Got Needs?

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Have you ever had to trust God to supply your need?  

Years ago, my parents helped to put me through college. But when I sensed a call to ministry, that meant 4 more years of study, and I knew I was on my own. I applied for as much financial aid as possible, worked all through seminary, and took out more loans. By the time I reached the second semester of my final year, I was completely tapped out. 

Sinking Feeling

I remember the day I received a bill from the school that had to be paid to graduate, and I didn’t have the money. Perhaps you know that sinking feeling. I had already asked some friends for personal loans, but asking other young pastors for a loan was like trying to get a cat to bark. Even if you got it, it wouldn’t amount to much. (On a side note, I learned to always borrow from a pessimist. They don’t expect it back.)

With loans up to my eyeballs and my parents still having three other kids to put through college, I didn’t know where to turn. I was desperate.

Any Help?

In a last-ditch effort, I went to the financial aid officer of the seminary and pleaded my case. I told him the whole story and how much I would like to graduate. Finally, I said, ”I don’t know what else to do. Is there any way you can help me?” 

Without a hint of hope, he replied, “Let me take a look.” He shuffled through some papers and in a deliberate tone said, “It appears there is some money in the United Methodist Student fund. I will grant you $1,000.”

Too Good

I sat in stunned silence. “You will?” I said. It was too good to be true. That was exactly what I needed to pay my bill and graduate! I thanked him profusely and nearly floated out of the room. Of course, that amount may not seem like much now, but at the time, it felt like a million dollars to a guy who had less than nothing.

Here’s what that experience taught me as a young adult. God can be trusted. God will provide in ways that we cannot see or imagine right now.

Where God Guides

Deep down, I knew I didn’t go off to study for the ministry on my own. I was led to do that. But that incident was a huge confirmation for me. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one that wanted me to graduate. God cared about that, too.

What the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that day was a profound truth that God’s people have long known: Where God guides, God provides.

Since then, I’ve seen God’s provision play out countless times in my life and others. Our God is a provider who loves to supply the needs of God’s children. All we need to do is ask, trust and watch God go to work.  

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