Welcoming God’s Provision

This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Jay, our ten-year-old son, was memorizing Philippians 4:19 for Awana and had written it on yellow paper. That verse was on the kitchen counter when I came home from the hospital to tell him and his eight-year-old sister, Holly, their dad had died. I studied the verse for a long moment, breathing a prayer for strength, and then called the children in from the other room, where they had been watching TV with their aunt. Our new, sad life had just begun.

Many times in the days ahead I quoted Philippians 4:19 aloud as a prayer and usually added a silent Even this need, Lord? as I faced a new challenge. But whenever I took the time to ask the Lord for his help, he gave it, whether I was balancing the checkbook, making decisions about my children’s school, or pondering a cross-country move. Day by day I was learning more about his presence and more about the strength he had placed within me.

I also was learning the truth of what my husband, Don, had said the morning before he died: “Just remember, San, the Lord never promised us an easy road. But he did promise to always be with us on that road.” Truly, inviting the Lord into my grief made all the difference in the journey. —SANDRA

Lord, this business of grieving is hard work. Help me to lean on you and to draw strength from your abiding presence. Help me not to question why awful things happen but to be grateful that you not only understand my tears but also sometimes cry with me.

There is only one being who can satisfy the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

—OSWALD CHAMBERS (1874–1917), SCOTTISH BIBLE TEACHER, YMCA CHAPLAIN IN EGYPT

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