Do We Really Believe?

Bob, a friend of Jerry’s, went to be with the Lord a few years ago. When Jerry and Bob first met at a conference where Bob was speaking, Bob, in his forties, was only about ten years Jerry’s senior. Even so, Bob was someone who already had a great deal of life under his belt and a godly faith Jerry had never seen before. It caught Jerry’s attention and now has mine. For Bob’s story is one that testifies to the startling faithfulness of God as our provider and as our Father. 

As a Church of Christ preacher, Bob testified, he preached as a job, but not as a belief. Every Sunday morning, dressed in his Sunday best, he gave the appearance of someone loyal to, and in love with the Lord. But underneath that facade, he sported his swimming suit. For when those church doors swung open, Bob and his wife bolted to their boat to enjoy the fun and sun until he had to return to preach the evening sermon.

This continued for years until this question surfaced in Bob’s heart.
Do I really believe what every Scripture says?

Bob and Peggy decided to check this out. Selling everything they owned, they purchased a van, relocated to Florida and began living on the beach. Every day, after prayer and communion, they took each verse and put it under that question’s spotlight. Over time, Bob and Peggy both gave their hearts to the Lord. What happened after that is astounding.

Bob, now following the Lord’s call to preach the Good News of the Gospel, traveled wherever the Lord directed. Wherever Bob went, the Lord provided. Once, after praying for a much needed airfare, a stranger met him on the street with a certified check that covered his and Peggy’s expenses. Another time, sensing the Lord’s direction to leave the area they were in, they went to the airport with no money in hand. Miraculously, the Lord provided the cash to buy the tickets. Whenever they returned home from preaching or speaking engagements, there was always fresh food waiting in the refrigerator. 

The Lord met all their needs.

Over the past few years, Jerry and I have also seen God’s provision for us. From the first rumors of an 800-student elementary school, to the construction of that school on a field diagonally across from our front yard, to the pandemic all of us are in the middle of, we have realized how God has directed and provided for us every step of the way. Before the building of the school ever started, the Lord provided a place where we didn’t have to see firsthand all that was going on. When something went wrong during the construction, the Lord gave us favor with those who could address and fix the problems. 

During the heartbreak of this pandemic, from food, to face masks, to toilet paper, God has provided for all our needs. As daunting as this time has been, because we have been taken care of, we can, without fear for our well being, be the hands and feet of Jesus to others. 

God is our Father, and we, as Christians, are His beloved adopted sons and daughters. He delights in us, even when everything seems to be falling down around us and His love doesn’t appear, or feel like we think it should. So the question is, 

“Do we really believe?”

God is always ready to give us what we need, 
when with all our hearts, 
we seek Him first. 
We just need to ask. 
(See Jeremiah 29:11-13, Matthew 6:25-30,33-34, James 4:2b-3.)

“This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing?

“Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they?  So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?

 “And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil,  and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty more than one of these!  So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won’t he provide for you the clothes you need—even though you live with such little faith?

 “So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 

 “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”

Matthew 6:25-30, 33-34 (TPT)

Much love,
Kimberly