“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:31-34, NLT)
God will provide. I know that. I believe that.
Or, do I? If obtaining the necessities of life became nearly impossible, would I completely trust God to take care of my family and me in every way? Honestly I don’t know, because I’ve never been in that position. However, I do know someone who has been.I met Margaret when we lived just a couple of blocks from each other. She didn’t have a phone at that time, so the church called me one day to relay a message to her. And, so began a friendship that has lasted for 24 years (and counting)—through many trying times for both of us. This precious lady taught me the true meaning of trusting God for every need no matter what the circumstances look like.
Margaret was a single mom with four children, one who had critical health issues requiring expensive medicine and treatment. I saw her work from early morning until late at night every day to provide for herself and her kids. There was no extra of anything—ever. Unless of course you count struggles, because there was never a shortage of those battles.
I remember her telling me how there were times when she didn’t know where their next meal was coming from or if they would have a place to live in the future. The car she had for a while didn’t have brakes to speak of, and yet God protected her as she drove to work. As I write and think about this again, my heart still breaks for her because of all that she went through. And, it reminds me how I’ve never had to worry about any of those issues.
I’m amazed at how God puts people in our lives to show us His Word in action. It’s easy to read or hear a scripture and nod our heads in agreement while shouting, “You preach it, brother! Amen sister! Hallelujah!” But, it’s a whole different matter to watch someone trust what God says in His Word for a real-life situation and then witness the fulfillment of that promise in their life. Our own faith is strengthened. We realize that if He provided for that other person, He will provide for us, too.
I thank God for bringing Margaret into my life, not only to be a sister in Christ, but to help me trust in His promises. She faced overwhelming circumstances at times, some of them frightening and even dangerous. I observed how she handled things, and this is what I saw: God supplied the food, shelter, protection, and even the peace that she needed through everything. Sometimes the provision came at the last minute, but He never EVER failed her.
Lord, help me to remember that You will always give me everything I need, when I need it. Thank You for being the Great Provider.
©2013 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved