Over the past year and a half God has called my husband and I into a season of sacrifice and risky obedience.
First, he called Tim to trade a job with monetary value but no spiritual value for one with less monetary value but endless spiritual potential.
At the very same time our financial situation got tighter he began calling me to release my grip of fear in His ability to provide for us and to give financially in a way that was painful on our budget. Even though I knew all we have belonged to Him I still alternated between a state of either fear or complete trust.
At that very same time our housing situation was bleak. Our home was falling apart. We had multiple structural problems including mold in the walls of our trailer. We were bursting at the seams of this tiny home that was disintegrating rapidly and I spent many hours in prayer, crying out to God, "Lord, I know this is not your will for us. You have called us to more. I am at the end of myself and powerless to change this situation. You have to do it for me." And then, as I finally opened my hands in surrender, he came to our rescue.
Over the next couple of months we saw the promise of Malachi 3:10 come to fruition in our lives ;
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
Gifts began showing up in Tim's mailbox exactly when we needed it. We were blessed at Christmas and were provided a much needed vehicle for Tim to drive back and forth to Osage each weekend. And just two weeks ago God took us out of the trailer and into in a beautiful farm house with space for my kids to run and play. We wake each morning to an amazing sunrise out our back door and cows in the field out our front door. I stand in awe of His blessings and provision.
I'm not sharing this story out of any pride or desire to have any credit. I am telling this story so that you may see the blessing and favor of our Father in heaven. He wants to love on you in extravagant ways if you surrender to Him.
What would he have you open your hands to today?
Is it your finances? Is he calling you to give in a way that hurts?
Your service? Is he calling you to serve in areas that you never felt bold enough to step into before?
Is it your pride? Is he calling you to honor your husband when to you, he doesn't seem worthy of that honor?
Maybe it's the time line of your life.. you had hoped to be married, or have children, or that job you wanted so badly a long time ago and still you wait.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
His Word is true. When we get out of the way and stop trying to make everything work in our own power He is free to rain down blessings. I can't wait to hear how he has blessed you.
Blessings friends,
Mandy Sherwood
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