Father, you are greater than anyone or anything in all the universe. For you created all that is, all that was, and all that is to come. There is no one like you. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You are my provider. All that I have is from your hand. I thank you for providing, again, in a way I could not imagine. In fact, I thought it was out of the realm of possibility. It did not even occur to me that you would provide in this way. Thank you! Throughout my life, through all its ups and downs, you have always made a way for us (Paula and me). Many years ago, after I was shot by an evil man who was trying to take my life, being unable to work for a while, and with medical bills mounting, you provided exactly what we needed. And at just the right time – no sooner nor later than our need. That is so like you, rarely early and never late. And you used people around us to help us, a community of people. Sometimes the help was even anonymous! But you did it. And we were so very grateful! This time of need for work, I confess I was worried. I did not need to be, but I was. Thank you for Paula! She encouraged me, gently reminding me of the times you have provided in the past. And now, once again, you have provided me with work for the foreseeable future. Thank you! I don’t know why I continue to be afraid when you have been so faithful to meet our needs all throughout our lives together (and individually before we were married!). I guess fear is a natural human thing when the unknown looms large before us. Yet you tell us to not be afraid. Jesus said that you provide for the wildflowers of the field, the birds that fly in the sky, and all your creation. He tells us that we are worth much more than these to you, so we can be confident that you will provide what we need. He tells us not to worry. I confess I did worry. There were times when I was confident that you would provide, but there were also many times, more than I can count, when doubt crept in, and I was afraid. Forgive me for my periods of unbelief. Help me to remain confident in you always. You strengthened my faith in you once again by your generous provision. I realize now that all I have is from your hand. Yes, I have skills that I have learned and developed that enable me to do good work, but the provision of the work to do comes not from me, but from you. In fact, the skills and experience I have been directly from your hand. Years ago, when I began to do this kind of work, I saw your hand at work in providing me with the opportunity to learn these skills. Many others wanted to be given the training, but you gave it to me. I am so grateful. And then you provided a job and a mentor to learn how to hone these skills. It is rare to have the skills you have given me and the experience you have provided. There are not many in this world who have these skills and experience. Yet, with all the skills and experience, the work is what you give me to do. It is from your hand. In fact, all that we have is from your hand. The food we eat, the clothes we wear, the friends we have – all are from your hand. We could not manufacture these things on our own. Oh, it is tempting to think that we are self-sufficient, but what a lie that is. Thank you for keeping me humble, for helping me see that you are my provider. I am forever grateful. Amen
