Snow had hit our area, and our family had been homebound for a few days. Temperatures were finally above freezing, but another snowstorm was coming. I along with the rest of our town, headed to the grocery store to stock up for the next few days.
It was 2:00 by the time I arrived back home with more firewood and groceries to get us through the next few days. No one had eaten lunch and we were starving.
Just a few minutes from our house is a fantastic Mexican restaurant we all love, and since it was my husband’s birthday, I asked him “Do you want to go out to eat for your birthday?” My husband questioned if we should go since it would be a lot of money for all 8 of us to eat there. However, we all needed to get out of the house, and he deserved a great birthday meal.
It turns out God was wanting to teach me a valuable lesson
The restaurant was almost completely empty. Since we needed a table for eight the waitress set us on the far side where only two other tables were occupied. When we were finished eating, the waitress handed us the tray where the ticket would normally be placed. However, there were only mints and no ticket! She smiled and said, “Someone else has already paid for your meal!” I was in shock! Who I thought to myself because there was no one left in the restaurant. The only tables I had seen with people were a table full of construction workers on break and another table of two people who never even made eye contact with me!
I walked out humbled. Surprised. Dumbfounded.
This is not the first time our family has had this happen to us. Each time it has happened, God has used it to encourage me that we are on the right path and that He is in control.
I thought about this for the several days. We were eating at 2:30 in the afternoon, which is not during the typical mealtime. The restaurant contained only a handful of customers, and yet God used someone who was there to speak to my heart!
What did I learn?
I learned that God is a God of unlimited supply. I also learned God doesn’t need a room full of people. He only needs one.
Isn’t that how we see Him operate in the Bible? He takes what seems little and provides much. He uses unusual ways to bring about healing. He brings just the right person at the exact right time to carry out His will. He exalts the lowly to places of prominence, and He hears the prayers of a little child.
Often when we are in a situation of need, it seems huge to us! We think God needs to orchestrate a big elaborate plan to bring about our deliverance. My college friend Tracy Jones spoke about this very thought in a recent podcast where she said, “We often focus on the how and forget the Who!” This statement has stuck with me the past few weeks because I have found this to be true in my own life.
In fact, the very morning that our meal was paid for, I had been grocery shopping. Armed with coupons and aware of the deals, I still felt defeated. I thought to myself, “Lord I want to be a good steward of the resources you have given us, but I don’t have time to run to three different stores seeking the best deals.” Coupons aren’t bad. In fact, I love getting something for free or low cost, however, coupons aren’t my provider. If we aren’t careful, we can try so hard on our own ability to bring about something that we completely leave out God.
Yet one of the names of God is Jehovah Jireh.- our provider
Perhaps you are focusing on the how and have forgotten the Who. Turn your focus back to the One who can meet your need instead of how it will be met!
Who knew I would be so encouraged by going out to eat?
If you want more encouragement on this subject, I highly recommend Tracy’s podcast! You can listen here!
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