Provision

By Renae

The anniversary of the dreadful day has passed. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since my husband lost his job. We struggle with the temporary solution. My husband works during the week. I clean houses on weekends. I grow weary of the toil, but my hope is in God. His love does not disappoint. We see his provision.

Boats Inside the Bar by Winslow Homer
Boats Inside the Bar by Winslow Homer

Almost immediately after my tears dried, a neighbor called, “I don’t know if you’re interested, but my friend is looking for a housekeeper.” Astonished, I replied, “Well, actually…”The next week I helped a marvelous lady prepare an estate sale. She showered me with encouragement while we sorted and cleaned.

My husband worked anytime he had the opportunity, which, thankfully, was often.

When I peer through the turmoil and stress, there are blessings to remember.

  • My son takes piano lessons for half-price.
  • The children have been given clothes and shoes.
  • A neighbor sold us his lawnmower after ours quit.
  • Our church helped us with groceries during the tightest month.
  • Some friends slipped us a check for the exact amount of a car repair.

During this arduous time, I was also given a kiln. A couple weeks ago, my husband brought home something for me wrapped in an unobtrusive plastic bag. I set it aside thinking it was magazines from a friend. It was from my friend, but it was full of pottery books! Books that include information I need to set up my studio. A precious reminder that someone loves me and is working on my behalf.

I often forget that I am not the one in control. I want to fix everything, but I can’t. I am not the anchor in the midst of stormy seas. As my husband and I grasp the solid anchor of Providence, peace washes over us with the waves. We will survive the storm and gain strength needed to reach the harbor.

We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts…Romans 3:3-5

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18 Comments

  1. Dianne - Bunny Trail 04-22-2008, 10:34 pm

    Awesome post! While I don’t want to pray to be broke, it’s then that we’ve been able to see the mighty hand of God as He provided continually in our lives. It was a very blessed time, even though we thought it would be so difficult.

    Thanks for sharing and for dropping by. :D

  2. Samantha 04-23-2008, 3:32 am

    What a wonderful post, I so enjoyed reading it.I am going through difficult times right now, both financially & personally and it has helped alot to read your words. Thank you.

  3. Michele 04-23-2008, 6:16 am

    Very encouraging words! We have been in the storm of financial unknown for some time now. My husband lost his job of 14 years in 2002 when his plant shut down. We have been struggling to make our own way since then. Sometimes through deep valleys, but also mountaintops when we see the “Providence” of God. I love that word. We have had the opportunity to really see what God can do. And He IS truly faithful, don’t you think?!?
    Thanks for being open and sharing. It is encouraging. I think that we forget sometime that we all struggle and there are so many people out there that God puts in our paths to give us an extra “boost” when we need it.
    Have a great day!

  4. Summer 04-23-2008, 7:06 am

    I am encouraged by your post Renae and am reminded of God’s faithfulness. Though each of our struggles are different, mine is the health of family members, our Father in Heaven is the same and He is our anchor. I have been reminded while walking this path that it’s always darkest before the dawn. And I have seen it over and over again. When we are at the darkest/weakest point, God’s love shines brighter and brighter and His power grows stronger. Thank you for your openness and honesty. :)

  5. Renae 04-23-2008, 7:06 am

    Dianne,
    Your comment reminds me of Proverbs 30:8-9,

    Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD ?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

  6. Renae 04-23-2008, 7:19 am

    Samantha,
    I’m glad you were encouraged. I was, too. ;)

    Writing helps put things in perspective for me. It is difficult to see past the circumstances, but God is always with us.

    Michele,
    Yes, God is faithful! Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, but he is. Our hope rests in him, not on ourselves.

    I will pray for you while I pray for us. And that is often. ;)

    Summer,
    We all struggle. Sometimes it’s hard to see on the internet, but we do.

    Your words are beautiful. Yes, God’s love and grace shine brightly when we cling to him. I wrote this reminder to give him praise. I forget to easily.

  7. Angel 04-23-2008, 7:41 am

    What a great testament to trusting the Lord completely. Sometimes it takes the proverbial rug being yanked out from under us to remind us whom we serve.

    It is so easy to be complacent (stagnant). I am struggling with that right now. Thanks for your great post!

  8. Emily 04-23-2008, 10:00 am

    I know so many people that this post could benefit. It’s amazingly written. Down to the bag of books. God is amazing. AMEN.

  9. Anna-Marie Hawthorne 04-23-2008, 11:31 am

    Renae,

    it is so good for us to stop and recount God’s goodness to us, especially in difficult times. You can look back and see that you were not forgotten, but cared for affectionately, and it also gives hope for the difficult times to come. Surely God’s love never fails.

  10. hsmomma5 04-23-2008, 1:11 pm

    What a beautiful story…

    Funny how those gentle reminders of his provision always come about.

  11. Mrs. C 04-23-2008, 4:48 pm

    I’m so glad you can provide for your family AND homeschool.

  12. Renae 04-23-2008, 9:00 pm

    Angel,
    I am struggling against complacency, too. I have to make a conscience effort to continue striving. It’s hard when you’re swallowing water in a rough sea, but my arms are getting strong.

    Emily,
    Thank you. Please feel free to share it.

    Anna-Marie,
    Yes, counting our blessings has rich rewards.

    Thank you for your poetic words of encouragement. The verses you sent me a year ago still hang on my kitchen cupboard. It’s a sweet reminder that I am not alone.

  13. Renae 04-23-2008, 9:10 pm

    hsmomma5,
    Thanks. I’m so glad they do.

    Mrs. C,
    You’re right. I hadn’t really thought of that since homeschooling is a choice we made a long time ago. It really isn’t optional at this time, so we conform life to it, even if it means taking turns caring for the children.

  14. On Wisdom’s Path » Food Rations, Are They Serious? 04-23-2008, 9:28 pm

    […] in His word! If you get a chance pop over to visit my friend Renae and read her post found here Life Nurturing Education  you will be encouraged by who God provides. Filled under General Homeschool by […]

  15. Dana 04-24-2008, 9:35 am

    Beautiful post, Renae! It is amazing how much we learn from the hardest times in our lives. They might not be so hard if we had more of that perspective at the time.

  16. Jennifer in OR 04-25-2008, 10:07 am

    Wonderful words, Renae! I loved all the personal examples you gave of God’s direct and specific provision - God is GOOD!

  17. Diane R 05-1-2008, 12:51 pm

    I was where you are–for 11 years actually, and I’m with you. Oh by the way, read the last chapter of Job. You don’t hear many pastors get to that last chapter….:)

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