God provides it all

In recent times I have seen a lot of people go through financial difficulty and loss. It seems like the times ahead will bring more of that as there are cuts in government and spending. Now that we are in many ways in a trade war with Canada and other countries it is inevitable that most people will be affected by the things ahead and most of it will not be good.

Recently a friend posted some pictures of the home they lived in and how much they miss the family days they had there. How they raised their kids there and it will always be the home they grew up in. It looked small from the inside so I was curious how small. The last picture was taken looking up the driveway to a very modest trailer. Small to those outside but it contained memories so big that they go well beyond its walls.

I began to think about that in my own life. I still have memories of the small house we grew up in and miss some of the aspects of our first home that we purchased in 2004. Hard to believe we moved from it 10 years ago. I love where we are now but still miss some things about it. Including the beginning years of our family.

With all the struggles we have and will have we need to be reminded of our calling

When we became Christians we were to put all things in his hands including our well being. We are to forsake all to follow him which means we trust him no matter what. That even includes the time of loss and hardship. Especially during those times.

It is hard to do it when we are hurt by loss and in a trial. We look for tangible evidence that just maybe if God does not deliver, then maybe we can figure this out on our own. As people in his care, that is not what He is looking for. He wants you to build faith to look to him no matter what. It takes all we have and sometimes a little more to put aside our hearts and hurts and keep looking to him to help us through the hard times.

One way we can do this is not to forget what is in scripture, because scripture is God talking to us telling us that he cares and we are in His care.

Philippians 4:18-19 Paul was addressing the church in Philippi. He reminded them that God will provide for him and them too:

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Back to my friend who was reminiscing about her old home. I was inspired by her gratitude for what she had back then. Now her family lives in a bigger home to meet the family needs, just like we had to 10 years ago. Still she was very grateful for the little trailer and the memories. She wasn’t at all bitter about the small place and the need for something more. God provided both for her and her family. In your needs and trials he will also do the same.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig