Financial Pressure and God’s Provision
…where is the lamb for a burnt offering…God will provide himself a lamb…And Abraham lifted his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day… Genesis 22:7-14
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression… Proverbs 19:11
The family business was at an all time low financially and we needed family health insurance, which Mark could not provide and I could not get unless I worked full time. I was being strongly pressured to work full time by the Director of the Department. The two hour commute and one specific colleague made my work situation extremely unpleasant. I did my best to pacify her and not escalate the problem. In my flesh I desired to strike out, but prayer negated that reaction.
My confidence was also at an all time low with the tense work environment. We all had to adjust to new computer software that summer to be more efficient in our work production. Much to my surprise the training was easy and it really did increase our productivity. However, I did begin to look for a new work environment.
As a result of the provision and favor of the Lord I secured a full time position as Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) Specialist for the Mid South Foundation for Medical Care (MSFMC), the Professional Review Organization of Tennessee. It was twenty minutes from my home, a pay raise, and the most excellent health insurance we ever had as a family. We could afford excellent child care for both the boys at Main Day Camp during the summer, which they both absolutely loved. The job was very challenging but my supervisor was a kind, compassionate, encouraging Pastor’s wife. Mark and I attended a couple’s weekend sponsored by her church. Only God himself could have secured this kind of provision!
Prayer: You are Jehovah-jireh, God our provider!
Thought: When we have a very immediate and specific need and refuse to succumb to the impulse of flesh to strike out against an adversary can God be trusted to provide? Give God the opportunity, He never fails, but provides in a way we never thought or imagined!
