God is the Awesome Provider!!!

I'm not really sure how to begin this post. I guess I'll start by mentioning I have always liked to be in control. If I was working on a group project in school, I liked being the leader. If we're going on a trip, I like to drive. And, of course, when it comes to finances I like to know whatever situation I'm in is a direct result of my decision making and job performance. Over the last year I have come to realize I was giving myself way too much credit by thinking I could control our financial situation.

The road taken to this realization is pretty long and slow-going. So I'll drive us in the HOV lane and limit bathroom breaks to get you there as quick as possible(remember I like to be the driver).

I grew up in a Baptist church and knew you were supposed to tithe. I gave sporadic offerings, but didn't really begin to make a true effort to tithe until Kimberly and I were married and joined Calvary in Savannah. And let me tell you, when we made the decision to begin tithing I wasn't prepared for how difficult it would be to stick to. In the first couple of years, we greatly increased our giving, but still fell short of giving a tenth. I can give excuses, but our bathroom stops are limited.

During those 2+ years, God still blessed us. Kimberly gained several promotions and I was doing very well with Enterprise. At this point, I still felt I was in control.

At some point over the last year we commited to tithing a full tenth. Even if it didn't add up, we were going to make sure we gave God what was already His and leave the rest up to Him. I can honestly say, when we made this decision, Kimberly was more on board than I was. Remember, I like to be in control.

Thankfully, God finally put me in a situation where I couldn't figure out how we were going to make ends meet. Over a year ago Kimberly and I tried to take out a supplemental insurance policy that would pay us $4000 if we Kimberly ever had to take maternity leave. At the time, her company didn't pay anything for this type of leave. About 4 months after we applied for this policy, we found out God was going to bless us with a baby. We followed up to make sure everything was in place with the insurance policy and something had gone wrong. Somehow a mistake was made on their end and they were denying us the coverage. We fought back some, but were still denied. This is the situation God had to put me in to make me finally realize I wasn't in control. At first, I didn't accept it. I was seriously looking into taking a 2nd job while Kimberly was going to be on maternity leave. There was no other way!!

I opted not to take a 2nd job and decided to allow God to work in my life. Kimberly and I both focused on prayer and allowing God to provide for our needs. The series of events listed below is what happened.

1) Kimberly's company rolled out a new maternity leave payment plan. She was now able to receive $3,500 for 8 weeks of leave!!! Not quite the $4,000 we missed on the botched insurance plan, but God wasn't finished.

2) Kimberly files our '07 tax return and we receive a $2,700 refund!!! We have owed on every tax return that I can remember.

3) My monthly commission checks at Enterprise decreased by about 75% in October and still haven't rebounded. How is this a blessing??? This kept us on our knees seeking God's provision. He responded. Over the last 2 months I received $2,300 in performance bonuses to help the decrease in commission. I have never received this before.

4) Kimberly and I both have been praying for me to get promoted so she might not have to go to work full-time. At many times along my career, I questioned why I hadn't been promoted. God was at work all along and this past month I found out I was being promoted and am to begin my new job on April, 1.

5) God, we still need your help. Kimberly has no job in Charleston. He then opens the door for Kimberly to be a Premier jeweler. One of this faith-based company's main missions is to allow women to be at home with their children. We had this opportunity presented to us in the past, but I was in control and didn't really consider it.

6) And this financial blessing came out of no where. God had seen us through Kimberly's maternity leave, given me a promotion, and gave Kimberly a part-time career. What more could we ask for? Well, when I opened up my email this morning I had an email from our General Manager in Columbia, SC. The email stated I was going to get a very considerable bonus on my next 2 checks to help make up for some of the financial hardship over the last few months. This is unheard of in our industry!!!

I know this was a lot to take in and I'm sure I've left some details out. But don't let the point be lost. When you're ready to turn complete control over to God, it doesn't mean things will just get bright and sunny and great. It probably means He will put you in some tough situations that you can't handle on your own. When you find yourself in these situations and realize you can't overcome them on your own, God can truly bless you. And when you receive these blessings, you know they came from above and you will be excited to give Him the glory.

God, Thank you for allowing me to realize I am unable to meet all my family's needs. You are the Awesome Provider!!!