“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
God has always been faithful to meet my needs, but I have recently been more acutely aware of how He sometimes chooses to do that. He has been stretching me and teaching me to rely on Him in new ways the last couple of years. It has been a jump of trust for me to experience a significant pay cut that came in starting a new ministry… but more than that, it has been a continual jump of trust when the amount fluctuates.
There have been times throughout this experience where I have watched and been amazed at how God provided at just the right time. And yet, there are still times I almost miss it...
Recently, I was traveling about 4 hours to a church to meet with a mission team for the first time. I had prayed, I had prepared, and I had anticipated our time together. I was eager to make a good impression with these people I would be leading out of the country soon. Because I wanted to be there for their worship service, I left my house early on a Sunday morning. I had stayed up late the previous night, and I simply am not a morning person. I set multiple alarms, packed everything I’d need, and left my house on schedule. The drive was going well. I had prayed through and thought through things I wanted to make sure I shared. I was happily singing along to a worship cd when I reached over to the passenger seat to get something out of my purse. It wasn’t there. Hmm….maybe it was in the back seat or the trunk? I frantically pulled over and searched my car. No purse. I had obviously left it at home. I sat stunned for a moment and then continued my drive as I considered some realities. I was already halfway on my journey. There was no option of turning around to get it. I had no identification with me. I had no credit card, debit card, or cash. I glanced at my fuel gage. I had enough fuel to get to where I was going, but it would not get me home. I usually have several coins in my console of the car. I searched every crevice of the vehicle only to find less than $1. And then, I started praying. “God, I messed up. I don’t know how I could have left without any money with me, but I did. I so wanted to make a good impression, and now what will people think? Will you please take care of this need? If I need to ask, show me whom to ask….but God, it would really be nice if you could just provide it without me having to ask. I am going to choose to trust You to work this out.”
I continued the morning, loved worshipping and talking with my new friends, and focused on all that God is going to do on this mission adventure together. Afterwards, I was talking with the pastor and gathering my things when he casually mentioned, “Do we need to do anything for your travel? Do you need any gas money or anything?”
“Thanks, but I’m okay.” As the words came out of my mouth, I realized I was about to miss God’s answer to my prayer. “Actually, to be honest, I somehow left my purse at home. Could I maybe borrow $10 for some fuel to get home?”
He handed me a twenty dollar bill, looked me in the eye, and said, “Don’t ever lie to me again. Let’s go fill up your car….and no, you cannot borrow it. That’s not how it works with God’s money.”
Friends, I almost missed it. I asked God to provide. He did, but my pride made me hesitate. Even so, He chose to give me more than what I needed.
I am humbled. I am thankful for a God who sees, who cares, and who provides every step of the way. As difficult as it is to receive sometimes and to rely on others, I am thankful today for the reminders that my God cares. He does not always grant every wish or desire, but He always takes care of my needs. He is worthy of my trust in all things. He is leading me one step at a time, and when I am paying attention….I can see how He is taking care of every little detail.
~Cara Harrington
