Jehova Jireh

I like making less money. That's right, it's not a typo. I have enjoyed the times in my life when we have been worse off financially. The main reason is because I get to see how faithfully our God provides. God has amazed me since we have moved here, and has increased my faith.

I don't know if it's tacky to talk about salaries, but I'm going to run some numbers for you. We went from making about $6,000 a month to $1500 a month. Now the cost of living is a little cheaper here, but not enough to cover all the expenses. I have had people say before we moved, "I just admire your faith." I was always quick to correct, and very self aware of how small my faith was. Yes, I knew God would provide. He has been faithful to meet all of our needs and has amazed me countless times throughout my life. But how much I am like the Israelites, so quick to forget. Yes, I know God will provide, but when I get emails saying we have 7 cents left in our checking account, I flip out. I incessantly worry. I wonder how many extra shifts I can pick up or what can we sell. What truly amazes me, time and time again is how faithful God is when I am so unfaithful.

I see how he has provided in so many ways. Danny and I both have good jobs. We were provided with affordable daycare. We have cheap, good grocery stores. He has blessed me with a husband that does not complain about not eating meat (which has really cut down our costs). We are surrounded with people who invite us into their home instead of asking us to eat at restaurants, and we do the same. He provided Danny with scholarships for school. And what I can't thank Him enough for are the people. True saints. There are people who sponsor us every month, or whenever they can. Just when I am wondering how we will stretch out the finances to the end of the month, a check comes in the mail. Or we get a call saying, "We prayed about it, and we want to give a little more every month". It's not just the money either. It's the prayers. Let me tell you, we feel your prayers, daily!

God is teaching me (again) not only that He is the Great Provider, but He is encouraging me with the testimonies of these saints, who challenge and encourage me in my faith. When people call or email and say that God has placed you on their heart and then give you a word of encouragement, or tell you "God told me to give you this", you better believe that it brings me to my knees in prayer. Not only prayers of thanksgiving, but intercessing for others. I want to be striving to be that close in walking with the Lord that I am listening for when He lays people on my heart and mind. I don't want to miss in providing for someone and blessing them because I was too busy and wasn't listening. God has blessed us, and no doubt, so we may in turn bless others.

In having less money too, it causes you to pray more. I am sad that I haven't always been reliant on Him. I pray that I will not forget as I have so many times before. God is teaching us, stretching us. It is often painful, and slow going, but so worth it. I pray now more for health, especially at a time when medical care is so expensive. And when emergencies come up , I'm learning to pray first instead of just starting to plan how we can fix it. Because the truth is, God can fix the heater that's broken in our car, instead of paying hundreds of dollars at a mechanics. Some might think that is naive. And I am not saying, don't plan, don't save. God has called us to be good stewards, and we believe that wholeheartedly. As God is in many ways tearing us down and molding us, we have been reminded to be more grateful, and to not take things for granted. We are thankful for health, for big bowls of rice and beans, for playing board games with friends, for being able to afford milk for Levi, and for just being reminded of how nice simplicity in life can be.

I am not saying we by any means have this figured out. We have a long way to go, and God is not through teaching us hard lessons, but I am thankful for His patience and grace. Hopefully this can encourage you, I always need to be reminded and love seeing how God provides. And I thank each one of you for supporting us and for your love and prayers. We have more than enough, and feel so richly blessed.