2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Honestly, I feel as though in this instance, the Bible speaks for itself, and I don’t really need to write anymore. But I will, because this verse applies to me very personally in a way that relates to my journey and preparing for the World Race.
This past week has come with a slew of challenges.
Last week was fantastic. Last week, I found out that, with a HUGE thanks to many generous people, that including continuing monthly donations as well as the one time donations currently in my account, come June 2015, I WILL be fully funded! Great news right? I thought to myself, ‘I’m done! God is so good! Phew! I can check that worry off’. I was ecstatic.
I’m still ecstatic about this, don’t get me wrong! I am so thankful to the Lord and overwhelmed by God’s provision and the generosity of family, friends, and even people who don’t know me very well, and everyone’s willingness to support me in this ministry.
However, this week has been a week of spiritual warfare, and having to wake up every morning reminding myself that God is good, and that he will not leave me alone in this.
Anyone who knows me know that I am NOT detail oriented. I am not organized. I do not plan well. Details and logistics overwhelm me. This has been a week of logistics…power of attorney forms, getting an international debit card, etc. But more dauntingly, this has been a week of financial logistics that seem to be far more than I can handle.
Honestly, when I found out that I had met the Adventures in Missions requirement for fundraising, I was so relieved and pretty much thought I was done. I knew I still had to raise money for personal expenses….vaccines, gear, things on the Race that are necessary, but not food or shelter. But how much could all of that cost, really?
THEN came the visit to the travel clinic. I showed up for my appointment bright eyed and ready to check it off my list of to-dos. I was feeling pretty together and on top of things. Two hours later, I left with a small amount of Rabies in my blood stream and the stomach turning realization that I had been able to afford ONE THIRD of ONE shot that I needed, with the help of my parents. My vaccines alone will cost a total of $1,800.
WHAT?
God I thought we had this? I thought the whole money thing was pretty much good to go?
I spent about an hour after my appointment sulking, feeling super overwhelmed and discouraged, and not even wanting to THINK about the other things on my world race to-do list. It wasn’t until later that night that the Holy Spirit convicted the (insert word more appropriate than crap?) out of me. I realized….God has never called me into something that he couldn’t sustain me through. I have worried, panicked, and stressed over the future, finances, God’s plan for me, decisions…what have you…time and time again. But not one of those times has the Lord left me to figure things out on my own, or failed to provide for me.
God loves to provide for me. He loves to sustain me. In fact, one of the many biblical Hebrew names for God, El Shaddai means “the God that is more than enough”. God delights in not only being and providing what we need, but blessing us with overflow. He was to provide everything that we need AND MORE. He has already brought in over $16,000…and here I am worrying over a couple thousand and a few details. My silly human nature.
I love 2 Corinthians 9:8. It could not be more clear about God’s intentions to provide for his children.
1. God wants to bless us ABUNDANTLY. Not just mostly, or partially…abundantly.
2. God wants to bless us in ALL things. Not just the things that we think he would prioritize the most. Not just in things that we pray for with THE MOST URGENCY, saying “please Lord” over and over. Not just the things that other people think are the most important.
3. God wants to bless us at ALL times. Not just most of the time. Not just when you’re being a “good Christian”. Not once you have eliminated all of the sin and dirt from your life. All the time. (Can I get a Hallelujah?).
4. God wants us to have ALL that we need. This one hit home. God doesn’t want to just provide for me the number on my world race blog. He wants to provide for every last detail, so that, as it says in the last part of this verse, I can abound in EVERY good work.
What a good and loving father.
What a good God.
He is more than enough.
Lord forgive me for ever worrying, or questioning your provision. I trust you.
