Putting God To The Test!

I just need to praise God for His provisions.

For MANY months last year our tithing was sporadic and many times I just ignored the call of God to give.

In October the Lord basically whooped my hind end.

My prayer began that He would quicken me in my tithing and that it would be the first check written and that we would not spend a dime out of Chris' paycheck until the tithe check was written.  God has honored.  After tithing and paying our insurance for our home out of this last paycheck (which had only a few days of pay due to the holiday's), we had enough money to put $10 worth of gas in the car.

The need list was large before the next pay check, and many more bills due.

So, I trusted and put God to the test!

Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be in my house.  'Test me in this,' says the Lord Almight, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and poor out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

Hmph.  Just wait.  Keep reading.

Saturday, a sweet friend came to watch Christopher play basketball.  On the way out, she said she had some stuff for us.

She and I had talked about making some home made cleaners, but in my schedule never followed through with it.

She had a box full of cleaners for me.

In that box were several rolls of paper towels, toilet paper, razor, and deodorant.

We had been out of paper towels for 3 days and were down to just 5 rolls of toilet paper.

Every time I would put a new roll of t.p. out, I prayed, "God, you know our needs."

Recently my water bill was due to be disconnected.

For three weeks I tried getting through to local agencies to help with the water bill.  When I was able to get through, I was told "We are out of funds.  Please call back after Christmas or in January."

After trying all last week to get through, I contacted ECUA and explained to them that my husband didn't work for one week in November due to Thanksgiving and for nearly three weeks in December/January because of Christmas and New Year's holiday's as the library was closed throughout the holiday's.  The disconnect notice was due for the 7th of January.  The furthest they could extend the disconnect was the 14th (today) and then there would be the disconnect amount, past due amount, and a current amount that would then be due by the end of January.

On Thursday, after calling for all those weeks, at 10:06 a.m., I got through.  I gave the lady on the other end the past due amount.  She asked for the total amount due.  I told her I didn't know, but reiterated what the disconnect amount was.  She in turn contacted ECUA (while I was on the other line).  She informed me the total amount due was $119.21 (again, that is three months worth) and that they would be paying the entire amount.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

She then stated I would have to bring in the bill with that amount.  I told her, again,"I don't have that bill, but only have the disconnect bill showing the $36 and some change."

Anybody want to guess what came in Friday's mail?

:)

You got it.

A current ECUA bill showing $119.21 due.

Even as I type, I can't help but smile.

Do you see the timing of it all?

IF I had been able to get help prior to Christmas, or even before this past Thursday the 10th, only the past due would have been paid.  There would have not been three bills due to be paid.  I would still be taking the burden of two other bills before the Father.

But that's not all.

Today, after being home for just about 15 minutes, I had an unexpected visitor.  I was blessed with several pair of shoes, socks, a night gown and robe (which I only have 1 pair of p.j.'s and a gown and it is slap worn thin!) a book and a gift of $40 cash.  They said, "the Lord put it on our hearts."

I have goosebumps just thinking about it.  It is hard to reflect because the emotion of gratitude, of "awesome wonder" of non-deserving, of thankfulness . . . . not only to The Father for putting our needs . . . . . . MY needs and desires, on someone else's heart, but for the friends that were obedient to what the Lord had put on their heart.

They were right on and heard correctly.

Some criticize me for sharing too much.  I was hesitant to share the details of the Lord's provisions because of that, but I must ask that you know my heart.  My desire is to encourage someone out there that is struggling.  That doesn't know where there next meal is coming from, or has multiple disconnect notices, or doesn't know how they are going to put gas in the car or might not have bus fare and needs to get to work.

Luke 16:10 tells us that whoever can be trusted with little, will be trusted with much AND that whoever is dishonest with little, will also be dishonest with much.

The Bible also tells us in Matthew 6:33, "IF we seek FIRST the Kindgdom of God and His righteousness, all these things (Matthew 6:25 - 32 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." ) will be given (supplied) to you as well."

In January of 2012, I sat at my kitchen table and cried.  I was fearful of the coming year.  I had no idea  how we would get through it.  I just knew we were going to lose our house and we would be homeless.

