Through those trying times, I can't remember an hour without me talking silently to God about my son's pain, asking Him to comfort him, heal him, and guide the doctors fixing his broken arm. And I praise Him that He has indeed been with us all throughout.
The day came when his doctors ordered for discharge. We did not have money; how can we go home? But I did not worry a bit about that. I was already full of anguish with my son's situation that the lack of our finances seemed so minute. I'd been to the extreme of emotional distress that the fact that we did not have money to pay the hospital did not scare me anymore. I was calm while asking friends to lend us money and by God's grace, we were able to come up with the needed amount for the hospital bill. His orthopedic surgeon also agreed to get only half of his fee and the other half be given during my son's followup checkup.
We were able to go home.
Fast forward after 1 week. My husband's and my salary came, but off they went to pay our debts and bills. Worry set in me this time, but God is good for leading me still to his truth. One Saturday morning, I was picking a channel for my sons to watch, when I chanced upon TV 5's Word of God Network program.
The sermon was about giving. It humbled and challenged me at the same time.
Reflecting on our own situation, I gained these perspectives.
ON WORRYING
Here's a mama who worried a lot. I worried a lot, but Jesus said in Matthew 6:27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" If we read the succeeding verses, Jesus further elaborated how God clothes the grass that so easily withers, so how much more is His love for us, who are more precious than the grass! We just need to stop playing small and increase our faith in Him.
Also resurrected in my heart is my favorite verse back in my teenage years. It said "And my God will meet your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
He already sent us friends to lend us money and some even just gave money without expecting anything in return. We are receivers of His provision. Knowing this, we become givers in return.
ON GENEROSITY
In 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7, it said: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
I knew I was a reluctant giver. I would give, yet my heart was not happy. My heart was complaining and tired, and God disliked it. I pondered about it and thought that perhaps God just allowed all these things to happen to us so I would somehow realize that I should share our blessings with a glad heart, not the opposite. This way, blessings from above come to us. Indeed, the more you give, the more you receive is a Biblical truth.
ON TITHING
You know, when I was counting the cash from my salary and started budgeting, I was very tempted not to separate my tithes and pledges... because, well, we're really short of cash.
But no, not good. According to Malachi 3:9-11, "You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."
Proverbs 3: 9-10 also says, "Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine."
Isn't it wonderfully awesome to have a God like this? These words just erase every bit of worry in me and clearly instructs us what to do regarding our finances.
When it's hard to give, read His promises.
Aww, so sorry to hear about your child, but glad that he's okay now. God really provides. <3 When I cam across this saying: Worrying is an insult to God, I was not anxious all the time anymore, knowing that God is always in control. We have a big God, One who is bigger than our problems.
ReplyDeleteLove this -> We have a big God, One who is bigger than our problems.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
I've been through many ups and downs. There were times that we also needed cash when budget is very low, but God is always faithful. He provides what we need. Giving matters. Glad to know that your son is ok and bills are getting paid.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your son recovered from his injury. God is really good. Great reflection.
ReplyDelete