Within the past 8 days, both my cars have gone the way of all cars. Two Sundays ago, driving home from Philadelphia, our van’s transmission had a stroke, but we were able to continue driving. That is, until the engine had a heart attack and we ground to a halt on the shoulder of the turnpike. Next day, diagnostic tests revealed that something had gone very wrong in the engine’s bowels and it was cooked.
Then, this past Sunday, a median strip suddenly bolted from its assigned place in this world, and jumped in front of one of my kids driving our other vehicle. Praise God, my son’s ok, but the car isn’t. Since it’s an older car, we bought no collision insurance for it, and it will probably cost more to repair than it’s worth. Another one bites the dust.
Whether it’s a minor inconvenience like losing a couple cars, or a serious trial, like being laid off in your 50’s (recently happened to a friend), we can be tempted to anxiety. We can start trying to figure out how in the world we’ll ever meet our needs. “Let’s see, I could take a second job in the evenings, and skip church on Sundays to sell magazines door to door. I can auction off my Elvis paintings, or if I get desperate, one of my children…”
But Jesus can provide for us in unexpected ways, from sources we’d never imagine. When pressed to pay the temple tax he tells Peter,
“Go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (MT 17.27)
Peter doesn’t say, “You know, that was my first thought too - go throw an empty hook into the sea and catch a carp chewing a coin.”
Jesus can supply your needs in unpredictable ways. The One who fed thousands from a few loaves and fishes will feed you. The One who commanded ravens to bring bread and meat to Elijah morning and evening (1 KI 17) will meet your needs. The One who showered manna on Israel for 40 years in the desert will give you your daily bread. The One who revealed a log to Moses to sweeten brackish waters (EX 15) can surprisingly sweeten your bitter trials.
The One who provided salvation from out of the blue, hiding his glory in flesh, to live and die as a Substitute for rebels will surely care for you.
So trust in the Lord, and lean not on your own understanding, and watch God come through for you.
photo by Extra Medium
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the post. Your timing is perfect…that is what Matt (one of our pastors) preached on last week. He used Prv. 3:5-6 That’s so cool. I love it when God uses multiple means to get a message across. Thanks!
Mark,
Thanks for the post. While I know in my head that God will provide for me and my family and meet our needs its in my heart that I usually have the problem and that is when I start to rely upon my own means. Its also when the idols in my life rear the ugly head and I start looking at those idols instead of Christ. Having once been unemployed for over 10 months a few years ago and the impact that it had on our marriage and kids it raises the “fear” in my heart. Thanks again for your posting.
God’s sovereignty over our every need is a priceless treasure. My portfolio is deeply in the red, my job is unreliable, tranmissions fail and yet I have never seen a starving sparrow. God is good.
Amen. A good and timely reminder – thank you
so awesome. reminds me of romans 8:31-32
“what then shall we say to these things? if God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us freely, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
God is always aware of our situation and has the best plan possible–one that will strengthen our walk most, and, more importantly, give Him more glory. yay for that!
Hi Yeller,
Prov 3.5-6 is one of my favorite Scriptures – I just need to remember to do it.
Bob,
Thanks for your comments. I’ve not had to go through 10 months of unemployment – I can see how that would provide a temptation. But you’re so right – the way to combat fear is to keep our eyes on Christ.
Hey Chris,
I love the doctrine of God’s sovereignty! What a bedrock. You know, the sparrows around my house are looking pretty good…so is the big fat squirrel that raids our bird feeder.
Meghan,
Thanks! Glad the Lord would encourage you!
Hey Mark!
Very timely post, In these uncertain times it is so good to know that we can trust the Lord, He never leaves us and never forsakes us.
Psalm 37:25 is such a comfort in these shaky times we’re living in, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.’
We serve a God who as you said, can supply our needs in unpredictable and unexpected ways, He loves to surprise us and take care of us. I’m so thankful for our faithful Father, He’s so good at looking after His kids!
Thank you for yet another timely and encouraging word!
Blessings
Ron Reffett
Thanks for the thoughts here MArk, recently I had 2 cars die on me, my Fiesta, then a 95 Escort that was given to me packed in.
Fortunately we were able to resurrect the Fiesta with parts from the other for which I’m still thanking God.
Normally I read your blog every day, but I didn’t get around to this one until the next day. After reading it I think that it meant more to me after yesterday than it would have before. I have taken my car to the shop twice in the last couple weeks for separate things and then when I got to work yesterday realized that my driver’s side door had mysteriously locked itself and the lock was stuck. So I was climbing in and out of the passenger side all day (not easy in a little car) until it decided to open last night. I also had a conversation with my manager yesterday that made me increasingly concerned about the stability of my job. Through all of this I was dealing with the after-affects of a bad migraine I had on Tuesday night– all in all it was a rough day. But God was a quiet voice reminding me to trust him- to the extent of praying that my door lock would open, which it did not that long after. And your post – dealing with cars and jobs specifically – was another reminder that my life is in God’s hands and that He is faithful to provide what I need when I need it. So if my job does go south and my car decides to completely die at last, I can rest in knowing that my Heavenly Father will supply all my needs. Thank you!
Hey Ron,
What a great verse (Ps 37.25). I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken over the years either. God has always met my family’s needs, and the needs of those in our church. Our God never changes in his faithfulness!
Hey Gary,
Aren’t cars a lot of fun? My condolences on the Escort – glad you could keep the Fiesta running! I’ve had lots of car problems the last few years – they’re another one of God’s ways of working sanctification into our lives.
Hi Wendy,
Sorry to hear about all you went through recently – sounds really rough, especially with a migraine – my daughter has had migraines for 7 years. I commend you for your perseverance and your faith – I know it’s so pleasing to Jesus to see you trusting him!
These last three posts have been very encouraging. Thanks!
Amen, indeed.
http://underdogtheology.blogspot.com/2009/01/humility-of-counting-suffering-as.html
Thank you Russ!
Thank you too, underdog!