Bit by Bit, Little by Little
10:50 AMHeatherIt was one of those moments that I'll never forget. Chris and I had been trying to get out of debt for about two-and-a-half years. It had been one step forward, two steps backward. We'd been to a Dave Ramsey Total Money Make-Over Live Event. And, we drank the Kool-aid. So, we began to work through the baby steps. We'd build up our $1000 emergency fund, and start attacking our debt. Then, the car broke down. And, we'd eat up part of our emergency fund. Build it back, and then back to the debt. Then, the dog got deathly ill...and died. Another hit to the emergency fund. Back to that savings, before we worked on the debt again.
And so on and so forth. For thirty months. That November day, our old money pit of a van got the fatal diagnosis. And, I was spent. Worn out. Over it. I laid out flat on the floor, tears streaming down my face. And prayed as fervently as I'd ever prayed before. I told the Lord that if He intended to keep us on this "manna" diet of just enough for today, He'd need to whet my appetite for it. Because I was craving some milk and honey. I told Him I didn't want to get rich. I was just asking for a little breathing room. A little blessing. A little traction. And, if that wasn't His perfect plan, would He PLEASE, PLEASE give me a renewed appetite for the manna instead.
Long story short, within three months, we had a brand new mini van. We were completely out of debt. We had 3-6 months of emergency funds. And, we were amazed that we were looking for the larger home we'd dreamed of for years. UNBELIEVABLE.
During that season of focusing so much on our finances, I often prayed this verse.
but give me only my daily bread.
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
And the recent insight gleaned from Priscilla Shirer brought me right back to that moment, lying on my bedroom floor, begging for either an appetite for manna or a bit of milk and honey. Because she talked about WHY God would give his children only enough for that day. He's God. Right? He could give them all they would need for that forty years all at once. Or enough for a year. Or a month. Or a week. So, why wouldn't He?
I just still love what Priscilla's thoughts on this. Because when we only have enough for one day, we go back to the Father the next day. And the next. He gives enough for one day. And, we rely on Him and seek Him the next day.
Because our God cares more about our relationship with Him than proving how big He is. He wants communion with us more than He wants some mighty show of provision to impress us. And, when we are in a "manna season," we learn this ritual. This approach to life that says, "Today, Abba. Give me what I need today. Help me focus on THIS day. Today has enough worries of it's own. I won't borrow trouble about tomorrow. Just today."
And He always shows up. Just like he did, day after day, in the wilderness for the Israelites. He rains down just what we need for each day. Because our God reigns.
Glimpse of GRACE: If you are in a manna season, I pray you are encouraged. If your finances are tight, or your emotional energy is stretched, and the big picture is beyond consuming to you. If mothering is wearing you down with the mundane and monumental task. Then, think about today. Go to your Father today. Ask him for what you need, just for today. Rely on His new mercies for each day.
for his compassions never fail.
great is your faithfulness.
therefore I will wait for him.”
to the one who seeks him;
for the salvation of the Lord.
0 comments