God's Provision

Normally, when I think of provision, I think of working. After all, work is a scriptural principle and one that I was raised to believe in. But income from working isn't the only way God chooses to provide for us. Although I would infinitely prefer to earn a living by working (somehow it seems more secure to me), God has chosen other ways of providing for our family in the recent days. While this might make me feel uneasy or insecure, it really shouldn't. God is taking us through this time and increasing my faith in the process.

The last few days, I have spent a lot of time chasing down financial resources to help our family through this difficult time (actually, maybe I am working :-b). I have figured out already, that there are people who are professionals at getting this type of help. They know what systems are available and exactly what to say to get the help they want immediately. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. I have spent a lot of time talking to organizations who help people who live in specific zip codes (unfortunately, not mine) or organizations who have already run out of funding for the year. The economy is rough right now.

Wednesday, I submitted applications through the DHS office to get Medicaid for myself (in case I lose health insurance) and also food stamps. I was told that because we did have some income for August that they have 30 days to contact me for an appointment. As you can imagine, I was not thrilled with this answer. Baby is due in 35 days and may not wait that long, and at this point, Jason is only guaranteed a job through Sept 3rd.

However, God has chosen to encourage me through other methods of provision this week. We have received money from several different sources (even from people that we don't know!). We received a Payless gift card (so I could get shoes for my kids), a gas gift card, and a WalMart gift card. Last night, a friend came and brought groceries for our family. Our immediate needs are taken care of.

Specific areas you could pray about are:

1. That DHS will expedite my appointment for food stamps and Medicaid. Baby could come at any time and I really want to have these things taken care of ahead of time.

2. I know that there are organizations to help with utlilities and possibly house payment. Please pray that I can find the organizations with the funding to help a family in our zip code. So far, I haven't received any specific leads that are promising.

3. Continue to pray for Jason's healing. He has had some unusual bleeding since returning home and has started running a fever. The surgeon wants us to wait it out and see, but I am very concerned with these developments and wondering if he should be back at the hospital.

4. Pray for our children. They are very insecure in the midst of this (especially "Miney") and yet Mommy is very busy trying to chase down assistance and not fully available to them :-(

5. Pray for me to have physical strength and stamina. Normally, I would have everything taken care of for the baby at this point and have my house cleaned and organized where I could take it easy. This has not happened at this point, and some things really do need to be done so that I can fit another person into our small home. Unfortunately, between hospital stays, doctor visits and financial arrangements, I am finding very little time to work on these things.

God has been faithful to provide for our family, and I believe that he will continue to do so. Someday I will look back on these times and be able to share with others the incredible testimony of God's provision for our family during this time. Please pray that I will rest in Him.