Have you ever had God show up and take care of something before you even had the chance to ask Him to?

It was one of the most broken and fragile seasons of my life.

I was a young, single mother.  My divorce had not only shattered the stability of our family but it also stripped me of any real, financial security.

My husband had been the breadwinner in our marriage.  Suddenly, I found myself wondering how I was going to pay the bills, buy food, and put gas in my car.

A friend at the time, knowing my dire circumstances, gave me a piece of paper with a telephone number on it.  It was to a company not far from where I was living that assembled teddy bears. 

The company would cut the teddy bear patterns from huge bolts of brown, fuzzy cloth.  Then, they would hire local folks to take these cut-outs home and sew them together.  For every bear returned, the sewer got fifty cents.

I called the number, expressed my interest, and within a few days my children and I picked up as many trash bags full of pre-cut bears as we could stuff into my used Nissan hatchback.

Once home, I sat down at my antique sewing machine and worked into the wee hours of the morning.  My goal was to return each load of bears as fast as I could to make as much money as I was able in order to take care of my children.

During that season, the verse in Matthew 6 became very real to me, “…your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.” (vs. 8)

God knew my bills needed paid.  He knew I needed to buy groceries.  He knew my car needed gas.  And, He provided – before I even had the chance to talk to Him about it.

Over the years, I’ve shared this story with several people to fan the flame of faith.  When things seem the most bleak, He shows up (many times before we even ask).  When circumstances seem the most hopeless, He provides.

Where have you seen God show up in your life?  How have you seen Him provide for you? 

The most profound testimony of God’s character we have comes from our own personal experiences.

Sharing our stories with others helps to make Jesus real – alive and active, close and personal.  This not only rekindles our faith but helps activate it in those we share our stories with.

“Lord my God, you have done many…wondrous works…more than can be told.” (Psalm 40:5)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!