My Prayer Chair

Robin’s Testimony: Relying on God

This is not a story I ever imagined I’d be telling.

Unfortunately, life sometimes takes turns we don’t expect. Or have control over.

Our life probably looked good from the outside. Loving couple. Three great kids. My husband had a full-time job and was an ordained pastor working part-time at our local church. I worked part-time running our church’s preschool while helping him in ministry and caring for our family. We were well respected, and other than some financial concerns, I believed that what others saw from us was true.

There Were Signs

There were signs that something was wrong, but I didn’t question my husband about it. I trusted him to provide like he always did.

And then one day, it all shattered around us. In a moment, everything was turned upside down. Any financial security we had was gone in an instant and my husband’s freedom was at risk too.

Despite that, I continued to look to him to solve the issues. He found a new job. He met with attorneys. We clipped coupons and cut back on spending. I told myself we were going to be fine. Like always, my husband would take care of things.

Then Life Took A Turn

I don’t even remember how I felt when we walked out of the courtroom after his sentencing. I’m not sure how we told the girls that their father would be leaving in 30 days to serve his sentence. The drive to the prison to drop him off was a blur. So much of that time was a blur.

I kept asking God what I was supposed to learn through all this. How was I supposed to act? Did I keep serving at the church? Was there something I was supposed to do? I had so many questions and felt like there were no answers. It felt like God was silent, but I know better now.

God Never Left Us

There were so many ways He was already providing for us.

I had applied for a job I knew I wasn’t qualified for on paper. I had no degree and no corporate experience. But that door opened for me and provided an income for our family once my husband was in prison. It also gave me a Christian boss willing to pray with me, cry with me, and listen to me on the hard days.

Even with my income, it was clear that God was the one providing. Without my husband for guidance, I spent more time in prayer and my prayer time became more focused the more I saw God work. It took on new meaning. I could see that He not only heard me, but He was answering me as well.

God’s Provision For Us

When the girls needed new gloves and cleats for softball season, I prayed about the $120 I needed then decided to ask a couple at church who didn’t want the girls to go without anything if they could help. When they weren’t at church that Sunday, I resigned myself to spending the money and figuring out the bills later. But God had already answered that prayer. When I sat down for service, someone had anonymously slipped an envelope in my bag with a note that read, “For the girls’ gloves and spikes”. Someone else shook my hand that morning and discreetly passed me money. When I counted it all in the van after church, I had received $130 without ever sharing my need out loud!

God amazed me again when I sat down to pray about a trip the girls and I hoped to take. We’d been invited to a youth camp where I would have a chance to share part of our story. Without new tires though, I didn’t feel the trip was safe. It was the first of many prayers where I poured out my heart to God, asking for His provision, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door. Outside I would always find a smiling face and the answer to my interrupted prayer.

God Worked Out Every Detail

It wasn’t just the tires either. It was help with the mortgage numerous times, a new dishwasher when the old one flooded the kitchen, a job that paid for my degree, and too many other things to mention right now. My lawn was always mowed. My van was always repaired. The girls and I were loved and supported wherever we went.

I had never seen God work like that before! I’m sure He was always there working in our lives, but I just wasn’t looking for it. Until I had no choice.

A New Understanding of God

I finally understood what God wanted me to learn, and it wasn’t about me or what I should do. He wanted me to know Him on a more personal level, not just on an academic one. He is my provider, not my husband. Not me. God is the one working out all the intricate details of my life and providing in such a way that I can’t ever doubt it is Him.

God’s provision doesn’t stop when our difficult season ends, although I sometimes have to remind myself of that. No matter where we are in life, He’s already gone ahead of us and worked out the details. Even down to the minute.

How Has God Provided For You?

Have you seen God provide in your life? We’d love to hear your story. Email us at admin@inthegrayarea.com

If you’re in the midst of a difficult season and in need of prayer, you can email us at prayer@inthegrayarea.com