you, thank you to those who were generous and willing in their giving.
My father is going through aggressive combination chemo-therapy and we are grateful for every moment we have to talk with each other. What I have written above speaks only of God's financial provision during this time. He has also blessed me beyond measure in my relationship with my father and I will share that with you in another post.
God provides and he loves. I continue to seek HIS will for my life.
Thanks for letting me share this with you. Love and blessings.
