I was praying for a friend of mine recently. While praying for his future, I started getting a sense of what would happen. For instance, when it came to him needing his car repaired, I felt it was going to be $1000.00. The total came to $1001.62. Regarding his housing, he wanted to live in this one place but was told he couldn’t. While I was praying about it, I got a feeling things would be reversed. They were. There were other instances as well.
When I saw these things happening, I realized this is what it must be like to be God. In a way, I mean. Though people say this and that concerning our business, God already knows in advance the outcome and the cost partly because He has the final word. He waits for us to catch up to what He already knows.
This is why we should always place our trust and faith in God. Though things may appear bleak and dismal, not going as we had hoped, there is always God. I kept telling my friend, “God loves you so much, and He is showing you just how much in a practical way.” I think he is starting to believe me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. Ps. 130:7 (AMP)
“No sir. Your electricity will not be back on till June 24th and possibly not until June 29th.”
Saturday night, June 17th, we had a powerful storm blow through Tulsa, Oklahoma, with straight-line winds reaching 110 mph. At least 75 percent of the city was without power, including us. I remembered I had a Jackerey portable power station. It will power up to two small appliances and two phones. I got it out and plugged a fan into it, and somewhere about 2 AM, we fell asleep.
We tried for over two hours to find a hotel room Sunday afternoon, but there was no room in the inn! Every hotel, motel that had power was sold out. Monday, April’s company had power, so I took her to work. After returning home, I collapsed on the bed and slept for a few hours until it got hot in the house again.
April and I started Sunday, June 18th, reminding God that we are his children and how much He loves us and wants to take care of us. Then today, I was sitting in a chair, trying my best not to move, and I heard the microwave beep. It does that when power is connected to it. I got excited.
I ran around the house and closed windows while turning on the AC. I turned on the ceiling fans, too. I almost started crying when I realized what God had done for us. Man says one thing, but God has the final answer! It will not be late June before power is restored, real Power; God has supplied our needs. He hooked us up! Thank you, God, for taking care of April and me. You are indeed a good, good God.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Mat. 6:8 (NIV)
Keeping up with life is complicated. It seems as if the days go by so quickly. I have found it even more challenging as I have gotten older. And I know it’s not true, but the days go faster. I have noticed how I can do one chore, and after it is finished, I am ready for a nap!
There could be many reasons, like not sleeping well, sickness, and disease. If you have a condition, that can certainly make you tired after exerting a little effort.
But I think there is a more severe, more hideous force behind much of it. It’s evil, and it doesn’t care about you at all. It does have a name, and that name is “Satan.” He wants nothing more than to keep you and your life so stirred up that you don’t have time to think about God or even to consider him. And forget about thinking of asking God for help. It never crosses your mind. You are most likely fearful and scared about your finances, job, relationships, etc. Anything but God! Ironically, God is what you need and who you need.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. Mat. 6:30-34 (AMPC)
Surrendering your life to Christ, asking him to forgive you of your sins, and to come into your life is the place to start. If you have done that but still resist letting God guide you, then you need to get to know him so you can trust him. He loves you so much!
Even now, while I am writing this post, I got a phone call that has caused me to stop and pray. I am asking God what He would have us do concerning our rent house. Our current tenant just called me and said they could not pay June’s rent, so they are moving out. I need God to help me figure it all out. And how we are going to pay our bills now. See that is how practical God is and how much He cares about our daily grind. But because I have known God for a long time then I know I can count on him to provide for us. I trust him.
25-28 “Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
29-32 “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. Luke 12:25-31 (MSG)
Prayer: Father God, help us all slow down and consider you. Help us to talk to you and then trust you and help us believe that you know what we need. Help us to stop striving and let you be God.
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)
Jesus spoke the words above. He was trying to teach the people in his day and us today not to worry. A lot of people do worry today. They live in fear of many things. Will their job last? And if they lost their job, how would they pay their bills? As an adult, I went through unemployment twice. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun at all! It’s hard not to fall into the temptation to worry.
