Have you ever felt like summer is a separate life-season in of itself? For me, each summer seems to bring with its warmth and multitude of memories a fresh, clean page to be written on.
This particular summer, life at home has changed a lot. My family has experienced loss and a degree of suffering as my dad has been out of work for about eight months. This kind of experience leaves its mark on every member of the family in a different way. Yet reader, the Lord has provided and taken care of us without fail. For instance…
He’s given my dad strength to diligently apply for hundreds of jobs, and the courage to wake up each day and stay strong for his family, loving us despite his struggles. God has poured out His grace on my dad’s marriage to my mom, as they still love one another even though pressure and stress has been added to their relationship. On top of all of these blessings, He has allowed my dad to maintain his priceless sense of humor, which can make the whole family laugh even on the worst of days.
He provided a teaching job for my mom so that the bills could be paid. Not only that, but He has supplied her with the strength and dignity to support her family through trial, and still bless people with her joy. I do not write these things to portray “perfect parents” or a “perfect family,” as we are VERY FAR from it, but I do believe that their attitudes through this trial are a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
He’s provided food everyday for my family when they quite literally did not have the money to go grocery shopping. One time, my family was out of cereal (a staple in the Hills home). Both of my parents separately asked the Lord for cereal, and the next day a friend brought over a box full of food. As my parents looked inside the box, what did they see but a plethora of cereal! Reader, this is just a small example of the Lord’s ability to provide for our needs!
In fact, when I thought I would have to pack up and leave Moody because I didn’t have the funds to stay, He provided multiple jobs for me to work, making it possible for me to finish the semester. He even provided last-minute provision when I came up short for my school bill not once, but twice. On top of all of those blessings, a few weeks ago He gave me a full-time nannying position this summer, where I get paid to have adventures with kids everyday!
Dear reader, these are only a few examples of God’s faithfulness – you would not believe how He has provided even this past week! In fact, in the two weeks that I have been home, the Lord’s provision has been nothing short of miraculous. Oh, and how many times I have doubted, feared, fretted, and been burdened with worry. Yet despite my lack of faith and the darkness of my doubt, the Lord never ceased in His gentle care.
Throughout this season, I have learned a few things about the Lord:
The God I serve is the God who owns the cattle on 1,000 hills.
My King is faithful, and even cares about your need for little things, such as cereal.
I am under the care of the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep, and He never forgets any of His sheep. Ever.
Jehovah Jireh (God-Provides) is the God of miracles, and too often I forget what He is capable of.
Lasty, my Savior deserves to be bragged about because He is ceaseless in His protection, love, and constant care. All praise and glory be to His name alone!
With that said, I think I found a word that encompasses this life season: surprise.
“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” -Matthew 6:30-33
The Road Less Traveled 