“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (The Message)
Last fall, when my income was drastically reduced, I was surprised God didn’t supply another job or avenue for revenue right away. There were a number of things He was supplying, but what He’d provided in the past, He wasn’t as quick to give this time. I witnessed financial miracles and job opportunities from God for various friends of mine, but He wasn’t answering that way for me. I chose to trust, to remember how He’d answered quickly in the past, and chose to walk in the direction I was hearing Him speak, all while waiting for our financial miracle.
I was talking with a friend recently and while she was sharing her heart about her own struggles, it hit me. My reduction in finances was about so much more than finances, just as her struggles were about so much more than the original source that began the process of change in her life.
I’d casually mentioned in What Faith Looks Like – Part II that possibly God knew better than I did what the 2013-2014 school year was going to look like for our family – that maybe my kids and/or my husband would need me to be more available. With my old schedule, being fully engaged wasn’t an option. With my new schedule, I’ve been able to participate more during this very busy season in their lives. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. In addition, God prompted me to organize our house which showed areas in our budget that needed to be readjusted. I wouldn’t have done the legwork to investigate if I hadn’t been motivated by reduced income. Another huge benefit is I’ve truly learned to be content and appreciative of all the blessings we have. Some blessings are smaller like a beautiful sunrise or not losing our power during the latest storm. Other blessings are much bigger – yet they all are counted equally and my heart is filled with contentment at how much we truly have.
Lastly, God has given me eyes to observe and look for ways our family can bless others. There is nothing like going through a trial yourself to create empathy for others who are experiencing hardships – emotionally, physically, financially, etc. In life, there will always be people who have more advantages and there will always be people who are less fortunate. I’m choosing to focus on people who are less fortunate and asking God to show our family ways in which we can be a blessing to them. Through blessing others, we are finding that we in turn get blessed ourselves.
It’s been approximately six months since my income was reduced. It hasn’t been replaced yet, but that’s okay. I’m trusting God to replace or increase the lost income in His time. He has a bigger purpose for our family than lost income. And, everything we have is His. Everything we earn, everything we own, everything is His. It’s our job to be good stewards and listen to how He wants us to use those resources for His glory.
In what area of your life might God be working a bigger miracle than circumstances show?
© Cheri Swalwell 2014