It’s understandable with inflation, supply chain issues, and the war in Ukraine. We just came through the Coronavirus, and our nation is divided. But can any of us control these things? Or other items not listed?
This is why we need to place all of our trust in God. He can control all things even when He allows humankind free will. He does know what we have need of and wants to make sure we have those things and more. He is a good Father who loves us so much and wants to give us good gifts. He wants to see all of our needs met so that we have enough and am able to bless others out of our abundance.
The key to this life of trusting God is seeking him first. Pursuing the things of God, especially his character. His most remarkable character is love. Everything God did and everything God does is out of love. It is out of this love that He knows.
Figuring out life can be difficult at times, but as I have learned, it is even more challenging when your “money meter” displays, “LOW!” At least the “Fuel” light is not on, not yet anyway. When funds are abundant, it seems like you just do what needs to be done almost without considering the cost. The line between “want” and “need” gets dimmer. It’s easy, at times, to convince yourself that you “need” something that honestly is a “want.”
Whether you have a lot of money or not, it is always best to take your thoughts to the Lord. If He truly is the “Lord” over all things in your life, then decisions about how or where to spend should be guided by him. After all, those financial resources came from Him and are His.
The part of Him leading me I appreciate the most is in deciding what to buy, what brand, and what product. And at times, from where. I have found that if I feel uneasy about pulling the trigger on something, the best thing to do is wait.
“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well. I show you what to do, where to go. Isa. 48:17 (MSG)
Submit your plans unto the Lord. Trust Him to accept and hear your proposal and thoughts; what you have determined in your mind is good. It also is a good idea to talk about matters of life with your spouse. After all, they are to be your “helpmate.” And when they share their thoughts, be sure not to make fun of what they say. Their words and insights might just be what you need to hear; and who knows, it may very well be the words of the Lord speaking through them. Another source is with a trusted friend who you know walks with God. Finding a friend like that is like finding gold. Value them, express how much they mean to you, and appreciate them.
It amazes me still, how God can lead our steps, and direct our timing so we will be where he needs us to be, to work with him in showing love, support, and encouragement to others. He cares so much for people and what they are going through that He will position his servants where He needs them.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Ps. 37:23 (KJV)
April and I were talking about this subject last week. I reminded her of one thing; you have to see the people and recognize the need. It may mean your own agenda gets interrupted, or you may get behind, but showing God’s love is more important.
I remember one time I had taken the wrong road to get to Walmart. I was angry with myself because I had gone the slow way when I was in a hurry! When I arrived I looked over and saw an older woman struggling to remove packs of soda from her cart. I went and asked if I could help her. She let me. Then she asked, “Where did you come from any way?” I replied, “God sent me!” The look on her face was priceless. One of amazement realizing, perhaps for the first time, God cared!
Show the world how much He cares about them and even the little things of their life. The results may be eternal life, for them!
You hear the announcement, and yes, you look down at the number on the tag you pulled out of the dispenser when you walked in, even though you already know it wasn’t your number they called. You might as well be holding number “2275”.
Sad, but at least in America we are so impatient. We are spoiled. We are used to getting things now. Unfortunately, there are times when we take that attitude toward waiting for things from God. We make our needs known to God, and then we have to wait for the answer. Depending on the situation it can be extremely difficult. We wonder, “Did He even hear me?”
When we don’t see the answer we expect, and by the time we feel we need it, we can develop an attitude, toward others and even toward God. The truth is how do you know God isn’t working on it? What do you think He is doing? Here is what Oswald Chambers says:
“We look for visions from heaven and for earth-shaking events to see God’s power. Even the fact that we are dejected is proof that we do this. Yet we never realize that all the time God is at work in our everyday events and in the people around us. If we will only obey, and do the task that He has placed closest to us, we will see Him. One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ.”
