After 4 years of God’s financial provision as a missionary, I’m ashamed to admit that I sometimes I still doubt His provision. Today I receive my bi-weekly financial report from Alternative Missions & saw new donations for this upcoming MCT trip to Mexico. Upon seeing these donations, I shouted out praise to God (and consequently sent my dog into a barking rage). 
And in that moment, I also repented as my excitement revealed the doubts in my heart.
Our economy is changing and it has affected many friends and loved ones. While some believe the drop in the economy is simply a hoax from the government, I know people that have lost jobs and houses. Whether or not it’s a hoax or a truly difficult season, people are struggling financially and I am saddened for them. Consequently, these changes in the economy not only affect friends & churches, but also have effects in my financial support. This has made the fundraising for the upcoming MCT trips a matter of prayer & apparently worry. I didn’t recognize that my heart felt anxious until the security of donations came in.
At that same moment, I felt so humbled by the financial donations people made. Living on faith-based support might be different than working as an executive manager, but it is the same God who supplies our needs or takes away our income. Knowing some people that are struggling financially makes me keenly aware of the sacrifices they make to be obedient in the money they give to God & He gives to me. Lord make me generous with that which you have given!
All of this caused me to reflect (and blog), remembering what I know to be true - That God is good. That God is faithful. That God has called me. And that God is in control. And I’m so thankful.
Hey, TJ. That’s exciting stuff. We’ve been there too…wondering about the economy of America as we begin fundraising…but thanks for the reminder that God is in charge of all of our finances. We serve an awesome God!
Also, just testing this reply thing.
Hey TJ - You’ve been at it longer, but I can relate to some degree… I’ve seen God provide (sometimes in pretty miraculous ways) so many times… I guess that’s a perk of the unsteady income of self-employment… not being able to count on a regular check, but ALWAYS (ALways. seriously.) seeing God provide (often at the very last minute… thanks, God), no matter how unlikely it looked… which has helped me a little in the fundraising process here, but still– in spite of God proving his faithfulness again & again, it’s amazing how quickly my mindset changes back… and I start thinking I’m the one responsible for raising support again. Ah, the process of life & learning, huh?
So funny about your dog… he was probably just praising with you. :o)