Guest Post: Trusting God for Provision
Guest Post by Kristy Howard from Homemaker's Cottage
I never ceased to be amazed at God's provision of our needs and His impeccable timing in doing so! Any time I am tempted to grow discouraged over a seemingly unanswered prayer or a "forgotten" need, I just remember our Honda minivan...
Several years ago, my husband Jeremy and I began thinking about upgrading our vehicle from a smaller car to a minivan. We only had one child at the time but were hoping for another baby soon; we travel a bit since our family all lives a good distance from us, and we thought a minivan would provide sufficient room and comfort for our growing family.
My husband began minivan-hunting. He was very impressed with the Honda Odyssey minivan, but it was quite a bit out of our price bracket. In fact, to our dismay, we realized that there was no way we could purchase even a nice, less expensive, used minivan without going into debt. Our small savings simply wouldn't cover the expense that purchasing a vehicle would incur.
Although we were living in a church parsonage at the time, had only one child, and were saving a decent amount of money every month, we didn't feel that a monthly payment was something we needed financially. We have always tried to stay completely out of debt (aside from a house payment, as necessary) and the Lord seemed to prompt us to just wait.
A bit reluctantly, we put the idea of a "new" minivan out of our minds. Jeremy continued to keep his eyes and ears open for a good deal, and I decided, for my part, the best thing would be just to be content with the vehicle we had. Although it was an older model, it was clean, very dependable, and paid for! We could easily fit a toddler and a baby in the back seat, I reminded myself.
Although we were living in a church parsonage at the time, had only one child, and were saving a decent amount of money every month, we didn't feel that a monthly payment was something we needed financially. We have always tried to stay completely out of debt (aside from a house payment, as necessary) and the Lord seemed to prompt us to just wait.
A bit reluctantly, we put the idea of a "new" minivan out of our minds. Jeremy continued to keep his eyes and ears open for a good deal, and I decided, for my part, the best thing would be just to be content with the vehicle we had. Although it was an older model, it was clean, very dependable, and paid for! We could easily fit a toddler and a baby in the back seat, I reminded myself.
We agreed that if it was God's will to provide us with a minivan, then He would provide the funds as well. Otherwise, we would just wait and make do with what we already had.
Several months passed. Around the first of October, 2005, we discovered (to our joy) that we were indeed expecting another baby! We were still dancing around the house with silly grins on our face when we received a phone call from some friends. They wanted to know if they could drop by for a visit; we said yes, of course, and they stopped by our house later that day.
Their entire family congregated in our living room and we chatted a while. Jeremy and I noticed they seemed strangely distracted by something; finally, Mrs. B told Jeremy and I to go look out the living room window... and then threw us a set of keys.
Their entire family congregated in our living room and we chatted a while. Jeremy and I noticed they seemed strangely distracted by something; finally, Mrs. B told Jeremy and I to go look out the living room window... and then threw us a set of keys.
Jeremy and I glanced at each other and slowly made our way to the window. Unbelieving, we stared at a brand new Honda Odyssey parked in our front yard. We knew the van did not belong to our friends.
We stared at it a while, then back at Mr. and Mrs. B. "It's yours," they said simply. "The Lord told us to buy it for you, so we did."
We stared at it a while, then back at Mr. and Mrs. B. "It's yours," they said simply. "The Lord told us to buy it for you, so we did."Our friends are not rich; they have a growing family of their own and we knew that "just buying" a vehicle of this price did not fit easily into their budget, either. It took some convincing on their part, but Jeremy and I finally realized that God had provided us with a brand new Honda minivan in a most unexpected way--no strings attached. No payments. Ever.
The thing that still amazes me is that God chose to do all this on the very day we discovered I was pregnant with our second child. It was as if He was saying, "See, I heard your prayers. I know where you're at. I know what I'm doing!"
I wish I could say that I have never been discouraged, never doubted that God hears my prayers, and never wavered in my faith a single time again. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be quite true.
But whenever I feel doubt creeping in and fear stealing my joy, I grab my Bible and read God's promises once again... then I head to the window and take a peak at our Honda minivan.
-Kristy Howard is a 27-year old homeschool graduate, full-time wife to Jeremy and mommy to Amy (4) and Emily (almost 2). The Howards are expecting their third child, a baby boy, around the first of May. Kristy enjoys playing the piano, reading, writing, blogging, scrapbooking, organic cooking and gardening, frugal shopping, clipping coupons, cooking from scratch, learning about herbs, and just about anything else that involves homemaking or being a wife and mommy! Her newest venture is operating a small home business and milking her own fresh goat's milk!
