For many of us that are followers of Christ we often pray for God to intervene in the big details of our life. We pray for Him to show up like a mighty wind, or an earthquake or a fire. Sometimes we fall victim to turning over the big stuff to Him, but keeping the simple or small stuff to ourselves. This past month, God has drastically reminded me that He is not only willing to provide for the big things, but He wants to get involved in the minutia and details of every aspect of our lives. I've been reminded to listen for the whispers of God. Well, He whispered this morning.
I don't usually share the exact details of some of our financial needs of living and doing ministry in NYC. However, for this story I need to because God is in the details. Over the last couple of months our family has experienced some major unexpected financial costs. We had not anticipated Natalie attending her private Christian school again this year. However, when we learned that the new middle school being built beside our apartment was only offering 6th grade this year, we made the decision to keep her in her current school for one more year. Secondly, a few months ago I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Hemochromatosis, basically an issue with my liver that makes the iron levels in my blood dangerously high. The great news is this disorder is very treatable and has not caused any lasting damage. However, during the diagnosis I had to have a number of major medical procedures completed. All this to say, over the last two months we have had unexpected expenses of $8,641.
Now the amazing part. Over the last two weeks, we have received several unexpected donations to our family and ministry as well. It didn't really hit me what was happening until this morning when I got online and noticed we had received another substantial contribution. I was taking a moment and praying and thanking God for this, when He gently whispered to me, "Add them up." My first thought was, why? And again He whispered, "Add them up." Honestly, my skepticism was telling me, "Patrick, this is all in your head. Of course God is providing, but not that specifically." One more time He whispered, "Add them up." So you know what I did. I went and added them up.
Over the last two weeks we have received 7 unexpected gifts. These gifts have come from friends, family and even a group of children. And when I took the time to add them up, can you guess what the total was? An astounding $8,641. As I write this I'm still in shock and overwhelmed. I don't have the words to communicate my thankfulness to God and to those that were obedient to listen to His whispers in their lives to meet a need in ours. I'm so thankful I serve a God that gets involved in the details of our lives. I can't wait for the next whisper!
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