Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."
Aaron's blessing is truly a beautiful group of words. It is a beautiful reminder of God and all He is capable of doing.
A few weeks ago my family made plans to travel to Oklahoma to visit family we were suppose to visit over Christmas. But due to me getting very sick it didn't work out. We finally were able to make plans and make our visit. While we stopped in Mount Vernon, MO (about the half way mark) our van started showing issues that freaked us out. We were in a small town and did not know what to do. We were able to drive our van to an O'Reilly and have one of the workers hook the van up to a computer to see if we could identify the problem. It was determined it was a spark plug. No big deal. The worker gave us directions to each of the 3 auto shops in town. The first one we went to couldn't fit us in until late that evening due to another traveler having issues. So, we decided to trek over the the biggest auto shop in town for the better chance of getting the work done. We ended needing a new coil in the van. The blessing? The shop was ran by Christians and the gentleman who worked on our van did the work out in the parking lot for us and was extremely patient and kind. During this whole, stressful incident we cried out to God for wisdom and an easy, inexpensive fix. He answered. He was faithful and He protected us by sending us to an amazing shop with great people.
We were able to get our taxes done and submitted in January. We were excited to know that eventually we would be getting our once-a-year supplement. We had plans as to what we were going to use most of it for: debt. School debt and medical debt due to having babies. God had slightly other plans for us. While I was at work recently our OTHER van decided it had enough and wouldn't start. Thankfully I was all ready at work and did not have to deal with the stress of being stranded, especially with my client. Andy and his dad made the trek out to the house I work at and looked at the van to see if maybe they could easily find out what the problem was. The conclusion came to the fuel pump. We had the van towed and sent to the auto shop. As it turned out it WAS the fuel pump. We also were aware that the van needed at least one new tired. The same evening or possibly early the next morning of it being towed our bank account showed our tax return had been transferred to our account. Praise Jesus. Fuel pump and 2 new tires can be fixed and added to the van. God provided the money we needed at exactly the time we were desperately in need.
We have a few hospital bills. All mainly from having babies. Andy had called about one of the outstanding bills we had, which was over $3,000. In short, he was able to get a discount which ended up saving us $600 since we paid in full. Again, God was faithful and provided.
As Christians it should be obvious how amazing God is, how faithful God is, and know that God will provide when we need Him. But it isn't and we don't always know. We are fallen people in a fallen world. It is way too easy to forget that God is bigger than our problems and fears. But He sure does have a way to remind us. Not only did he remind us through these 2 incidents that happened recently, but He has reminded us in the past and He has reminded me the past 2 weeks in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship).
As I reflect on the goodness of God, one song keeps coming to mind:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
| “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. "Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!" Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided- Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me! | |
| Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness, To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! |
