I believe God wants me to become a receiver and responder to His abundant provision in my life.

My husband and I have been experiencing financial lack recently and for the first time in many years I have been worrying about how we are going to make ends meet. When doing our budget it became apparent that there was a substantial shortfall between our income and expenses and that we had already pulled our belts in as tight as we could go. When I discussed this with my husband he felt discouraged because he felt his pay was too low, but at the same time we both agree that God has assigned him to his current workplace at this time because he is moving in the hearts of some of his co-workers and God’s favour and grace remains upon him. Therefore this leaves us in a position of needing to trust God to meet the shortfall and meet every other need that arises. Could it be that the Lord is stretching our faith?

Meanwhile, after spending the last three years studying for a Bachelor of Theology fulltime, and now having completed my coursework, I seem to have hit the wall emotionally. I have been looking at job advertisements but nothing suits, and have been offered the potential opportunity in the future to work as a jobsearch trainer, but not sure if this is right. During this time I am dreaming about writing, speaking and teaching, enjoying sewing, cooking, gardening and wood working projects and being a blessing and encouragement to others.  What is God trying to teach me? Can I trust God and follow Him in the pursuits He has laid on my heart and trust Him to increase and prosper me financially through it?

An idea came to me this morning after the Lord convicted me on not tithing on some sales of household goods I have made recently. I immediately transfered the money to my church account and thanked God. Suddenly, the thought came to me that the Lord wanted to me to trust in Him as my provider as never before and he wants to deliver us from a scarcity mindset. After all, God has promised to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory. I believe that as we follow where God is leading us we will be led out of debt and into an abundant and delightful land. Thankyou Lord!

My greatest need was salvation and having provided that for me God will give me everything else I need beside.

Do I really trust Him fully? Or do I trust in the meager nest egg we have saved up, which has been slowly dwindling? Forgive me, Lord.

The Lord challenged me that I need to be a good receiver and that will also make me a better giver. God is pouring out His abundant provision upon us all each day but am I recognising and thanking Him for it at every opportunity. Gratitude produces joy and a sense of abundance.

One thing I need to recognise is that when God’s provision comes into my life, it is always in abundance of what I personally need. The overflow is so that I can be generous and share with others. What I have in abundance I can share with others who lack and vice versa. I do not need to hoard resources. I need to trust God and not stop the flow.

This does not mean that we should not have some savings or insurance against hard times, but simply means that I should be more open-handed and ready to share as God leads me, not fearing for my own future needs.

What do I have in my house that could be used to greatly bless others? What is currently flowing abundantly through my hands? Where am I stopping the flow?

God has promised that provision lays along the path as we walk in His will. Where God guides, He provides. He has put seed in my hands that I should be sowing. Do not be afraid to give in times when your circumstances say there isn’t enough. Walk by faith and not by sight.

Ask God for what you want and need. He will give you the desires of your heart when your ways please Him. He delights in your prosperity and success. It is okay for you to have abundance. But always hold it with an open hand.