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GailFriends - Meditation during Sukkot – God Protects and Provides
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GailFriends - Meditation during Sukkot – God Protects and Provides
By Gail Golden
Publicist and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
The current economic crisis has plunged many people into despair. I can relate to their anxiety, but I can honestly say I am not afraid. Over the years, God has taught me over and over again that He will provide my needs. Years ago, I read the biography of George Mueller and learned that God will always meet the needs of His children. Not only that, but He says all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. So, if that is true, then this financial crisis is a good thing. Right? It is a good thing, because it is an opportunity to learn about God’s faithfulness.
I learned this lesson in a most dramatic lesson way in 1996, when over a period of eight weeks, I lost almost everything. My husband divorced me, I had major surgery and could not work, I was forced to move from a beautiful home to a tiny apartment, and when I returned to my job, I was laid off. Turns out, the woman I’d recommended to do my job in my absence did so well, they decided to keep her instead of me. At that point, I clung to my Father like a drowning woman. God was all I had, and He proved to be more than enough as the weeks went by.
After coming home from the hospital, I lay in bed in horrible pain and said aloud, “My Father works all things out for my good because He has called me according to His purpose.” One thing I knew - that I belonged to Him. I didn’t understand why all this had come my way, but I determined to trust Him.
Forced to let go and let God work out these problems due to my incapacitating pain, I learned a whole new level of dependence on God. He faithfully protected me and provided for my needs. With no family nearby, I was humbled to depend on friends and church members to come alongside in support of my daughter and me. They lovingly provided meals, transportation, prayer, and encouragement. The divorce court ordered a lump-sum payment that paid my bills during the eight weeks of my recovery. Friends helped me pack and move to a new home. When I became able to job hunt, my first interview resulted in a job offer. The new position turned out to be much better than the one I’d lost, and even became a springboard to a new career in sales.
God worked it all out for my good. It was a painful period in my life, and I admit there were times I felt fear, but I clung to His promises. I spoke the Word aloud to myself and I believed He would help me. He was faithful to me. He did help me. The times I was afraid caused me to cling to Him and my faith grew as I saw Him work.
Now, when fearful thoughts attack, I remember that dark time in my life. I remember God’s faithfulness, His protection, and His provision. I remember, and I am not afraid.
Gail is a ministry partner with and Publicist for Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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