About 6 mo ago (shortly after the New Year), God led me to start stocking up on food. I saw all the different viewpoints of this particular topic from Christians around the world:
Stocking up is fear-based (paranoia)
It contradicts when Jesus said, Take no thought for tomorrow…
If God says so, then do it.
These are all very different perspectives. Bringing it to Sam (my husband), it sounded a little “out there” to him, but he was open and willing to do whatever God was leading us to do. I still wasn’t sure…as sure as I felt I needed to be to know that I wasn’t just being a paranoid person. God then brought to my remembrance Joseph. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had been given instruction on how to PREPARE for the famine that had not yet come. Shortly after this, a similar topic came up in church and a brother confirmed God’s word for me—knowing nothing of all this. I knew now what God was showing me…even if no one else understood. But Lord? Is there a famine coming? I still wasn’t totally convinced—wavering, unbelief, doubt. I knew, but being thoroughly convinced to DO was different. How? Why? We always want to know why, don’t we?
Then I’m not exactly sure what happened. Life maybe. The thoughts faded and eventually were dismissed.
Two weeks ago God spoke to me and told me (the way He does) that we are going to go through a financial trial. My first thought? “I’m not claiming that one.” LOL! Regardless of my thoughts or desires, I knew what He said. I shared it with Sam and understood that it was time to start watching where every dollar went. Within a couple of days, we were notified that his paycheck (GI Bill) would take an additional 3 weeks to get to us because of mistakes on THEIR end. It was already a week behind and like everyone…we have bills to pay! A whole month without his primary source of income? Ordinarily, I might have freaked out a little, but God had forewarned me and I found much comfort in knowing that He already had it all worked out. As long as we stay close in obedience, everything will be fine. He will not leave us lacking what we need. I know my God, my Provider!
Right around this same time my neighbor kept coming and telling me of how she’s using coupons and saving so much money, even getting things for free at times. I would think, “that’s cool” and go on my way. Until finally one day, what she was saying sparked a great interest. I wanted to see for real what the buzz was all about. So Sam & I started that Sunday clipping coupons and making our store lists (honestly, not even thinking about our financial trial, but simply sharing in the excitement with our neighbor). Over the last week—through two Sunday papers—we have saved about $200 on our shopping trips. And! have been able to buy so much more that our deep freezer is full and we had to start storing food in the storage room behind our refrigerator.
Now, what do all these things have to do with one another? Last night while lying in bed I was able to see the big picture. Though He forewarned us of a financial trial (which I do believe we are only in the beginning of), He provided a way at the same time for us to save on necessities through it. I was thanking Him for this and THEN… I saw the WHOLE picture. What He was leading us to do six months ago was now coming to pass. We are stocking up on food and supplies. Amazing, isn’t it? If God wants to bring something to pass, He most certainly will!
I will not doubt or hold back on whatever God wants us to do this time. If what we do now can help my family or someone else's in the future, may God be glorified!
Father, bring Your will to pass. If our time of trial or suffering can be used to help other people, let it be Lord. I know that no matter what I think or understand, my own understanding is just a speck of sand on an eternal seashore. It’s Your wisdom and understanding I desire. Thank you Lord. May You alone be glorified! Amen.
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