Way too often we have bizarre concepts about our Heavenly Father. "If I
don't do this, My God will not listen to me." Didn't Jesus come into a
world that had no interest at all in God? Yet still He came (See John
1:10-11).
The problem is that instead of focusing on the One who
would gladly and freely do all good things for us, we become too focused
on ourselves. Aren't we urged to: "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both
began and finished this race were in. Study how He did it. Because He
never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and
with God-He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame,
whatever." (Heb 12:2)
So often we try and solve our problems
ourselves. Instead, whenever we are in need, even in the smallest
things, we need to rely on Him. Otherwise we will miss an opportunity to
experience our Father fully.
Here is an example: My class was
invited to visit the regional Recycling Center. The trip was free, bus
included. What a great deal, and my vice-principal gave us permission to
go.
When I booked the bus, the cost was $228.75$. I had to submit
the cost to the Recycling Center, and when I did, I received an email
from them saying that they would only cover $200 of the bus cost.
Somehow we would have to pay the difference of $28.75$. I was concerned
that my vice-principal would get into trouble because of this, and there
was no way I would ever be able to charge my students for a trip that
had been purported as...free! Instead I left it all in God's hands.
The next day I received an idea, seemingly out of nowhere. While
talking to my students about the upcoming movie I had promised them for
all their hard work, and I mentioned the 28.75$ problem. I then asked
them if they would be interested to have a pajama day on the day of the
movie. Naturally they were interested. I asked them if they would mind
paying a small fee for the privilege of wearing pajamas. They were still
interested. I let them know that it wasn't mandatory for them to wear
pajamas, and by the time they left for the day, I had no idea how much
money my little "venture" would make.
The next day, some of
my students wore pajamas and dutifully paid for the privilege. When they
counted the total money earned, it came to exactly $28.75. Coincidence?
No way! My Father had come through big time!
I shared what
happened in my class with my vice-principal, and she was amazed. My
Heavenly Dad always comes through!
Some will say, this is only
possible with lots of faith. Truly this is not the case: "'Because
you're not yet taking God seriously,' said Jesus . 'The simple truth is
that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would
tell this mountain, "Move!" and it would move. There is nothing you
wouldn't be able to tackle.'" (Matt 17:20-21, MSG)
All we need is
but "a mere kernel of faith", like the tiniest seed in the world. Our
Heavenly Father hears us and He will make the impossible possible, even
for 28.75$!
Do we truly believe this? After all we need but a
"mere kernel of faith!"
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own." (Proverbs 3:5, MSG)
By the way do you have 28.75$?
Rob Chaffart