“Lord, you know this has been a long season of waiting. It’s hard to look ahead, not knowing what is on the horizon for us. Where are we going to live? What job(s) would you have us do? It’s been such a long season of not knowing how/when our needs will be met.”
We’ve been living in limbo for many months as we await God’s direction on new ministry opportunities/jobs, a new home, and possibly new schools, new friends, new church family, new…everything!
I continued to pray that God would provide in a tangible way as I drove home. I noticed the boys’ VBS CD in the player in the car. I turned it on so I could hear the songs they were learning.
“Jehovah Jireh, my provider, your grace is sufficient for me, for me for me…” came the tune I remember from my own childhood. “My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory…”
I smiled as I realized he was answering my prayer even before I prayed it. I was on my way home from a Target expedition–courtesy a generous friend who’d given me a gift card.
And when I got home, He repeated the message. This still life hangs over our dining table. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. I loved the rich colors, the fruit motif and the unusual ‘canvas.’ But what really spoke to me was the message, “The Lord Provides.” It has been a daily, comforting (and challenging) reminder as these last couple of years have tested our faith in the truth it proclaims.
A children’s song. A gift card. A piece of artwork. I’ve learned to love when God layers His lessons to me. If I didn’t get the message the first time, there will be another chance to catch it.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20
How has God given you “mixed messages?”
praise the Lord for provision! we are a family of 7 who live on a missionary income in california. i know the delight of the Lord’s provision in unexpected, “only God” ways. He really is a very good Father. i pray He gives your family the direction you need.
Well said, Mary.
Oh yes, God layers His lessons and messages to me all the time. I think He must know I’m a little thick skulled and need more than one “sign” from Him before I have an Aha! moment. This was a beautiful reminder that God is always there, hearing our prayers before we ever speak a word.
It’s amazing how God gives us many messages like you explained. I need to be better about listening and watching for them.
Once I thought there was something I needed to do (long story… so this is the edited version ;). Doors kept closing, yet I kept pushing forward. In the long run, it didn’t work out. I was discussing it with my daughter, who was about 16 at the time. She said, “Mom, the very first door that closed on your attempts was God saying NO.” It became clear to me that she was right. He’s amazing!