Flipping through the channels of daytime TV, I look for something to occupy my time. The sleeping baby on my chest prevents me from scrubbing floors or folding laundry, so I sit and surf through the drama and smut looking for something entertaining or educational. I find neither and both all wrapped into one – Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
I watch as contestants try to win their way to a better life and find myself envious.
I want to be a millionaire.
The economy has taken its toll on our finances. I’ve pinched, scraped, and rubbed pennies for a least a year. It isn’t fun. The sweet sigh of the pink bundle lying on me reminds me of an even greater need for financial gain.
“We are in the desert,” my husband has been telling me for quite a while. “God has us here for a reason.” I’ve been drawn time and time again to the Israelites’ journey through the sandy region and compared their story to mine.
In my prayers, I ask for deliverance. My imagination runs wild with ideas of how God could show up in a big way and make our problems disappear. We could win the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. Perhaps my email is true, there really is Nigerian banker who needs somebody to claim millions of dollars from a deceased client. My husband could get a long deserved promotion. Or maybe someone will come knocking on my door wanting me to write the next best seller.
Instead, friends come by and bring dinner. Our parents call and offer to pick up a few groceries on their way over. We get a letter from our mortgage company telling us our house payment will be going down $100 for the next year.
Little by little.
One day at a time.
God meets our needs.
God met the needs of the Israelites the same way. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (Exodus 16:4 NIV) When the Israelites needed food, God could have sent them groceries for a month. But He wanted the Israelites to fully trust Him. He wanted them to believe in Him so much they didn’t worry about tomorrow. So, He sent manna from heaven each morning and told them to gather only enough for the day.
I constantly ask God to answer my prayers in a big way. Why? So I’ll know we will have enough stored up to meet any and all needs that arise. But God, who could answer my prayers in a big way, chooses to meet my daily needs instead. And in doing so is teaching me to trust Him in everything. Christ even teaches us this lesson in the Lord’s Prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread.” He didn’t say, “Give us enough to eat at our favorite restaurant, put some into savings, and invest some into a 401K.”
So, I’m learning to depend on Him and gather my manna each morning, even if that means I’ll never be a millionaire. But, soon, oh soon, I’m bound for the Promised Land. Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the Promised Land.
And that is my final answer.
Love this, Carol. Thank you so much for the reminders!
Oh Carol I can so relate to this! My husband is an engineer, and there is no work…cut backs, cut backs. Yes, I want the big payout and problems solved! But I love your response. Relying on God for our DAILY bread.
I still wouldn't mind being a millionaire. But that's for being my "phone-a-friend" today to give me the right answer!
Great post….
Amen! Thanks for the wonderful reminder I needed today.
Thoughtful post. Personally I think you are a millionaire – just look at that beautiful baby you have laying on your chest. I do know what you mean though, things are tough. I have been there. But God did provide for which I am eternally grateful. Keep looking up!
Hi Carol,
I just read your devotion at Internet Cafe (which led me to your blog).Wow- I have had a very similar NICU experience. Isn't GOD awesome in the way he just shows up to love on us when we least expect it! God is good- all the time! Thank you for the words you shared. I have been struggling with sharing my son's story but now may carve out some time do so.
Thanks!