I usually don’t cook. Recent summer nights of this young marriage have been spent ordering in, or picking something up together on our way home. Ministry work has been especially demanding in this season so I admit meal planning hasn’t been one of my strengths. But the good news is God hasn’t been relying on my strengths to meet the needs of His people.
Recently I prepared dinner and made way more than what was needed for the two of us. After we ate there was still plenty leftover.
As I rose from the table to package up the leftovers, a text came through from our friends at the tents. Their government money had run out for the month and they asked if we had anything at all they could eat.
This was the first time they had ever asked for food.
And this was the first time in recent memory I had made this much food. In God’s economy, there is always supply to meet the demand.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!Luke 9:17And God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you need
and plenty left over to share with others.2 Corinthians 9:8
I created some on-the-spot care packages filled with more than the meal they had asked for, including appetizers, desserts, and other goodies. I was worried they would feel embarrassed to have had to ask us for food, and hoped that from our genuine joy they’d know they could ask anytime. I remember as I sat there in the kitchen preparing it all – how elated my heart felt. Love is so gratifying.
A few weeks later it happened again.
I had carefully prepared a large meal, being in the mood to cook that evening. It wasn’t long before I realized what (Who) had prompted this mood; while the food was still warm, someone living outside reached out for a meal!
They hadn’t eaten all day, and were so hungry and appreciative. They even complimented my enchiladas which I saw as the kindness of friendship lol. I was just as sad to see them desperate as I was relieved by the timing once more.
Incredible.
The next time it happened was for a woman I barely knew and had recently met. Both she and I were thankful for this opportunity to connect, and it was a cool way to talk with her outside the Saturday breakfast gatherings to launch a friendship.
It kept happening: a Sunday afternoon after we had just gone grocery shopping, a Wednesday evening when I happened to bake a casserole (rare), and other random times. Perfect times.
Is anything too hard for the Lord?Genesis 18:14
Recently there was a provision I felt was nothing short of remarkable:
Following a week of travel we didn’t have much in the house when we returned home. I made a quick box of pasta tossed with parmesan and olive oil. During dishes we got a text from a married couple (who had taught me about the Deck of Cards) that were hungry, asking if we had anything at all to eat.
Guess what we had left in the house at that time? Two plates of spaghetti leftover from the box I had just made, two personal-sized packages of trail mix, and two pieces of fruit. If that wasn’t enough weird coincidences of “two,” I’ll let you guess how many refreshing cans of sparkling water on that hot summer night were left in the fridge. Two.
So, I don’t buy things in “twos.” In fact that hasn’t happened before or since, and I know only because it was needed did it happen at all.
I couldn’t control any of this or have anticipated preparing for it, and through it was overwhelmed by the Truth that God really does love us. Not as His servants, but as His kids. He was providing for His kids sleeping outside, and He was providing for me. In fact out of everyone I may have been the most impacted by seeing God at work through tangible provision and care I was watching happen right before my eyes.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.1 Corinthians 2:9
I explained these miracles to the homeless so they would know how loved they were, and that their Creator was truly orchestrating things to meet their needs. Man, Jesus really is just so in the details.
I love that He loves us. I love that He cooks us dinner.
I love that He looks after me, He looks after you, He’s in the details, and His timing is always perfect.
Reading your post Lynne of Perfect Timing was perfect timing for me! We sometimes overlook the coincidental, thinking it is just that, something random. Upon closer examination we discover
how extraordinary it truly was; a gift from God. Thank you for reminding me of God’s care
and love of others through our actions. Blessings to you as embark on your exciting adventure!!
Love You!!
Wow!!