Faithing It

Usually, when you tell another believer that God is leading you to do something that requires a leap of faith they will say, "Do not worry, just trust Him, He will take care of you." And your immediate answer is, "That is easier said, than done." The thing is, both statements are right. The first statement requires you to believe in God's strength and His ability to care for His children. In order to get beyond the second (which is the hard part), you must believe that despite your own weakness and complete inability to do anything...His strength and ability will prevail. Getting beyond the second is a test as to whether or not you truly believe the first. Our earthly, fleshly fears play a big role in this internal struggle. One of the ways we are able to finally overcome our fears and trust in Him is through the encouragement we receive from stories of faithful steps being blessed by God.

For instance, when I need encouragement regarding God's provision and comfort I need look no further than Nathan and Diana Lee's life. God continually guides, provides, and comforts the Lees through situations in life that are very very difficult, to put it lightly. He is always with them. He is always providing wisdom, comfort, courage, grace, love, and provision in ways that are far beyond my own imagination as well as theirs.

So, I want to tell you how faithful God has been in our lives lately so that you may be encouraged in your own walks down the narrow path which at many times require leaps of faith despite your fears. I asked for specific prayer a few posts ago regarding our leap of faith further into the ministry.

1. Healthcare for Caleb (Jade and I are now enrolled in FREE VA medical care for ANYTHING needed aside from dental and vision for the next two years, Caleb is not covered)
Answer: Caleb was accepted for TENN CARE which is a state funded health insurance. It is absolutely free...no co-pays, no monthly premiums, AND he gets to keep his doctor whom we like very much. Dental and Vision are covered. God is Awesome! Now we are all covered with FREE health insurance.

2. Provision - please pray that God opens up His storehouse and provides the financial resources we need as we focus on His ministry. God has provided around $4700 in the last month from an unexpectedly large tax refund (in fact, I was expecting to owe a little) as well as many very old savings bonds which my mom happened upon while going through some old paperwork. His ways are mysterious and often unexpected, but He is true to His promises to care for us.

Please continue to pray for ongoing provision as well as...
3. Wisdom, Faith, Boldness, Compassion, Perseverance, and Grace.
4. Protection - Satan is not liking this decision we are making, pray that God delivers us from evil and leads us away from temptation.
5. Lots on Lake Cumberland will be sold (been on the market for 12 months, our financial needs will greatly decrease once they sell), we lowered the price in hopes of enticing someone.

Today, I was able to talk and pray with a grandmother who has taken in her two grandchildren because her daughter is addicted to drugs and is currently undergoing rehab (that is the short version of her story). She came to church today to ask for assistance in the way of food, furniture, toiletries, bedding, etc. I pray she received more than that during her visit. She is why I want to spend my days working at the church. She is the reason that God has called me to do this. I am not saved, blessed, or graced for myself, but for those around me whom God intends to save, bless, and grace through me just as He saved and continues to bless and grace me through others. We are all part of the cycle of giving and receiving Compassion. We are all called to a lifestyle of love for God which is fleshed out in our love for our neighbors.

God Bless You All!