Provision ... Why Am I Surprised?

You've done it again, Lord, and again I am surprised.  I don't know why I continue to be surprised when the Lord provides for me and those around me.  Maybe it isn't that He did it, but how He did it.  Let me fill you in on my last few days...

I am part of a Christian trio known as The Scarlet Chord.  We sing where ever we are called to minister, and love doing it.  One of the girls in the group is married to a man who makes pottery as a hobby.  He also uses his pottery as a ministry, and we usually go along to accompany his ministry with song when he is busy actually making something on the wheel.  The Pottery Wheel ministry took place last night (Friday).  On Thursday, I realized I was coming down with a sinus infection causing a sore throat - OH NO!  I went to the doctor Friday morning, and got antibiotics, but I was not going to be 100% by that evening.

I called Kelley, the potter's wife, to let her know.  I wasn't cancelling - I knew we were called to do this ministry - but one of the songs we planned to sing was primarily carried by me, so we had to brainstorm.  Kelley called me back that afternoon to let me know that the Lord had been telling her for a couple weeks to sing a solo, but she had been fighting it.  She would substitute her solo for my song.  I guess the Lord will have His way even if He has to make me sick to do it - Thanks, Kel!!  :D

Talking to Vivian, the other member of the group, later that evening, she confessed having a very bad attitude going into the ministry.  A very traumatic experience from her past was keeping her from having her heart in the right place as we started.  By the end of the evening, Billy's (he's the potter if you haven't figured that out) message actually spoke to her, and the Lord set her free from an experience that had haunted her for years.  We had gone to minister, and had been ministered to in the process - You sure are sneaky sometimes, Lord!

So here we come, a broken group of sinners saved by grace, to show God's love and share His message with a group of men.  Billy's focal passage was Mark 10:27 "... with man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Boy is it ever!  Half of our group was not up to par with my physical issues, and Vivian's spiritual/emotional issues, but God found strength in our weaknesses.  He provided healing for Viv, and strengthened my voice so that no one could tell I was ill when singing.  And you know what, God used this rag tag bunch to help bring a lost soul the final few steps to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  That's right, even our imperfections couldn't stop God from calling this new brother to himself last night.  It was his first day with the group, and God made sure he was there to hear a lesson that would speak to his heart.  Lord, I'm starting to see that You really meant it when you said "exceedingly, abundantly".

I know that sounds like more than enough (and really it is!), but the provision kept coming!  On the way home, Vivian shared how the Lord had provided freedom from another situation in her life during a Bible study earlier this week.  This revelation opened the door for the healing that took place last night.  God had prepared the way - You always know the right thing for us, Lord.

We moved on to more inconsequential conversation which led to Viv mentioning her mandolin (not the musical instrument, but the slicing/grating kitchen tool).  Now I have wanted one for a long time, but couldn't justify the cost when I have perfectly good (and very sharp) knives and a grater (or two).  *sigh*    Well, Brenna had to be at church early this morning for GA camp, so I decided to go yard sale shopping after dropping her off.  What should I find at my first stop, but an almost (if not) brand new mandolin for $15.  After some conversation, and peeking at my cute baby, the lady took $10 for it!!  Lord, you know the desires of my heart, and provide even more than just my needs - thank You!

Now here's the icing on the cake - I have felt convicted lately about not being more consistent with my quiet time and devotions and not making sure my daughter was doing the same.  I have been wondering how to institute a family quiet time, or at least something consistent.  Today, I read an article from my Parent Life magazine on just that - another provision.  Even when I think it is something that is probably inconsequential to You, You show me just how important I am, and how involved You want to be in my life - I don't deserve You, Lord, but I'm glad I have You!

So many big and small examples of just how much God loves me and provides for me in such a short time.  I wonder how many other things happen each day that I don't take notice of?

I'm sorry for not giving you credit where it due, Lord.  I thank You for providing for me each and every day, and especially for providing a way for me to have a relationship with You.  I never could have reached You in my own power, so You were willing to rescue me - even when I hated You.  And because you conquered death, I don't need to fear it, but can look forward to that day as a homecoming.  That is more than enough, but You choose to be personally involved in the minute details of my daily life.  With God all things are possible - keep on surprising me, Lord.