Thursday, December 18, 2008

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Isn't God's timing perfect? As we go through the midst of life, its hard to see that at times. But the more one grows in Christ, the more one sees, and believes, and has faith, that God's timing is indeed always perfect.

Without going into the nitty gritty of things, on Monday evening, my husband's employer gave him some pretty hard news. Let's just say they are cutting his salary by over $1,000/month! (no that is not a typo - one-thousand dollars). His first reaction, my first reaction, was to be afraid, very afraid, and to quite honestly go hide under a rock after throwing up. "There is no way we can do this" we thought. "McDonald's won't even hire me - I'm 37 weeks pregnant! What are we going to do!" It was difficult indeed to continue on with life that evening, but kids have a wonderful way of making you have to.

We prayed. What else could we do, what else should we do. The Lord gave us, and continues to give us, His peace that surpasses all understanding. Immediately we could see the many, many blessings. Blessings given to us only by a loving Father. We were, we are, very thankful indeed, and know, know, God will take care of us, and yes, supply all of our needs.

I'm not sure I've shared, but our firstborn was having a very rough time at school. It sure broke this Mama's heart, as well as his Dad's. It boiled down to him wanting to be home with me. Although we always pray about what the Lord desires for us with regard to schooling, as of now, this is where he will be. So, two of the things that we've done to help him at school, was to have Daddy bring him to the bus, and for him to wear Mommy's watch to school. Tuesday morning, the morning after the tough news explained above was given to my husband, everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. Daddy had an early appointment and wasn't home, Mommy was sick, and the watch, we couldn't find it anywhere. My stomach soured, "how will he make it through school without the watch?", I worried so much about my son's day before it even began. I prayed, and I'd like to give you a glimpse of the conversation I had with my son that morning.

Me: "Buddy I can't find Mommy's watch for you to wear today."

O: "It's okay." (I could see a bit of worry for a second).

Me: "Mommy is also sick today and Daddy had a meeting, so you will have to go to the bus with Ms. Gail."

O: "It's okay." (Again, I could see a bit of worry for a second).

Me: "But Buddy, I want to explain something. You know it wasn't the watch, and it wasn't even Daddy or Mommy standing at the bus for you that helped you not have a hard time at school. Do you know that? It was God. We pray many times a day, every day, and God is the one giving you help. Did you see Daddy and Mommy crying last night?"

O: "Yes."

Me: "Well, Daddy's work isn't going to be paying him as much money, and we got really scared because the food we eat, the lights we put on, and other things, cost money. But we realized that it isn't that money that provides these things for our family, just like it isn't Mommy's watch that helps you. Do you understand what I'm saying, Son?"

O: "Yes! It is God who helps us!"

Me: "Yes!"

Honestly I began to bawl. In his childlike faith, which God says we should all have, my son got it. You see, I prayed hard for a way to make my son feel better before he left for school that morning. I prayed for the right words to say, and God once again helped me. Without me even realizing what was coming from my mouth, God alone gave me the above words. It helped my son realize Who his help comes from, and it helped us realize the same. Praise and glory be to God.

So, now you are wondering, how on earth is God's timing perfect in this? Well, there are many things, things I'll share probably after our new little blessing is born, but see the note pictured above? I'm not sure when my oldest wrote that, but I can say it was in a big pile of long overdue papers to be sorted through. It was as if God had it sitting there just for this time. Obviously when I stuck it in that pile, I didn't give it a second thought, but last night as I was sorting through that paper pile, I can tell you, I felt like I was hugged by God.

Thank you God. Thank you for sending your Son to be born. As we celebrate His birthday, help me to be ever mindful of Your deep, deep love for us. For me.

Have a blessed CHRISTmas.

Jen

5 comments:

Nathan said...

This made me cry too. I love yo guys so much and can't wait for this weekend.

Liz said...

Wow Jen, life can be hard sometimes. I feel for you all and what a time to hear this news about your hubby's salary, around Christmas, and just 24 days away from the baby's due date!!! Yes, our Lord is able to supply all our NEEDS!!!! Trust in HIM alone. Don't give up...we've been there, ...but OUR LORD was so faithful over the years! The Lord is working in your lives right now, in your weakness He is strong! All will be well. Love your friend, Liz

loni said...

Jen, I am brought closer to our Lord every time I read your words. What a blessing! Thank you so much for always sharing your heart. My tears have flowed and I have prayed for you and your family. I know you will be blessed because of your great faith.

Jen said...

Praise the Lord Loni :) Thank you for your prayers. I hope you have a blessed CHRISTmas :)

Rebecca said...

Jen,

What a blessing! Thanks so much for linking to this, I really am rejoicing! You have blessed me yet again dear sister!

Rebecca~asplendidtime

Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow