God did something amazing today. (Yes, I know, He does amazing things every day).
See, I'm sure I've mentioned before that finances are one of those realms I really have a hard time giving over to God. I know He'll provide, but I worry, worry, worry when things aren't going the way I want them to.
I've really struggled with this over this since I became a mother, and then a few years ago God impressed upon me the importance of tithing. Not only because the church needed the money (churches always need money) but because it was an act of obedience and faith.
I started tithing again when I went back to work in August of 2006 and I tithed faithfully. And then this June rolled around. I had no job and very little in the way of savings and I just wasn't finding work. My final paycheck came at the end of June and I was in a full panic.
I didn't tithe.
For the last month and a half I had that money sitting in my bank account. I couldn't bring myself to write the check and yet, I couldn't bring myself to spend the money either, even on bills.
Meanwhile, I've begged, pleaded and railed at God to help me find a job. My prayers were becoming increasingly more frantic and more demanding. My faith in the financial arena was at an all-time low and at one point I said, "Forget it God, I'll talk to You about other things, but I'm not going to talk to You about money anymore. It's not like You listen anyway."
Hmm. Yeah. Probably not the best attitude to have when approaching the Almighty. Good thing God is gracious, huh? Otherwise I would be one singed cookie.
Then last week I started Whispers of Hope a prayer journal/Bible Study by Beth Moore. And God smacked me upside the head with a 2x4. (Again. You'd think I'd learn!) I can count on one hand the number of times I've heard His voice clearer than I did last Wednesday. It just doesn't happen that often.
The essence of the message boils down to this: "I've heard your prayers and I know your needs. I also know your heart. You don't trust Me enough to be obedient. You don't trust me enough to wait for My blessing. Until you give your financial future up to Me, there will be no job."
Maybe that seems harsh, but I was holding on with a tight fist and a terrible attitude.
I fought Him on it for a couple of days. I really did not want to give up that last $100 in my bank account. I needed it for security.
But my soul should find rest in God alone, not in money.
So, on Sunday morning I wrote the check and gave God my financial future and my last dime.
And today? By 1:00 this afternoon I had been called by THREE companies for interviews. I came home from running errands to find an email from yet another company who had received my resume and wanted me to fill out and return the attached application so they could schedule an interview.
Can you believe it? (You'd better =) God does what He says He's going to do. Amen.
See, I'm sure I've mentioned before that finances are one of those realms I really have a hard time giving over to God. I know He'll provide, but I worry, worry, worry when things aren't going the way I want them to.
I've really struggled with this over this since I became a mother, and then a few years ago God impressed upon me the importance of tithing. Not only because the church needed the money (churches always need money) but because it was an act of obedience and faith.
I started tithing again when I went back to work in August of 2006 and I tithed faithfully. And then this June rolled around. I had no job and very little in the way of savings and I just wasn't finding work. My final paycheck came at the end of June and I was in a full panic.
I didn't tithe.
For the last month and a half I had that money sitting in my bank account. I couldn't bring myself to write the check and yet, I couldn't bring myself to spend the money either, even on bills.
Meanwhile, I've begged, pleaded and railed at God to help me find a job. My prayers were becoming increasingly more frantic and more demanding. My faith in the financial arena was at an all-time low and at one point I said, "Forget it God, I'll talk to You about other things, but I'm not going to talk to You about money anymore. It's not like You listen anyway."
Hmm. Yeah. Probably not the best attitude to have when approaching the Almighty. Good thing God is gracious, huh? Otherwise I would be one singed cookie.
Then last week I started Whispers of Hope a prayer journal/Bible Study by Beth Moore. And God smacked me upside the head with a 2x4. (Again. You'd think I'd learn!) I can count on one hand the number of times I've heard His voice clearer than I did last Wednesday. It just doesn't happen that often.
The essence of the message boils down to this: "I've heard your prayers and I know your needs. I also know your heart. You don't trust Me enough to be obedient. You don't trust me enough to wait for My blessing. Until you give your financial future up to Me, there will be no job."
Maybe that seems harsh, but I was holding on with a tight fist and a terrible attitude.
I fought Him on it for a couple of days. I really did not want to give up that last $100 in my bank account. I needed it for security.
But my soul should find rest in God alone, not in money.
So, on Sunday morning I wrote the check and gave God my financial future and my last dime.
And today? By 1:00 this afternoon I had been called by THREE companies for interviews. I came home from running errands to find an email from yet another company who had received my resume and wanted me to fill out and return the attached application so they could schedule an interview.
Can you believe it? (You'd better =) God does what He says He's going to do. Amen.
3 comments:
God is SOOOO good! That's an awesome testimony. And you've been obedient by telling it!
Praise God! He is awesome!
Blessings
Michelle
This is an area where obedience is so difficult in our society. The world tells us to save, to hoard, to get more and more. I have struggled over and over again with this issue.
I am so proud of you for taking that leap of faith...and God is faithful to provide, amen?
Xandra
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