If you’re from the Midland/Odessa area, you may remember this saying as the slogan Houston Copeland Insurance used for many years. I can recall as a child, thinking what a fitting motto it was for God too. (As if God needs a catchphrase!) As believers, we all have stories of tough times that God has been faithful to see us through and I’m sure you’d all echo the sentiment that He’ll continue to provide for His children. So why is it that when we face trials in life, we sometimes find ourselves doubting and wondering how it is ever going to work out? I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that sometimes my faith wavers and instead of trusting in my Sovereign Lord, I start to question him.
On the radio the other day, I heard an artist talking about her latest song and she said something to this effect: sometimes the best thing we can do when we face difficulties in this life is to look back at what God has already brought us through. I know in my life, to say that His track record is impressive would be the understatement of the century. As I began to dwell on this thought, an idea occurred to me. I should keep a journal in which I track all the ways God comforts me, helps me overcome, and provides for me in my need and so on. Then when a challenge arises and my faith starts to wane, I can look back and be reminded of his faithfulness, not just to his people in general, but specifically in MY life.
As you might’ve guessed, something happened this week that would be an awesome addition to that journal. A week ago, I had to take my minivan to the transmission shop. Knowing how expensive transmission work can be, I was immediately nervous and anxious. See what I mean, even though God has always provided me with a mode of transportation, I start leaning on my own understanding rather than trusting in my Savior. As it turned out, the total was under $500 which I happened to have in savings. (Dave Ramsey would be so proud!) Yet, instead of thanking God for once again providing for me, I became aggravated that every time I seem to get a little cushion in my savings, something happens and I am forced to deplete my stores. There I go again – back to square one – oh me of little faith.
To add to my list of ungratefulness, I also struggled this week with my singleness. I found myself questioning God and His plan for my future. I did that thing they say you’re never supposed to do…I compared my life to those around me. Why are my friends allowed to have relationships and I’m not? I know, I know…I’m such an unappreciative brat! But leave it to God to know exactly how to get this brat’s attention. In the midst of these struggles and doubts, He sent an unexpected surprise my way. Out of the blue, a person who I will refer to as “Angel” offered to pay my way to a speaker’s conference in North Carolina this summer. What “Angel” didn’t know is that I had been planning on going to that very conference already, even though I knew it would be expensive. I was immediately brought to tears - tears of gratitude for this angel’s kindness but mostly tears of awe at my Heavenly Father’s provision. I recognize how unworthy I am and I can’t deny that the Lord sustains His children in spite of our lack of faith. What an awesome God we serve! May I remember this instance of his love and grace the next time I’m tempted to lean on my own understanding or doubt His plan for my life.
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