Being jobless is hard on most people but, I think, especially for a husband and father. A few days ago I started my day doing my best to encourage my man. His faith in God is strong, yet the financial pressures were pressing in. Just as we were ending our prayers, his phone rang. Some new friends called and asked if they could bring dinner over. Phone hug. Later, my mom, who was over for the day, came with me to my chiropractor. When I went to pay, I found out she had taken care of it. Then, leaving the doctor’s office, I did a u-turn on a side street. As I was turning, my mother read a small sign, “Free apricots, u-pick.” So we did. The tree was old and huge. The apricots covered the bending branches in clusters more than twelve inches long. The full bag of apricots spoke of God’s provision.
We returned the next day with our children. As we picked we dreamed of a farm with fruit orchards of our own. Though we left with several bags full, the old tree looked much as it did when we came; so much was its bounty. After hours of washing, pitting and stewing, my freezer is loaded with measured bags of goodness waiting to be baked into crisps, bread and pies. We truly have a Father who will not let his children go hungry.
Acts 14:16-18 (New International Version)
16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Deuteronomy 6:10-12 (New International Version)
10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery
Kids in the corn and sheep on the grass 