His Grace Alone

Today I am reflecting on a potentially difficult situation, and God's grace and provision through it all.

This past Wednesday (12/5), I found out that the mother of the child I take care of during the week had lost her job.  Essentially, this means I lost my job as well, because they cannot pay for childcare and the mother needs to find another job.  This was the majority of my income, which wasn't much to begin with, but it is a huge hit to our finances.   It was something that we were not expecting.

In the mean time, God was orchestrating something truly amazing.  I believe that it was not coincidence, but rather evidence of God's provision and grace in our lives.  Jon was picked to attend a dinner with some members of a United Methodist church in Texas.  These church members regularly give a financial gift to seminary students from their own state, but felt led to match their gift to people also outside of their area as well.  Five families were from Texas, and five families were chosen who are not from Texas.  We were one of those five families who were not from Texas!  Out of the hundreds of families here.  Unbelievable!  For whatever reason, God wanted us to be part of this.  It is absolutely by His grace alone.

Yesterday, 12/7, we attended this dinner.  We were given a financial gift that more than meets our need until February!  (Jon gets his financial aid in February, which will get us through at least May.)  I cannot describe that feeling of just knowing that God is taking care of our family--but I believe it!  In addition, we met a group of such amazing people that I hope I'll get to see again one day.

Things might get tougher before they get easier, but I can look back on this experience as a reminder that there is no need to worry, and that I can trust God to meet all of our needs.