Cornerstone

Gen 22:5-14 (14)

I was fascinated as the ranching couple told of the miraculous hand of God that had blessed their lives. On one occasion they leased some drills on a buy/lease program. After several years they could buy the drills for the salvage price. They needed the drills in order to plant their seed. Unfortunately they did not have money to buy the drills.

First, they asked for time to raise the money. As the deadline neared they still had no money to buy the drills. Finally they had to allow the drills to be repossessed.

The men who came to pick up the drills were invited in for coffee before loading the truck. While they visited, a neighboring rancher walked into the house. He said, “I see that you are busy so I won’t stay. I just needed to buy some of your seed. I know how much I need and will load it myself.” He wrote a check for the seed and left it lying on the counter top.

When the rancher picked up the check he saw that the check was written for the exact amount that was needed to pay off the drills. God had provided in time with the correct amount to meet the need.

God has a reputation for taking care of His people. This is what caused Him to send His only Son to try on human flesh that first Christmas day. He came to provide. God has done so well in taking care of us that His people at times called Him, Jehovah Jireh (God will Provide).

Dr. Gayle Woods

Isa. 62:6-9 (9) “But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord…”

I was interested to hear a friend tell how he escaped from bankruptcy. Before this difficult time, his house and 20 acres seemed to be rather insignificant. While he was going through the time, however, these possessions seemed to be rather valuable. More valuable than this was his reputation and his Christian testimony. Because of this he decided NOT to declare bankruptcy unless it became absolutely necessary. He would trust God. His creditors agreed to adjust his payments so they were more manageable. My friend then began to diligently work at the task of paying back a very large debt.

The times were difficult. The family had little extra and no luxuries. At times they wondered how they would make their monthly payments. Even through the times of sacrifice and struggle the Lord always provided. The money that was needed always came in time. At times the supply from God was unexpected and unusual.

This experience he stated, helped strengthen his faith in God, his children’s faith in him and in God, and the community’s appreciation for his Christian life. All this was made possible through the provision of God and because of His faith in God.

Dr. Gayle Woods