Hard Knocks Make Strong Faith

In the 1980s, our family went through a terrible financial struggle. I am still finding out some of what went on. We really had very little money and slim prospects at the time. When bills were due and threatening phone calls from creditors came, my response was always to dissolve in tears. After that, I would pray and pray, trying to find peace and asking God to help us find a way out.

God did answer prayers in our behalf, but first I had to undergo a profound surrender experience. I had adopted a "poverty mentality" that tainted all my thoughts and plans. "We can't afford this, we will never have that.", I was dogged by these thoughts. Finally, I collapsed in a weeping pile of self pity and just gave up trying to cope. That was when I began to search the scriptures for a lifeline.

I found so much evidence of how God takes care of people who trust in Him. I met Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His provision took on many forms. I learned how to make many, many good tasting recipes from government commodities. I also learned how to shop with an eye for bargains. I gained important insight into how blessed it is to receive and how great it is to give back.

Some people have heard my story of the over $2000 that our family received during this rough stretch in our lives, but I love to tell it because it shows the faithfulness of our living, loving God.

Our sons remember the simple ways we spent our time. We hatched chicken eggs and duck eggs. We learned why the struggle to get out of its shell is vital to a chick. We also learned how struggle is vital to our spiritual growth as well. Without this hard time, we would not be generous people, for we learned how wonderful it is to receive. We would not be grateful people, for we were so happy to have anything. And, we would not love our God so very much and know first hand of His faithful care!

So if you find yourself in a hard place financially, rest assured that God cares about you. He will provide for your needs and allow you to stretch and grow in your faith through these struggles. He is pulling you closer to Himself, and that's a good thing!