Do you ever find yourself in a season where you question whether God will provide? If so you are not alone. Today I am excited to introduce you to my friend Abby McDonald. Through her story, she sweetly reminds us even in the midst of our unexpected circumstances we must go back to what we know not what we feel. Of course, I loved the story because it shows how creative our God is by using a dog to point her in the right direction.
Abby Mcdonald has a beautiful way of leading others to “Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life.” She can be found blogging at abbymcdonald.org
Are You in a Season Worried about God Providing?
Guest post by Abby McDonald
As soon as I pulled up in front of the rental house, my heart sank.
The paint on the exterior was peeling and chipping. A sagging porch with loose boards extended across the front, and the yard was overgrown with weeds.
This would be our home for God only knew how long. Due to a mix-up with the apartment complex where we were staying on a temporary basis, we needed to find a new place. Fast. Our old house sat on the other side of the country, waiting for the right buyer.
I walked in the front door and was immediately greeted by dusty floors and a musty smell. I wondered how long it had been since someone had loved this place.
When I added this discovery to the ever-increasing list of things causing stress with a new move, it was easy to question our decision. My gut response was to ask where God was in the midst of the chaos and the bills piling up.
My second response was to control the situation. Or at least try to. I attempted to speed things along and create order amid turmoil. Call the realtor. Send emails. Follow-up again.
A week later, I stood at the kitchen counter, drinking my coffee before making my morning commute. Through the window, I observed our dogs exploring. Our lab mix was eating something random in the yard and appeared to be enjoying it.
After watching a moment longer, I realized it was squash from a previous renter’s garden. And at this simple realization, my face broke out into a huge grin.
No one had tended to this garden in months. It was dependent on whatever the earth gave. And yet, it was thriving. It was producing a harvest in the middle of the overgrowth, the weeds, and neglect.
If God took care of this garden that had no one looking after it, wouldn’t he take care of us?
After all, If he was providing its needs and tending it, how much more would meet us where we were?
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30 NIV
I was familiar with this scripture. Having grown up in the church and attending a Christian school, I was no stranger to the word. But knowing it means living it. Being told of his comfort and his love doesn’t compare to experiencing it.
Sometimes it takes need of a Comforter to remember his presence is always there.
And often, it takes lack of physical comfort to make us remember the source of all comfort.
One night when we were still waiting for our furniture to arrive, I laid on the air mattress with my husband and watched a favorite romantic comedy. It was our one-year anniversary. Somehow our year-old frozen cake had made it to the rental house, and we sat there, marveling that it still tasted good.
I realized right then and there that we had everything we needed. We had a roof over our heads. We had food, clothing, and warmth. And the things I desperately wanted, like a place to lay our roots? Well, those would come with time.
Like the vegetables in the garden, our own roots grew deep. Not the physical ones but the spiritual ones that went beyond location and conditions.
Even when everything around us was unfamiliar and unsure, they dug into the rich soil. They dug into the truth we knew. We had each other. We had the love of an unchanging God. And while our circumstances shifted, his character never would.
Please meet my friend –
Abby McDonald is the mom of three, a wife and writer whose hope is to show readers their identity is found in Christ alone, not the noise of the world. When she’s not wrangling her three kids, you can find her drinking copious amounts of coffee while writing about her adventures.
Connect with Abby: Website, Facebook, Twitter
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Are you in the middle of a season wondering if God will provide? If so, would you like a little extra prayer? Maree Dee would love to pray for you this week. Just leave a message in the comments or send an email to maree.dee@embracingtheuenxpected.com.
We have been here many times and God is showing us once again, He goes before us. He wows me. I am in awe of him. Love this, Abby. God is so creative about showing his love!!
Meg – I am right there with you in awe of our God. Hope you have a fantastic day! Maree
I’ve lived through so many seasons of lack and it’s when I feel as if we will crumble under the weight of it that God always comes through and shows Himself strong. And I am stronger because of the struggle.
Barbie, I am so glad you have been able to see God always comes through. He is pretty amazing, isn’t he? Thank you for stopping by. Maree
I love this story, Abby, So poignant. Yes, God does continue to grow us as we put our roots deep in him.
Amy, I am so glad you stopped by to read Abby’s wise words. Hope your week has started out well. Blessings, Maree
What a sweet story, Abby, especially as I’m packing up an air mattress for a move! Thank you for sharing this faith-builder about our wonderful provider!
Wishing you a smooth move knowing God is right there with you. Maree
Oh Bethany, I am praying for you now, friend! May he surround you with his peace and comfort during this transition. Thank you for stopping by.
Hi Abby! I always enjoy your writing and this story is filled with powerful reminders. Thank you for sharing this encouragement!
Joy, Thank you for stopping by and reading Abby’s post. I agree it was filled with powerful reminders. Maree
Thank you for your encouragement, Joy. I am humbled to hear that and I always pray whatever words he gives will encourage those who read. God bless and happy New Year!
What a cool story, Abby! Thank you for the powerful reminder that with God, we have everything we really need.
Anita – Isn’t it wonderful when we remember God is all we need. Thank you for stopping by. Maree
Great story! I love hearing about God’s provision. I am actually right in the middle of relying on God to provide for a project that he asked me to take on. It has blown up and gotten large, fast! But God has step by step sent what I needed. 🙂
Loretta, I am so glad you are relying on God one step at a time. Funny how those project can blow up before our eyes. Praying it all goes well. Maree
I love this great reminder that God is always in our midst. It’s so easy to initially forget this. I know I always do. He has a great way of bringing us back to His reality…and He always does. We just need to be attentive. Thank you for sharing.
Lynne,
Thank you for stopping by your words spoke volumes to me this morning. God is in our midst, and I plan to put that thought first in my mind as I go about my day. Hope you have a beautiful day. Happy New Year! Maree
Loved this testimonial, Abby. I sure know the feeling of being displaced…and then realizing we’re right where God wants us regardless of our feelings. Such a good post, friend. Thanks for sharing, and thank you Maree, for sharing it with us today. Happy New Year, ya’ll. xoxo
Thank you, Brenda. Sometimes it takes time and perspective to see how present he really was. Happy New Year to you too, friend!
Brenda,
Happy New Year to you too! Thank you for stopping by. Maree
I love to watch sparrows, I saw some yesterday. They always remind me of provision.
Nature is filled with reminders of his grace, isn’t it? I love it. Thanks for visiting today, Becky.
Well, I am going to be on the lookout for a sparrow. What a blessing you saw one. Thank you for stopping by. Maree
Please pray for my family. We desperately need God’s presence and grace. We need to help each other and have compassion. We need His healing before we hurt each other deeply.
Sandra, I am praying for you now. I know what it feels like to have deep family hurts and my heart goes out to you. May He show you He is there I a tangible way.
Praying now, Sandra. ((Hug))
Sandra,
I am lifting you up right now in prayer. Praying for healing, compassion, and that you feel God’s presence and grace. Please do not hesitate to send me an email if I can be of further help.
Blessings,
Maree