A Snowstorm, A Sliding Jetta and A Good Word

It’s the end of March, and Mother Nature seemed determined to shower western New York with another snowstorm. I reacted as most did as the 8-10 inches of snow was landing. I screamed. I am tired of winter. Oh please, global warming aficionados, tell me it is going to get warmer. I fear I have come to a conclusion that Al Gore invented global warming. I am tired of his fiction.

I was on the road during this storm. I had been invited to speak at the CA group at Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester. It was hard driving on the Thruway. I was not going fast, but as I was going by the Batavia exit, I moved into the passing lane to make room for cars coming onto the road. About a mile later, I moved back into the right lane, but the Jetta did not cooperate. I began to fishtail and I was looking straight ahead at Genesee Community College. That was a problem.

It is interesting the thoughts that come into your head when you lose control of a car. It becomes surreal and time seems to go slower. My first thought was, “I guess I am going to be late for this meeting.” So as I prepared to go off the road, the Lord enabled me to do the right thing, gas and steer (front-wheel drives are interesting creatures).

The meeting at MCC was a God-event. Following the principle of never wasting your pain, I once again spoke on the topic of Where Faith and Depression Meet. Afterwards, many of the students came to me to discuss their struggles. I could tell liberation was taking place as the truth was setting young men and women free. God was on the move.

It brings such joy to bring hope to the hurting. The opportunity to bring a good word – truth to those in pain is a blessing beyond comprehension.

The following verse comes from one of my favorite hymns, May the Mind of Christ My Savior, and it is my prayer…

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing

Dollars. Deficiency. Discouraged.

"Are you discouraged about finances?"

Hardly. Yeah, I mean that.

"But, after one year, you are still short of the 50% mark. Sounds to me that God is not blessing, doesn't it?"

It is a legitimate question, and though I have had seasons of doubt, I look at our situation and I am in awe of the God who supplies. Consider this...

Some might think we are okay because of Dondra's job. The reality is that Joel is okay because of Dondra's job. The vast majority of her paycheck goes to a city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore so that Joel can keep spitting into his mouthpiece.

So, we basically live on what I am able to bring in financially. And, here is my testimony:

The bills are paid.

We are eating well.

The cars are running.

And though we are running "lean and mean," we are happy.

These have been days of faith. For thirty years, I have been used to the "weekly" paycheck from the church where we served. It has always been there.

Raising support is a different animal. It is uncertain. It is hard at times. It is humbling.

Yet, I am grateful - so grateful - for those who have come alongside financially. It brings tears to my eyes. I am reminded of the apostle Paul when he said...

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.19, NIV).

Enough. Enriched. Encouraged.

That would have been a better title.