Labels: Faith
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:00 PM
20 Comments:
How interesting to read this guest post, and what timing! We are a family with 6 children--9 1/2 yrs. down to 22 month old twins--as well as number 7 due to arrive within a couple weeks. We had a 7 passenger 1992 minivan that was not beautiful, but was functional. It was a standard transmission, however, and over the last several months the clutch started to slip enough that I could hardly get the van to go over 45 mph, or even get it into fifth gear! The driver's side door also developed a latch problem so it would not stay closed. So, we drove with "bungee" cords holding the door shut, and could only use it for the children and I to ride in to church (about 1 mile down the road). We had to rearrange our schedule, with my husband taking off work early one day a week, so that I was able to go to my midwife appointment and grocery shopping/errands while he stayed home with the 6 children. We were expecting to just have to continue "limping" along like this unless the Lord chose to do something, since we could not afford anything right now. Just last night, a 1995 conversion van in nice shape got dropped off in our driveway!! Now, it is still only a 7 passenger, but at least now myself and all of the children but one will be able to go about doing our grocery shopping/errands again, etc. Whichever child stays home will be with an aunt or grandparents for the duration of that particular grocery/errand trip. We will probably take turns between the 2 eldest. So, we still don't have a vehicle that fits us all, but we DO have a much nicer looking and running vehicle than before, and one that the LORD just "dropped in our laps!" The Lord is so good to bless us and take care of us! I thank Him for all of his rich blessings towards us and our family!
What a beautiful story, and such a wonderful reminder to have faith in the Lord . . . even when we think He's not listening.
needed that today, thanks,
blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
Thanks for sharing that story. I really needed reminding of our Sovereign God's wonderful provision. Thank you!
Jennifer K.
Thank you for sharing this story Kristy! It really hit home for me because soon after I found out I was expecting our third child I knew we would have to upgrade my vehicle (a Honda accord that won't fit 3 carseats) and most likely our apartment too to accomodate all the kids. We didn't know what we were going to do about the minivan issue as we didn't have a lot of money we could spare or a lot of savings and we prefer to pay cash for a used vehicle. So, I began praying about "Project Minivan" with my tiny kids every day and looking for ways to slash the grocery budget and earn a little extra to save for that fund. We were expecting to have about $3,500 saved up by August (thanks to the economic stimulus refund) when the baby comes and his parents agreed to buy us one in the Twin Cities, where there are great deals on vans, and drive it out for us that month.
Who could have known that God had a big surprise in store for us? My husband's missionary sister's van just died and left her stranded a thousand miles from home and so her father purchased a very nice $5,000 van on Craig's List for her to use for the next two months until she leaves for Asia. He said that once she is done with it, he will sell it to us for our original price range of $3,500 if we want it and drive it out to us (we live 18 hours from them)! So, we not only will have a van, but it came sooner than we expected and it will be the nicest, most modern vehicle we have ever owned (only 6 yrs old!). It's amazing how God provides when we give our needs to Him!
Now we are praying for God to open up a bigger rental for us in our price range (in a town where renting is horribly expensive) and to open doors for my husband to get a new job!
That how I feel right now with dh looking for a job. He is self-employed and business isn't doing well. So he needs to find a job. At this moment we a definetly putting our trust in God.
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing!
What a neat time to be reading this blog. I have been going over and over the issue of needing a car/ getting one I wanted, price range and low milage. My van was totaled in Oct. I was hurt and was off work for 2 months. The only thing we had to drive was a 85 Ford ranger truck. There is 3 of us in our family. So we had to leave our dd 13 at home or meet up with my dh after work. He thankfully drive a work truck he can bring home.
So when the weather here started to get better I started to look for another van or car. Nothing I mean nothing spoke to me. Either too expensive, or way too many mile, too banged up, or uses too much gas.
Wed night we were haveing dinner at our favorite restraunt. My dd an I met my dd after work. This is also our night to have dinner with my bil at this place. After dinner I said lets just stop by this place because the salesman keeps calling me about a car they have. So in 2 trucks we go and look. We saw this red Dodge sitting up front but did not give it much thought. We looked at what they had. And the sales man said how about that red Dodge?? We looked, and took it for a ride. Something about it said it should be mine.
