“They were given help…for they cried to God in the battle; and He granted their entreaty because they relied on, clung to, and trusted in Him.” 1 Chronicles 6:20
Yesterday we dug out our memorabilia tubs. We have quite a few rubbermaid containers full of memories: old journals, scrapbooks, artwork, baby clothes, dance outfits, love letters, and photos…so many photos! Each item is a window into our past, each treasure a memory. I’m thankful.
As Richard flipped through his old journals, it didn’t take him long to find a repetitive prayer penned ~ Lord, help us.
Richard and I will celebrate 34 years this summer. 34 years! 😊 As a seventeen year old, pregnant and scared to death, I was desperate for God’s help. Richard and I both had a deep conviction we needed Him in our lives, or we wouldn’t make it. So that prayer for help became our appeal.
Many of those entreaties have been about finances. Over the 34 years together, Richard and I haven’t had a lot of money. Bank accounts have been roller coasters with winding curves, exciting high points, and scary low dips. Savings accounts have been minimal; there are no real assets to bank on and no insurance plans or retirement funds to look forward to; however, we have had God all these years, and these tubs of memories testify to His faithful care in our lives.
As Richard read a few journal entries yesterday, he recognized the familiar plea of asking God to help us pay the bills, and a realization struck us as we reflected: God did hear our prayers, for those bills WERE paid and the needs met or we wouldn’t be here today! 😁
Such an encouraging thought. Sometimes when we are in the moment, all we see is the need, and the weight of that can be heavy. But when we stop and look back, the reflection causes us to look up and PRAISE THE LORD!! He who promised has been so faithful in our lives.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23)
We have prayed a lot about our finances over the years, but we’ve prayed more for our kids. A lot of our cries to God have been for each of them, and we continue to see his faithfulness in this area too.
Audrey is home for the summer after a fruitful freshman year at Asbury University. God met some deep desires of her heart in friendship this past year. She loves this community a lot and is thankful God made a way for her to attend this university.
God provided Audrey significant financial help this year. She needed $6000+ out of pocket to cover tuition and books, and as we look back all we can do is look up and say THANK YOU, JESUS! That bill was paid each semester on time for her to register for the next semester’s classes. Some of you reading this were part of that answer. We are so grateful.
I wish I could say that after 34 years of miracles I never worry anymore about my kids or our finances. Typing that sentence out makes me chuckle because that is so not the case. Just yesterday, I was stressing over the list of needs on the table for the summer. And then there’s this fall when Audrey returns to Asbury. She’s gonna need $6000+ AGAIN for her sophomore year.
I must confess, I do get anxious sometimes. I see the great need before me and worry, but it is in this moment I have a choice to make: I can fearfully look forward or I can look back and be reminded of God’s faithfulness then look up and praise the Lord!
Faith is not stagnant.
I’m reading the Amplified Bible this year. Next to the word “belief” there will usually be added in parenthesis the words: cleaves to, trusts in, and relies on. I can’t tell you how many times these words are showing up in the narrative.
Just today I read John 7:38: “He who believes in Me (who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me) as the Scriptures has said, from his innermost being shall flow (continuously) springs and rivers of living water.”
It has helped me a lot to be reminded that cleaving, trusting, and relying is what belief is! Jesus never said life would be easy when we believe, but He did promise to be with us! He is able, more than able, to take care of us. Maybe every time I say I’m believing, I actually need to verbalize I’m believing~cleaving to, trusting in, relying on~YOU God! Those words are empowering!
My tubs testify to the fact that God can be trusted; they’re a lifetime of stories giving witness to the faithful love and care of the Lord!
Many more prayers of Lord, help us will be prayed in the days, weeks, and years to come. Many more pages of journals will be filled with this plea, and I am believing (cleaving to, trusting in, relying on) God to take care of us. Maybe ten years from now, I’ll write another blog giving witness to that in a new way. 😉
Here’s a treasure found in one of the tubs!!! On August 9th of this year, we picked up Audrey! It was fun to see that entry on the calendar! ❤️
Richard and Amy Fish 