Preparing for Rain

Once there were two farmers.  During a severe drought, each farmer prayed to God asking for rain.  After praying, one farmer went about his day; the other farmer went into his fields and started preparing his crops.  Which farmer had faith in God?

This story, albeit paraphrased, is from the movie Facing the Giants.  I hadn’t seen that movie in a few years when it happened to be part of the lesson plan on a day I subbed at my daughter’s school.  Although there are so many good lessons within that movie, this one has stuck in my head for several weeks.

My family has undergone some major life changes in the last four years.  I decided to stay home with my children, then three-and-a-half and six-months.  Number Three came along two-and-a-half years later cramming five people into a home that only comfortably fits four.  My hubby left a part-time job that truly was our “living” money- groceries, gas, etc.  Now, my husband will be going to a new job that is better for the family, but not for our bank accounts. We are now going to be living on about one-third of what we had just four years ago. I am having a hard time adjusting. Well, let's face it- I am Freaking! Spazzing!

My FAITH and my DOUBT (which I believe is the opposite of faith) have been in constant battle.

My DOUBT is telling me:

• that no family can survive on our new budget
• that we have too much debt (Dave Ramsey can’t even help)
• that there is too much output and not enough input
• that not good things are going to happen to our family
• that our world will fall apart
• that we will be living in a van down by the river. 

The Slippery Slope to our family’s destruction!

My FAITH is showing me:

• that God will provide (Philippians 4:19)
• that God keeps his promises (Joshua 23:14)
• that God will not forsake me and my family (Deuteronomy 31:6)
• that God is more powerful than me (Luke 18:27)
• that God will bless our family more than I could ever imagine (James 1:17)
• that God will give me the strength to overcome my doubt (Isaiah 41:10)

I do believe that my faith is strong, but there are times when it wavers and doubt fills my soul. Still, I do believe that God will take care of our family. His blessings come in all shapes and sizes and through conventional and unconventional methods. I just hope that I can be a pillar of faith for my family as we venture through this new and exciting time in our journey.