God loves to show off

I recently fell on hard times.....a few weeks ago I came down with the flu and missed 4 days of work.   Being a single mom, I knew those 4 days were gonna hurt me, and was not sure where the funds were going to come from to get me through, but I prayed about it.  The very next week, I missed 4 more days of work because my son was in the hospital due to a possible asthma attack....they never said for sure.  Again, I knew it was going to hurt financially....again I asked God to provide for me and my kids. 

Well, the time I lost has taken it's toll, and I have had to ask and seek help to get me through.  I went to my pastor to get some help because my propane had started to run out.  He was not the most gracious person about it and gave me a lecture, telling me that the church is the last place I should run to in times of need.  I was hurt by this.  I called a friend to talk to her about the situation, letting her know that I was not sure if I was going to return to that church or not.  She was as appalled as I was, but told me that I need to strive to forgive the pastor as 1) he is just a man and 2) He can not understand my struggle as he has never walked even an inch in my shoes.  She also told me her and her husband would be praying about the situation.  My pastor did tell me that they could help out with food to help get me through.  After what he said to me, I didn't even want that.

I decided to check out a couple of food banks to at least get some food items so that I would not have to worry about food for the time being.  At one of the food banks, I got a small grocery cart with a few items in it.  As I was loading the items in my van, I looked down and notice a pretty large triple chocolate bundt cake.....I laughed.  I love chocolate, and this item is a luxery item...I thought to myself "Wow, God knows us too well.....I love chocolate and he knows this is something I would never buy for myself."  I thanked God for it, put it in my van, and went home.  My boys were also thrilled at the items I brought home, especially the bundt cake.

Friday nights I usually buy pizza for my boys and we have pizza and movie night.  This week I broke their hearts when I told them I did not have the money for pizza and we would have to have something else.  I was also worried because my gas in my van was running low, and did not know if it would be enough to get me to Monday, when I get paid.  I sat there wishing to be married again so I could at least have someone to help me out.

I got a knock at the door, and low and behold, there stood the pastor.  He told me he had some items in his car and wondered if we could help him unload them.  I explained that my son's counselor was there.  He told me that he would get the items and bring them in.  Him and his wife brought in several items and sat them on the counter.  I did appreciate the items and thanked him for them.

When the counselor left, I went to sort through the items, and one of the first things I say was 2 frozen pizzas.  I took them out of the bag and showed them to my boys.....my boys squealed in delight.  I then looked on the counter and there laid a $20 bill...I knew this would be put in my gas tank. 

As my boys and I put up the items, I asked them, "Who provided this stuff for us?"  Their first response was, "The pastor."  I told them, "No, it was someone bigger than that."  My oldest immediately popped up with "God!"  I told him he was correct.  I try to help them always see the hand of God in our lives, and was proud when he recognized it.  As I continued to put up the groceries, I made the comment, "My cupboards are overflowing."  My oldest again popped up and said, "kinda like God's love for us."  I smiled and told him, "You are correct."

After the groceries were put away, I took the time to email the pastor and thank him for the food....and explained what the pizza alone had meant to us.  There is still a little hurt there from what the pastor said, but I also know God is working on it for me.  I also know, this was God's way of showing us, he not only knows our needs, he knows our wants and will provide for them.  I know I will get through this difficult time, and it is only with God's help that I will.