We live by FAITH
On my phone I have the YouVersion Bible App. Each day I have a push notification which gives me a Bible verse to read. Most days it is a verse that will inspire and encourage me. Some days it is a reminder that God is still in control and knows exactly what I need. Today was one of those days…
The verse today is 2 Corinthians 5:7
“for we live by faith, not by what we see with our eyes.” TPT
Our family began a more intense faith journey on July 7, 2007 (7-7-07). (I say “more intense” because everyone walks by faith, but God was asking us to another level of faith.) This is the day we were ordained to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Todd and I had 3 young children and I was pregnant with the 4th. Neither of us had a “job.” We just knew that God had called us to share His Great Love with the world “One Person at a Time.” We knew that understanding Israel, as the root of our faith, was key to understanding the Word of God.
There have been many trying moments on the journey. Along the way we have had days with no idea where food money would come from. The couple who ordained us were mentors and had walked the same road. They shared with us that many times it would be feast (more than enough) or famine (pasta or peanut butter on a spoon).
A story that my children love for me to tell is one I have been wanting to write down. Today seemed a good day to get it done. Maybe it will encourage you to understand that God does care for YOU. He knows that sparrows are important, but YOU are more important than they are. If He takes care of the lilies in the field, He will take care of YOU.
Here is our story:
We lived in Nashville, TN. My parents live in Indiana. It was an eight hour trip, but they came every year to come see us. This particular year at the time they were coming, we had very few groceries in the house. We knew that with my parents arriving we would have two more mouths to feed. It is not in our nature to ask for money (although sometimes we do need to let people know, especially when we are transitioning as we are now), so we were trusting God that day to show us what to do.
When my parents would visit they would often arrive with drinks or snacks that needed to be refrigerated. I was concerned they would open the fridge and see how empty it was. I knew they would be willing to help if necessary, but we were truly trusting God to take care of us, so I was praying they would not open the refrigerator door. They walked in and put their carrots and snacks on the counter and immediately helped with the children (who were very excited to see Grandma and Grandpa). The fridge door was never opened.
Dinner was approaching. I was trying to figure out what I could make, with the little I had, that would feed us all. I rarely purchase the large potatoes that are used as baking potatoes, however, I had several of them in the cupboard. I had a little bit of hamburger meat and some cheese. As I was asking God what I could serve them, He brought to my mind a baked potato bar. We ate and were filled.
As I went to bed that night, I was asking God what I could make for breakfast. I did not have much cereal or milk. I only had a couple eggs. God brought to my mind to make waffles. I had just enough ingredients, we ate and were filled.
Todd and I continued to pray and believe that God would bring in what we needed so we could purchase more food. Sometime that morning, soon after breakfast, a friend called Todd and told him that he had a check for us. Todd had to drive 30 minutes to pick it up, but immediately left to go get it. He deposited it into our bank, went to the grocery store, and returned with food for the remainder of the stay.
We have other stories similar to this. Even in the early years of being in Israel we would prepare food and wonder if they would be enough for dinner, especially Shabbat. There was always left overs. It brings to mind how the bread and fish were multiplied, or the oil for the widow and her son that Elisha blessed.
These are the promises that our family clings too when days get difficult. As we continue to transition into Cyprus, we have experienced these moments again. There are times that it is day by day. God has taken care of us.
Touched by Grace is not supported by a church or organization. We have individuals who bless us monthly with their offerings. We currently have 23 who donate monthly. There are others who do one time blessings throughout the year.
We would love to have you partner with us. Our desire is to be a blessing where HE has planted us and to teach others about the Bible in the places where it happened. Whether it is Israel, Cyprus, Greece or Jordan - we want the Bible to come to LIFE for YOU.
Not everyone has been asked to do what God has called us to do. Not everyone can travel. God has people planted in many places so His work can be completed in every area. We want to be your hands and feet extended, and bring HIS Light in this region. As we learn, we will share with you and encourage you in your walk, so you can be a LIGHT where HE has planted you.
Thank you for for partnering with us. Thank you for your donation which keeps us moving forward for the Kingdom. Thank you for your prayers as they are the pillar behind everything that happens.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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