Recently Holly shared with me Proverbs 27:27, a remarkable verse, especially for the context of our family right now. The writer (probably Solomon) shares wisdom that in life, many things pass away and cannot be relied upon (riches, crowns), yet there will be provision for what is needed in life (presumably by God). He writes, “There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.” Obviously, the last phrase jumped out to us, since our “girls” (Holly and Alyssa) are requiring much “maintenance” these days (although they are not able to drink goats’ milk). We are encouraged that God will supply what is needed.

Although finances are a touchy subject and frequent source of misunderstanding, I wanted to share just a bit of the journey we are on and how trusting in God’s provision is encouraging us. In America, a common cultural expectation is that we should be able to provide for ourselves, to work hard at our jobs, and take care of the family’s needs. If I’m not providing for my family, I’m doing something wrong. There seems to be some biblical support for this (e.g. 1 Tim. 5:8) and I agree with this and have lived according to this. In our situation, the “maintenance of our girls” has increased significantly over the last seven years of dealing with sickness following our time in Africa. Especially recently, with most of the health interventions requiring out of pocket expenditures for specialized foods and treatments not covered by insurance, finances have been stretched thin. In addition, with my mission work, I cannot “pick up extra shifts” or do anything to increase our salary. With two boys in college and those related costs, and keeping up with expenses for life (albeit we live quite frugally), we are acutely hearing the call to trust God’s provision.

To be honest, I’m not sure how all this is going to work out, but I trust the One who does know how it will work out. As the sole provider in the family, I want to be a good steward of God’s resources and fulfill my role by responsibly caring for my family. Yet in this role I must recognize that work as I might, God is the ultimate provider, and my eyes must be fixed upon Him and not on myself and our issues. I must work diligently to the best of my ability to care for my family, all the time recognizing God’s sovereign control. Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew 6, that God knows what we need, and so we must not slip into anxious worrying about the necessities of life. I’m being stretched in these ways, yet am trying to receive what God’s Word teaches, obey God’s call in my life, and praise Him for His faithfulness as we continue on this journey with Him.