Going MY Way

Denise attended church faithfully and expected her girls to go as well. But one of them balked. "Mom no one in our high school class goes to church."

It was the catalyst Denise needed. She knew her family needed a change The “darkness” in their city was real. So, on faith, she packed up her two children and moved to San Antonio. They visited a mega-church near where they lived, but just didn’t feel plugged in. It was a bit overwhelming. Still, Denise was determined her daughters would have a Christian influence in their lives.

The last Sunday in September, Denise pulled protesting kids into the car and headed toward church. She prayed as she drove. “Lord, show me how to get my daughters connected. Show me where we belong.” Stopping for a red light, she saw an A-framed sign on the corner. Grace Community Church. She pointed it out to her girls. “Want to try that church?” Both agreed.

Denise made the turn and arrived at a KC Hall where the church group was meeting: for their very first service! They visited, and now over six months later, Denise’s girls enthusiastically attend worship services.

Seems like God sent them a real sign!

Jehovah Jireh

(The following vignette from two years ago displays how well the Lord takes care of me! And He continues to do so day by day. Eileen)

My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory. Phil. 4:19

Since my retirement from teaching, I’ve been able to supplement my income through freelance writing and editing. My jobs come through the Internet, for the most part.

Last January, I decided I wanted a laptop. I prayed over the decision yet wondered if it was a desire, not a need. I struggled. I surely didn’t have extra funds for something I did not need. My new desktop computer was more than sufficient for my work. But I still wanted that laptop. I poured over the ads in the Sunday paper and found one on sale. I calculated the costs and knew I could afford it. Again, was this a desire or a need?

Another prayer didn’t snuff out the thoughts. Finally, I drove to the store and bought my new toy. I set it up and settled in my overstuffed chair.

Within two weeks, my mother’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed to the point where she needed twenty-four hour care. I quit my part-time job and searched for more online work. Mother sat across the living room in her recliner. She needed to see me in the room, to know I was near. Suddenly, the freedom via my laptop allowed me to work and be in her range of vision.

Provision before the need. Once again, God showed me He knew what I needed before I did. Amazing isn’t it?

He's LOOKing Out for Me

Despite blinking and squinting, Sherrie realized her vision was not what it should be—in fact she experienced some double vision at times. But with a bustling family of hubby and three children under nine years old and all the details of a busy life, her eyesight took a back seat. She shook her head and kept on going. Then the unforeseen, she broke her glasses and was forced to see the optometrist.

The verdict was stark. At 48, she was diagnosed with a unique kind of cataract on her right eye which was causing double and triple vision. During the examination the optometrist saw something in the back of her other eye which was alarming. He insisted she visit an ophthalmologist immediately. Having battled cancer, alarm bells began to sound in her head. Was the disease ravaging her body once again?

After an MRI, it was determined that Sherrie had an aneurysm on an artery behind her LEFT eye. Surgery was scheduled immediately. Within a few days she was clapped in the hospital, and her family prayed and awaited a verdict. God intervened! The aneurysm was repaired and within two days, Sherrie was home again.

Without the broken glasses, cataract discovery and a sharp optometrist, the aneurysm would still be lurking and left to do possible great harm.

Sherrie is experiencing some dizziness and light flashes, but is more than grateful.

Hallelujah for our miracle-working God and those He uses in our lives.

SmallTown blessings!

After SmallTown church split, Pastor B wasn’t sure he could keep the doors open for the remaining congregants. To help in the budget struggle, he gave up his salary and worked at Wal-mart. After some time, a new member of the church asked to meet with him. Not sure of her needs, he set aside ample time for a visit.

Mrs. Newcomer began with a startling statement, “I drove past the church and heard the Lord speak to me. He said I was to attend this church. I argued with Him since I wasn’t accustomed to this denomination.” But the persistence of the Lord caused her to attend and then join the congregation. In the coming days, she was impressed again. This time the Lord wanted her to give a gift, resulting in this very meeting. “I’d like to help SmallTown church financially.”

Pastor B’s gratitude was obvious. Little did he realize the scope of her help. Mrs. Newcomer paid off the substantial church mortgage and SmallTown now owns their building.

Do you think Pastor B sees God’s provision in a different light now than before? How has God provided for you?