“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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ROGER’S UPCOMING SPEAKING SCHEDULE:
August 24-25, 2024 – First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court St, Pekin, IL
- Saturday 8/24 – In Person at 5:00 pm
- Sunday 8/25 – In Person at 8:00 and 10:00 am
- Sunday 8/25 – Live Stream at 10:00 am www.pekinfirst.org
Roger Ross
A native of Cambridge, Illinois, Roger has served as a pastor in Texas, the British Channel Island of Guernsey, and Illinois. While in Illinois, he led teams that planted two new churches and served for 10 years as the lead pastor of one of the largest United Methodist Churches in the Midwest. It was his privilege to serve as the Director of Congregational Excellence in the Missouri Conference before coming into his current role with Spiritual Leadership, Inc (SLI).
Roger now comes alongside pastors, non-profit leaders and their leadership teams as an executive coach, specializing in leadership that inspires change. As a side gig, he loves teaching evangelism and church planting as an adjunct professor at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas.
Other passions of his include SCUBA diving in warm blue water, Krispy Kremes, and board games with family and friends. He also has a weakness for golf.
Roger is the author of three books, Meet The Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith, Come Back: Returning to the Life You Were Made For, and Come Back Participant Guide, all through Abingdon Press.
Now for the best part. Roger is married to Leanne Klein Ross, and they live Bloomington, Illinois. God has blessed them with two adult children, a son-in-law, several tropical fish, and one adorable granddog.
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