He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
I don’t know if Covid has affected you or your work’s economy, but it certainly has had an impact on our world missions ministry. Let me rephrase that. It certainly has had an impact on our department’s budget. Our biannual missions meeting this past week reassured me that God’s work and his people had not been slowed down a bit even though their funds had been affected. Somehow God has just provided creative solutions to continue the good work that he has begun through us.
We’ve cut our budget three times and have eagerly offered the new numbers up to our heavenly Father to see how he will provide. (I’ve discovered that following Jesus is one of the most adventurous ways one can live.) Several days ago I received a letter from one of our missionaries in which he listed some urgent needs with specific costs and prayers for donations. I sent the letter on to members of our World Missions Prayer Group, and that very night someone called me saying she would send a check for the exact amount listed in the letter.
I sometimes have to remind myself that Jesus said, “If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:11) As if we would do more for our children than God would do for us, his very own.
When I approached our bishop a couple of months ago asking if I could cut my work days and salary (due to travel restrictions), I had already been reassured that God would oversee my financial affairs while I disciplined my spending. As I walk out this new faith challenge, I have not been disappointed at God’s loving care and look forward to his continued provision.
You may be experiencing your own test regarding finances or health or whatever. Let’s go forward together anticipating God to appear at any moment. He cares.
Father, thank you for your lovely surprises. Strengthen our trust in our care. AMEN.