I like how Chambers worded this issue. When we “ask” God, then our next step is to “trust” God. Know, be confident that He has heard you and that He “is” working things out in the way that is “best” for you. Keep in mind, God isn’t working on one request at a time, but on every request of everyone around the world who ask, all at the same time. He doesn’t take care of one request and then call the next number of whoever is line. Yes God is that omnipotent and powerful, but also so loving that He puts on every job a personal touch designed just for you. And that my friend is called, “Love”!
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, or as April calls it, “Big Chicken Day!” Being thankful should come easy, but this year I had to think a moment. Yes, I have survived any sickness from Covid, and those around me that got it have come through okay. April and I were finally reunited earlier this year, that was awesome! And I got medical attention before having serious issues. So yes, I did have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I forgot, God consistently provides for our financial needs and helps us bless others as well.
It bothers me that it took a bit of time to remember. Those were big moments worthy of a big chicken to celebrate God’s faithfulness to me, his child, and his servant. Why is it easier for me to only focus on the current irritants of life? I don’t like it!
Recalling what God has done for us in the past helps our faith grow, which can help us with what we are currently going through. The verse below is very popular, but here is a fresh spin on it. It should help us remember how great God is; all the time:
1 The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always. 2 He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; 3 He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.
4 Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted.
5 You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. 6 Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere. I will always be with the Eternal, in Your house forever.
Psalms 23 (The Voice)
So thank you God, for all, and for everything, on this day, but especially on Big Chicken day!
His eyes take it all in. He sees and hears things that he does not know what they are, but he is okay. Why is he okay, even though he doesn’t understand? Because he looks at his mother and father and observes how they are reacting to those things. He remains calm, because they remain calm. He is content.
This child is one year old. He is adorable. He can be in the company of adults and yet his personality does not distract from what the adults are doing. Of course he has needs, like hunger, but somehow he doesn’t have to tell his parents he is hungry, they know and they feed him. He knows his every need will be met. He trusts them, so he doesn’t have to cry out to make his needs known.
As I witnessed this child, and the above thoughts went through my head, I started comparing my own contentment to this child’s. It wasn’t long before I realized what the child was doing that made him an expert in contentment.
The child focused on his mother and father.
When we are in situations we do not know what is happening or why, we need to keep our focus on our heavenly Father. We need to watch and see how He is reacting to the news, the weather, our boss, and our family members, to anything that personally affects us. Is God running around like a chicken with its head cut off screaming, “Now what?” or is God remaining calm therefore we can remain calm?
The child didn’t have to cry out in order to get his “needs” met.
God knows what we have need of. “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mat.6:8 (NIV) It’s about knowing God and trusting him.
True contentment brings peace. This kind of contentment allows you to sleep, and experience true rest. A calmness that, at times, can’t be explained. Others will be in amazed when they see it. That is what it is like when contentment rules.
They are there to meet your needs. To rescue you. To assist you in your time of need. So is God. He wants us to ask him for help and not JUST in emergencies either. Our God, our heavenly Father cares about all aspects of our lives. Even the things that may be considered trivial.
Last weekend as I was walking into a home improvement store I asked God for help. You see, I’m not a plumber. I turned down isle 14 and there were two store associates talking and one of them looked at me and said, “Do you need help?” Perhaps he saw fear on my face or something. I said, “Yes”, and begin describing to him my project. He stopped me and said, “You’re over complicating it, as he reached down to a lower shelf and picked up a bag of plumbing parts. He instructed me that everything I needed for the project was in the bag. I later found out he was a plumber for 20 years.
This is more than a clique verse. It is truth:
‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ Jer. 33:3 (MSG)
Learn to take everything to God. All of your cares, concerns, and frustrations too. He knows already, but the point is knowing that He knows, and that the very God who created and rules the universe cares.
Whatever it is, it’s not too big for God, nor too small.
Now that will tweet! Accept this truth, but more importantly, apply it. Let God help you and give him the opportunity to say to you, “It’s in the bag.”
brady, mark a. 