I may be poor, but I'm free!

Yesterday was a day we have each had at some point in our lives. It's one where you would prefer to simply crawl back in bed and "take the day off." But God used this day to teach me a valuable lesson about His grace.

I woke to learn that my two oldest children had pulled my laptop off the dining room table to crash onto the tile floor below. This was not a good way to start my day. It wasn't pleasant for the kids either (both of whom are miraculously still living...barely!). Fifteen minutes after learning that the computer wouldn't work, I receive a phone call from one of the guys at the office saying that the first floor of the building was flooded and I had better get there soon to see how much damage was done. Also, not good.

In ministry (especially a young ministry), finances are usually pretty tight. Later in the day my wife asks if we can afford for her to go grocery shopping. I check the account balance to learn there isn't enough money to buy a single loaf of bread. Blow number three of the day.

Throughout the day, however, God kept reminding me that I was His. He kept encouraging me that these were the moments in life that would test my true character and willingness to trust Him - no matter what. That evening I found myself in the weekly purity group I lead, praising the Lord for His grace and faithfulness.

There is an old Rich Mullins song that has a powerful line in it. It states, "It's ok to be lonely as long as you're free." I simply substitute whatever I may be facing for "lonely." Yesterday it was, "It's ok to be disappointed, scared, and poor as long as I'm free!" Another great line from a different song states it this way, "You can have all this world, but give me Jesus!"

How is your contentment in Jesus today? Is He really enough for you, or are you looking to this world to satisfy your hunger for peace? I pray that today you would look at all this world has to offer and simply state, "Give me Jesus!"

In His might grip,

jonathan