“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. hou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23 KJV)
Humming a a familiar chorus from last Sunday’s worship, I reviewed a to-do list of things necessary to complete before vacation. Everything at home must be in order while we were away enjoying the sand and gulf breezes. Although I hate to-do lists with a passion, they provide a good track to follow when things without an exception absolutely must get done.
My wife Bobbie walked into the office, her face crinkled in concern. “We really need to get our tires rotated before we leave for vacation next week,” she said. I smiled at her for a moment before replying, “actually we need a new set of tires. I know our budget is tight right now, but we need the tires.”
Returning to my list, I wondered where we would get the money for those tires. It would be weeks before our emergency fund was restored again. We could use my monthly expense allocation but it might not be enough for tires. We might have to reduce our vacation budget. No one would be happy about that.
Right then Bobbie returned smiling conspiratorially, eyes dancing mischievously. “Remember when we use to live hand-to-mouth from payday to payday?” I grinned and waited. “Remember what we did back then?” I recalled how we had struggled as a young family, learning how to be good stewards of God’s material blessings. I looked at Bobbie expectantly. “We prayed about our needs and believed God for the answers. God’s promises are still good, aren’t they?”
Well, it wasn’t financial wizardry, but it was wisdom full of faith. We stopped right then and asked God to provide this important need. And three days before our vacation began an unexpected gift arrived that enabled us to get new tires.
Here’s something to give God praise for, a lesson to share with others. When the needs are greater than your budget can cover, wrap them up in faith and prayer. Believe God! Commit yourself to God! Allow God to supply all your needs from his riches in glory (Philippians 4:18-20).
Dear Father, thank you for supplying our daily needs. Empower us with faith and confidence that as our shepherd you will supply everything we need. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in trusting God,