In 2012, we lived on less than $5,000.

Yes.  I had to get help with bills from agencies.

Yes.  I was embarrassed and ashamed.

Yes.  I cried.

Yes.  I got angry.

Yes.  God used anonymous people to bless and provide.

Yes.  He saw us through.

Yes.  God used friends to help repair our car for less than mechanics have to charge (and we have a great one by the way!)

Yes!  God reminded me there are a lot of people a lot worse off than we are and that I had no right be angry.

I also realized I was too concerned about what other people thought of me.

I must do and know that I and only I am accountable unto God for what I do.

If I can lay my head down at night and know I have been obedient with what I have.  That I do what God has told me to do; that I am helping others that are worse off than me.  That I continue to be a voice for my son.  That I give God the glory in His provisions, then what others think of me just somehow doesn't measure up, does it?

To come to that realization, my friend, is called being free!

John 8:36, "So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

"Lord, Turn My Fear, Into Faith . . . "

Our only car broke down Friday afternoon on my way to a cleaning job. 

The intake manifold has a hole in it; either that or there is a blown head gasket.  Estimated repairs ran from $550 to $1200; more if it's the head gasket.  We were without a vehicle indefinitely. 

I went to bed last night unsure.  Was taking it all in; trying to not be faithless, but living in reality.

When I awoke this morning, the heaviness I carried had transformed into a peace that I knew everything was going to be OK.  Not OK with the car; but OK with the circumstances we faced. 

We can learn bus routes.

We can change schedules.

We can walk.

It was going to be OK.

This was my morning's journal notes:

"Well, Lord, where do I begin?  All I know to do is make a list of my fears and give them to you, so here goes:

With no vehicle,

1. Chris' classes at night -- how will he get home?  9:40 at night in the cold and rain, plus it is so far away to ride a bike
2. Kaitlyn to school and home
3. Christopher to PATS and home
4. Appointments with Christopher's therapist and psychiatrist
5. Appointments with Christopher's occupational therapist
6. Appointments with Christopher's speech
7. The thought of not getting to Pine Summit Baptist Church breaks our (mine and Chris') hearts
8. Prescriptions for kids
9. How do I get to the houses I need to clean?
10. How will Chris get to his side job?
11. How do I get clothing to Nothing Lost Outreach for the homeless?

I am sure there are more than that underneath the yuck and frustrations.  I don't know your reasons for allowing us to lose our only car, but I give you this list of worries. 

Turn my fears into faith and opportunities to glorify You, Lord.  I'll do it time and time again.

I trust Your provisions to either have the car repaired or replaced; or money to ride the bus and a peace while working out schedules. 

While I am fighting emotions, I need You to know I trust You.

I reiterate again, what I have said before, I'll take poor with You than riches on earth any day.

Take my fears, answer them as praises - be glorified."

Then my "Jesus Calling" devotional (which I always read AFTER journaling) read,

"LET ME BLESS YOU with My grace and Peace.  Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you.  Do not be ashamed of your emptiness.  Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.

It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together.  Your attempts to look good can fool most people.  But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being.  There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me.  Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood.  Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy.  Little by little, I will transform your weakness (the fear I journaled about) into strengths (the faith I desire).  Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace.  Therefore, nothing that you do or don't do can separate you from My presence."

I Samuel 16:7, But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Romans 8:38 - 39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

That quickly, He confirmed my hearts desire to trust Him more!

We had  UpWard Basketball games this morning at Olive Baptist. 

My sister picked us up and took us home.  I am thankful for her husband in coordinating transportation for his family, so my family could get there. 

On the way home I had a message from the mechanic.  Our last conversation last night was for him to not do anything as we only had $200 to our name and that was for the power bill; that I would call him today and let him know what we would do with the car.

His message stated that he had a mechanic that does side work.  The mechanic had a used manifold thing (the part that has a hole in it). The cost (including the used part and his labor), $140.  If he can not reuse my car's oil gasket's, then it would be $40 more.  If I was interested, to give him a call.

Yes.

