The Lord’s Provision
Mathew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Some years back, my family and I lived in an area known as Beaumont Place at the eastern edge of Houston. It was a turbulent, yet amazing time of my life. As a young Christian I learned to Trust God and witness His provision.
It was a Thursday, the day before payday, and I had one can of green beans in the cupboard for dinner and one dollar to my name. With a husband and five children to feed, I had to be creative. I sent John, our oldest son, to Romar’s, the small meat market near the house to pick up some bologna—sliced thin. I would heat the bologna in left over barbecue sauce and cook the beans with onion and butter. Yep, that would work.
It seemed to be taking Johnny longer than usual, but I did not worry. He was a wonderful son who was mature beyond his twelve years. When he walked into the house he looked scared and had tears in his eyes. My heart raced, what could be troubling him? “I lost it Mom,” he stammered. “I looked and looked but I couldn’t find it. I came all the way home and went back again, but it’s gone. I can’t find it.” He had dropped the dollar somewhere between home and Romar’s. Seeing his anguish, my heart went out to him. Hugging him I said, “Let’s pray that the money was found by someone who needs it more than we do and that God will provide something for dinner.” So, we prayed. That time spent in prayer was so very sweet, and we arose from our knees in peace.
I sent Johnny out to play and headed for the kitchen. “How can I stretch that can of beans?” I wondered half aloud. As I was standing in front of the cupboard with my mind racing, yet in more peace than a woman with a family to feed in about two hours time had a right to feel, I heard a knock on the front door. “Now, who could that be,” I mused as I headed for the door. “Coming,” I called walking through the living room. Opening the front door, I looked into the faces of two very close friends. “The Lord told me you might need these,” Carrie spoke hurriedly as she and Diane walked through the house and placed several bags of groceries on the kitchen table. I was speechless and tears fell. I told them they had no idea of how the Lord had just used them in an answer to prayer. As I explained, shouts of joy and praises rang out in that small kitchen. We hugged and cried together and they were off to prepare their own meals for waiting families.
Unloading the bags I discovered that there was enough in those bags to feed and army!
I began frying chicken, making mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and a dessert. The Lord had provided abundantly more than I had asked.
This was a lesson that neither Johnny nor I would forget, and to God be all the glory! The blessing before that meal was especially thankful and given from at least two very grateful hearts.
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Some years later, I was attending college in Brownsville, about forty-five minutes from the house. I had gone back to school to earn a degree so that I could become certified to teach. That in itself is a miracle, but not the one I will relate at this time.
My car was over heating and my husband had not had time to find the problem and repair it. I took a gallon of water with me every time I drove. On this particular day in late spring, I had filled my radiator from the gallon jug before leaving the parking lot at TSC. Heading home, about five miles from the college, the warning light came on! Now what would I do? I was on the freeway and had just passed the last exit for several miles, and I had no water for the radiator. I wish I could say I was calm and relaxed, but that was definitely not the case. I pulled off the road and turned the key. I became totally frustrated and began hitting the steering wheel as I cried out, “Oh God, why now? How will I get home? How can I get water?” I dropped my head to the wheel and sighed, “Now what?”
As I raised my head, I glanced into the rear view mirror and saw a sight I could not believe. Coming up behind me was a truck—a water truck! Water spewed from a large tube as it stopped next to the palm tree a slight distance behind me. “Oh, thank you Lord,” my mind screamed as I fumbled for the door. Scrambling to get out of the car, I was shocked to see the truck drive by. “No, no,” I wanted to scream, but no sound came from my throat. Feeling limp and dejected, I reached to open the door and caught a glimpse of this massive truck backing up near to my car. The driver jumped out to see if he could help. He filled my radiator and the gallon jug—full! I needed a gallon and the Lord had sent a truck load!
