Provision

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want - Psalm 23:1

Over the years Jim and I have learned a lot about God's provision. We have seen God provide food, clothing, chickens...and the list could go on and on. Sometimes I think back over the years and am amazed at how God continues to care for us one day at a time.

I hope you know the reality of God's provision in your life.

Some time ago I was really into red. I had been able to get a red bedspread and I was very excited about it. Now I am into green, but at the time red was my color.

A young woman who had lived with us was visiting family in the area. She called and asked if she could come and see us. I was delighted. It was agreed that she would stay for the day. She was married; her and her husband did not have much materially.

As I showed her around our home, she noticed my red bedspread and exclaimed that red was her favorite color, too. I asked her if she had decorated her home with any red. She said no, that she did not have a bedspread and they just lived with what they could get from various sources.

Immediately, the Lord spoke to me about my bedspread. Did I tell you how much I loved it at the time? I argued with the Lord most of they day, but as it was time for her to leave I found obedience was the answer. I took her into the bedroom and gave her the bedspread. The look on her face made it all worth it.

Two days went by and a large package came in the mail. It was from another former girl who had lived with us. She said she was shopping and the Lord told her to buy me a bedspread and curtains. They were not red, but they were beautiful and much better quality than the ones I had.

The scripture is basic yet it tells us two things; One is that God will guide us and show us the way. The second is that we will not want.

I pray that each of you will know and feel assured of God's care, direction and provision.


Anne

Transitions

It seems to me that many people are going through transitions in their lives. We just recently moved our home and our offices within a week of each other. Now that's what I call transition!

As we were going through this transition I was reminded of a woman giving birth. The final stage before birth is called transition. The labor pains are close and hard and many times women think they will never have another child.

Several years ago I was in the birthing room with a 13 year old young woman. She was living with us and now it was time. She had participated in childbirth classes and everything was ready. As her labor progressed and transition started she sat up in the bed and offered me her entire month's allowance if I would get her out of there. I told her even if we moved locations she would still be in pain so we had to stay put. Another half hour went by before she sat up again screaming, "I'll give you two months allowance." Needless to say, we stayed put.

Once the child comes, feelings change and a sense of joy occurs. The women would be more than willing to suffer twice the pain to receive this child.

When we go through transitions in life we need to remember that the transition itself can be hard, but the end result can be glorious and we are changed.

When God says go, we need to go or do no matter what the cost. If He says stop, we need to stop.

Lord, give us all the ability to hear you and respond no matter how much transition occurs.

Love,

Anne