I CALLED HIM BACK QUICKLY!

Our car  now sits in our driveway.  It was ready before 4:00 p.m. today.

The total was $160.  The extra $20 had to cover new spark plus as the ones that were in it were destroyed from gasoline flooding the engine.

There is no warranty; but we have a car.  I'm not worried though, who needs a warranty when I have a Savior.

A Savior that tells me "my ways are not His ways."

A Savior that tells me, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

A Savior that tells me, to "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "

I could go on with all the scripture references of His provisions, of His merciful and gracious hand, but I will leave you with an encouraging word and scripture that I received from a dear sweet friend . . . . she wrote,

"Had you on my mind and God breathed this verse (though I don't usually quote the last sentence, you need it!): 

"There is none like the God of Israel who rides the heavens to your help (MY rescuer) and through the skies in His majesty.  The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  And He drove out the enemy from before you, and said, 'DESTROY!' "  Deut. 33:26-27

As I am covered in goosebumps from that scripture, THIS SONG came to my mind! 

BE READY FRIENDS!  HE IS COMING! 

"Father, I pray you will find me faithful in glorifying You, in all things.  Forgive me when my faith is little.  I praise You for Your provisions.  Thank you for the way you met the needs of our family.  I praise You Father!  Amen!"

A Thanksgiving To Remember

Before I left this morning to head to Nothing Lost Outreach, the Lord sent me back into the house to get a pair of boots.  I continued to argue with the Lord because I have an order for a size 10 boot for someone that needs to be filled for Sunday; but the Lord insisted. 

I asked Him to show me specifically who the shoes were to be for; and that they would say, "I wear a size 10." 

We were not having showers, hair cuts or clothing distributed today; but sensed the need to take a few blankets, clothing, shoes and socks . . . . . just in case.  My thoughts were that the temps were dropping and "you never know."

But God knew.

A man walked up to me today that attended the first time last Sunday.  I figured he was looking for a tent I had told him we'd have for him; but he wasn't.  He asked me, "Do you have any shoes?"  I looked down, he was wearing sandals with socks.  I asked him, "What size do you wear?" (Knowing what he was about to tell me . . . )  "Size 10." 

It only took minutes to retrieve the boots from my car.

"Jay, do they fit?"  (which was a STUPID question!)  "They are a perfect fit.  I can't believe it."  "Jay, God knew you were going to need these shoes.  He had me go back in to the house and get them.  That is how special you are."

With that, he simply nodded in appreciation. 

Jay needs a tent.  I have a big five person tent, but Jay is by himself and needs a small one.  He wouldn't take the bigger one because he didn't want to take from someone else that would need the bigger one.  They are about $20 at Wal-Mart.  If you have one or would like to contribute, please email me at thepadenfamily@gmail.com.

I mentioned to one of the men (Bill) that participate in NLO regularly and that actually goes into the camps and shares the gospel with the homeless, that I brought a few blankets and coats if anyone approached him with a need.

Bill approached me later and asked if I had two blankets and possibly a sleeping bag for a guy he knows had what "stuff" stolen from him.  I told him I didn't remember bringing a sleeping bag, but I knew I had blankets.

When I opened the trunk of my car to get the two blankets, there was a blue sleeping bag.  I remember putting my hand on it at the house; remember pulling my hand away from it, but have no memory of putting it in the car.  When I got home, I asked Chris and he said it was on the box with the duffle bags, so he assumed I wanted it to go with me.

God knew Jay was going to need those size 10 boots; God knew Bill's friend needed a sleeping bag, blanket, a duffle bag, a pair of socks and a flashlight . . . God knew.

I was in awe today that God allowed me to see His hand.  He could have met those needs a million different way; yet He allowed me to be a part of it, so witness it.  Whew.  It's overwhelming.

God knows the numbers of hair on your head.  He knows what you are dealing with right now.  your grocery list needs and  He knows when your power bill is due.  He knows when where your next meal is coming from.  He knows . . . . your name!

I don't know what your need is; but I know the Lord will provide. 

Matthew 6: 25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."  

Happy Thanksgiving!