The next day I had to see about a loan. It was the only way we could get a car. But I knew it would be ok. We got approved, and went though the hassel of the paper work. Brought home that red car the next day.
Its nice looking, clean and not in bad shape for a 2002. Low miles too.
God for a few months was showing me red cars or vans. Just on the road. I just noticed them more. I told my dh and dd we will end up with a red car or van.
As far as financeing it. Well if I trust what I have been so far in what God is telling me. He will also take car of that. With a settlement from the wreck I had in Oct. I just have to sit and wait until its time for us to recieve it.
I am thrilled over my new ride. But was kind of wondering how can we put so much into what we drive. Well now I feel better because this is something we need to get to where we need to go. God was lisenting and watching.
Enjoy the VAN!!! Congrats on the new family member!!!
Thanks, Kristy for sharing this story of God's awesome provision and care! I loved reading it and was encouraged. God is SO good!
Kristy, thanks for sharing your story. My husband is going back to school in August, and I'm a little anxious about finances and whether or not I'll still be able to stay home with my kids. Reading your story boosts my faith! I love reading your blog regularly...
Phebe
That's a wonderful testimony of God's grace. When we rush into things (like I have so many times), we end up with a great deal of trouble (often in the form of debt). Wait on God.. for all things! Great message!
Thank you for this post. It is just the reminder I need that the Lord does indeed provide for our needs, and in His time, not mine.
Wow, I have just been looking at (and wistfully hoping for) a Honda minivan. What a blessing you were given!!
On the broader topic, I can relate to God's provision right when you need it. We have had thousands of dollars of medical bills the last six month, and we have been able to make the payments every time... sometimes just days before they were due. I find it nerve-wracking to live "on the edge" like this, but God knows just how my faith needs to stretch. Now I'm to the point where I say, "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing how you're going to work this one out, Lord!" because I can't see any way to do it myself!
--SarahMay
Whoa. What an amazing story. And yet, we have an amazing God, so we shouldn't really be surprised, should we? He has provided for our family in amazing ways too.
An amazing story, thank you for sharing!
It's funny how many of our seemlying insurmountable problems have to do with vehicles.
The Lord has been faithful to us 3 times in the past year regarding vehicles.
The first time, we almost spent all our savings on a truck my dh wanted. The Lord closed the door on that though we didn't understand at the time.
A week later we found out that both my car and my dh's car would need to be replaced as they both had major repairs required and my car was unsafe to drive.
The Lord then opened the door for exactly what we needed in both vehicles and we were able to use our savings for not only 1 but 2 vehicles!! My spouse got a car for work and I got a van as our family vehicle. When looking at vans - I had no preference except that it be a 2004 or newer with 100 000km or less and in a certain price range. So many dealers told me I was crazy and wouldn't find that in the price range we were looking for but God provided and it is the nicest, newest vehicle we've had (a 2004 Montana) as is the car (2004 Intrepid) that God provided for my husband with only 22000km on it!! We are set for a good long while with these. And we were able to get both for the same amount we would have spent on the truck.
God provides. We know that. But sometimes it is so easy momentarily to forget!
What a wonderful story!
Thanks for sharing!
:)
http://free2befrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/yard-sale-series-part-2-getting.html
Our Heavenly Abba knows exactly what we need, exactly in His perfect timing! Thank you for sharing this beautiful word of encouragement!
Thank you so much for this post. My husband and I were in a similar situation, but we gave our van to some friends because we felt that the Lord was telling us to.
There have been times when I have struggled because of the strain it put on us to cram our three boys into a smaller car because we could not afford to replace the van, and the fact that I am now home all day without a car. (It has been almost a year!)
It was such a blessing to read what a difference being the recipient of such a gift made for you.
We continue to trust that God will provide something for us in His time. And we are getting along just fine with all that He has provided us.
It is so good to be reminded about trusting in our Lord. We are trying so hard to get out of debt. My husband is working two jobs. He works very hard and does give as much time as he can to the kids but it is wearing on him. He has been at it for about a year and a half. I have not prayed much about it because I just always see it as you reap what you sew. This article reminded me that I should be praying for our situation. I should have trust that He will help us get out of debt. I cried. I prayed. I thank you for the reminder. Praise God!!
Shorty
Thanks Crystal for this great post. Linda
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