If you are a Christian, chances are you have memorized the Lord's Prayer. Chances are you have recited it more times than you can count. Chances are you have prayed it on multiple occasions without taking into account the magnitude of the words you are saying; without recognizing that these are the exact words that Jesus prayed and how he instructed us to pray. I know that all of these statements are true for me, at least.
This week I have been focused on making plans and getting prepared to move out of my house. I have renters moving in next month and they will be leasing my home while I am away for 11 months (AMEN FOR FINDING RENTERS & SAVING MONEY!!!). Today as I was doing some doing some spring cleaning, I began thinking about all of the prayers that God has answered for me. Being without a job or steady income for the past 3 and 1/2 months, one of the biggest prayers that He has answered has been "give us this day our daily bread". It may seem like a minor piece of the Lord's prayer, especially when compared to "Your Kingdom come … on earth as it is in heaven" and "deliver us from evil", but when you are unemployed, receiving no government assistance, and still have major bills to pay, daily bread and daily provision suddenly become extremely important!
When I decided to quit my job, go on The World Race and ultimately pursue God's destiny for me, I was prepared to:
A. Dip into my savings account
B. Sell some of the stock that I'd purchased (which isn't much, but it has been a source of money that I don't have to work for)
C. Possibly take from my 401k
3 and 1/2 months later and I've had to do:
D. NONE OF THE ABOVE!!
Now, I don't care what anyone says, but that is EXTREMELY AMAZING! I don't say this to brag, but I say it to give God the glory that He is due. When I think about it, I am so amazed and I am speechless because I honestly don't know how this has been possible. He has not only given me my daily bread, but He IS my daily bread and He IS my provision. Every day that I am able to eat, sleep in a warm house, use my cell phone (and the list goes on and on and on) is a blessing because of Him.
When I told people that I was quitting my job almost 9 months before the start of The World Race, one of the first things that most asked me was, "What are you going to do for money?" and "How are you going to pay your bills?" Although I secretly did not want to have to use money from my savings account, my answer was always, "Oh, I have money in savings." Never did I imagine that God would not only provide for me, but He would provide so abundantly that I don't and won't have to take a dime from my savings account AND I've been blessed enough to give to others! The saying 'YOU CAN'T BEAT GOD GIVING' is proving to be true! Now, when people ask me how am I paying my bills, I can't help but to say "God is providing!"
I'm so glad that our Father knows the desires of our hearts and He responds to prayers that we don't even speak out loud. I'm so glad that our Father in Heaven hears us when we pray the Lord's prayer, even though we sometimes pray it out of habit. I'm so grateful for family, friends, and supporters who have not only donated towards this mission trip, but have also helped to meet some of my current daily needs as well. I pray that the Lord blesses each of you with more than you are able to contain for being such a blessing to me!
** FUNDRAISING UPDATE **
As of today, 4/17, I have raised $3,796!!! I've already surpassed my June goal of $3,500 and am on my way to meeting my August goal of $6,500. Thanks to EVERYONE who has donated so far! If you would like to contribute towards my World Race, please click on the "Support Me!!" link on the left hand panel of this page.
Thank You, Love You, & God Bless You!
