In the midst of the ordinary ...

Today, I’m sharing another post from 2009 when I participated in Shane at Heart Reflections’ writing challenge that asked the question:  

We have all heard from God when we read our Bibles, listened to sermons at church, or gone to Bible study, right? But is God limited to our “spiritual” activities? Or does He show Himself in the middle of our everyday activities, too? Share about a time when God spoke to your heart in the midst of the ordinary.

I recalled an incident which reinforced the notion that God cares about my every day struggles.

My health insurance premium had went up about $32 per month. Naturally, this happened before my job's new budget year. I had to pay for 4 months out of pocket due right at Christmas time. [How come job lay-offs, pink slips, and unexpected bills always come at Christmas time? I'm just sayin'.]

While driving to work, I was mulling the situation over. Not only did I have the insurance bill to consider, but other bills along with providing Christmas for my kids was on my mind. It seemed like there just wasn't going to be enough money that month.

Feeling a little bit desperate, I asked the Lord how I was going to make it. Okay, I may or may not have whined. Unfortunately, I do that sometimes. 

I'm pretty good at shaking things off and going on with a fairly good attitude. So, I had put my worries on the back-burner, so to speak, and was busy at work. I always check my email throughout the day. The next time I checked, there was an email from my hubby. When he had checked the mail that day, there was a sizable insurance refund check! We had switched auto insurance companies the month before. I didn't expect a refund because we cancelled the policy right before more money was due.

As I started thanking God for the refund, He reminded me that it hadn't even been 4 hours since I had prayed about my finances. I felt like He was asking me why I always panic at first when things come up, doesn't He always take care of me? True, it may seem last minute, but He always comes through.

I thought about it and realized that most of the time, I really didn't feel worthy of Him coming to my rescue! All I could think about was the many times I messed up, why should He keep bailing me out?

A light bulb went on in my brain! I was trying to earn the favor of God! I only expected Him to help when I had done everything right. 

Do I treat my kids that way? Do I only supply their needs only if they've earned it? Of course not! I do what's right for them [within my means] even on days they fall short of what I have asked them to do. I still cook them dinner no matter how they acted that day!

Would my Abba do no less?

I love this scripture:

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

Because of His mercy and faithfulness, I CAN count on Him when this problem-child needs help. Now, I know that doesn't mean I can deliberately sin and expect everything to be ok, but He knows my heart. He knows I genuinely want to do my best for Him. 

I am so thankful for His mercy! How I need it!

Has God shown up in your ordinary life? If so, please tell us about it!

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Linking up with Debbie's #TuneInThursday and Arabah Joy's Grace&Truth.