Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
A few weeks ago, I came across this verse in my daily morning devotional. I was really stressing about finances that week. We were supposed to be putting a new metal roof on our house, and we were about $500 short. I thought to myself, "yes, I never worry about food. I'm really blessed when it comes to that, but man, we really are struggling to find the finances for this roof."
I put my devotional away, thanked God for another day, and went on to work. That afternoon I found myself in my planning time still thinking about my financial worries, so I went to proverbs31.org and started reading the day's devotional. There again, I was confronted with Matthew 6. I pulled out my Bible app to really dive into the selection. Obviously, I was really meant to read those verses, and what I read was an answer to my worry.
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33
I thought to myself "if God doesn't want me to worry about what I'm going to eat or drink or wear, and if He promises to take care of those Earthly needs, then surely He will take care of putting a roof over my house." In the quietness of my classroom, I took a minute to pray to God. I asked Him to forgive me for not trusting His providence and to help us save the remainder of the money needed for our roof. The strangest feeling of peace washed over me. I knew I had asked God humbly for something, and I felt certain He would provide.
The same week I received some mail from out mortgage company. We pay our mortgage automatically each month from checking, so most of the time I just chuck what they send me because it's only a reminder. For some reason, I decided to open the envelope. In the envelope was a check for $600 from the mortgage company because we had overpaid in our escrow account for the year! This refund more than covered the remainder of our roofing needs.
Some might say my experience was just coincidence, but I've had circumstances happen like this too often for me to think that. Why, only a few years ago I was preparing Thanksgiving dinner for some folks, and I was informed a bunch of unexpected guests would be showing up. I was panicked! I looked at my tiny little turkey for twelve people, and I prayed, "God, please let there be enough." Not twenty minutes later, a sweet woman of God rang my doorbell. She had a plethora of leftover turkey, and she wanted to give it to me. More than enough turkey! More than enough cash to cover the roof! God has and will continue providing for His people.
Have you experienced a financial circumstance that you lifted up faithfully to God? How did He answer it? How did your experience change your faith and prayer life? If you're still waiting for an answer, don't give up hope. Keep fighting the good fight, and rest assured that He has promised over and over again to provide for our earthly needs.
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