Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
The orders from the Navy had come and we were once again packing up, leaving Whidbey Island, WA, for Monterey, CA, where my husband was to enter the Naval Postgraduate School. There was no doubt that the move was directed by God but I was having a hard time letting go of what I considered to be our dream house. Even when a gentleman came to the door, offering a good price to buy it, I stood in the way of my husband’s desire to sell, holding onto the hope that the Lord would bring us back to the place I loved.
It was one of the worst decisions of my life.
Renting it was a challenge and keeping up with the maintenance drained our already stretched budget. After eighteen months, we were sent to Washington, DC, and the reality set in that we were probably never going back to my dream house. For the next seven years, we experienced a financial desert, all because I failed to submit to my husband’s wisdom and authority.
We purchased another home convinced the other house would sell quickly once it was on the market, but it did not. When we realized our finances were in critical condition, we began praying about our options. Being a stay-at-home mom was important to our family so a part-time, rather than a full-time job was secured.
We also came up with a strategy to help us stay within budget each month—“Needs, Wants, and Desires.” Every single purchase was analyzed to determine whether it was vital to our survival. The list of “Needs” was narrowed to these items: food to live, shelter, utilities (carefully monitored), gasoline for cars, (we drove only when necessary) and essential clothing. “Wants” were rarely considered unless there was a bit left over, and “Desires” were out of bounds.
There was no question that we would continue to tithe, giving to God faithfully and in faith that He would provide, which He did in remarkable ways. Above the kitchen sink sat a small rock that I had painted with the word, “Provider,” a reminder every day of the one Source from which all our needs came. There were many lessons that we learned from our Provider during those lean years:
• The Lord alone is our Provider—all things come from Him. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Mt. 6:26
• The Lord wants us to pray to Him in trust. “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Ps. 62:8
• The Lord will never forsake the righteous. “For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. “ Ps. 37:25
• The Lord promises to meet our needs, not necessarily wants and desires. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:9
• The Lord uses our trials to develop godly character. “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint . . .” Romans 5: 3-5
I would add this to the list: think twice before coming out from under your husband’s authority!
Even though those seven years were some of the hardest for our family, one of our daughters recently told me that she never had the sense that we were struggling, except when she sweltered in the summer heat with my strict economic measures. I love this quote from Alistair Begg, “It is in facing our greatest need that we find God’s greatest supply.” Through our trial, we found our greatest supply in Him.
The house eventually sold and we were able to put our girls through college without going into debt. There may be some of you who are facing similar financial challenges, even despairing of a way to get through it. Reach out to Jehovah Jirah, our Provider, Who will supply.
Oh, heavenly Father, how good it is to know that You are Jehovah Jirah, our Provider. What comfort You give when we trust in You to provide all our needs. Turn our hearts from fear and despair to hearts that depend on You alone to supply. “All I have needed Your hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.“ In Jesus’ name. Amen.
