We had gotten through nearly thirty years of marriage without running out of gas. Then it happened.
We had our ten-month-old twin grandbabies in the back seat and decided to drive up the canyon to walk in Estes Park. Noticing my tank said, “low fuel,” my husband stopped at the gas station. Unfortunately, all the gas pumps said, out of gas. I tried to remember when the low fuel warning appeared. Did we have enough gas to make it up the mountain? Since I drive a hybrid, maybe that would help.
Halfway up the canyon, we heard a strange sputtering sound from the car. Luckily, we were next to a fly-fishing parking area and quickly pulled over. Two other vehicles were parked there, and a man with two teenagers stood by the river’s edge. He was visiting from out of state. In fact, he was from the very town where Chad and I grew up.
While he drove Chad to get gas, I waited with the twins, thankful they were sleeping. The sky grew darker quickly, and the other car left the parking lot. I wondered how long it would be before Chad returned. I checked the locks on the doors. One of the twins woke up, and I climbed into the backseat to give her a bottle. As I did, the setting sun cast a rose gold shaft of light on the canyon wall, illuminating violet lupines. The creeping anxiety about being stranded was suddenly replaced by wonder at the beauty surrounding me.
How many times during our marriage had we gotten ourselves into one mess or another and seen God graciously provide exactly what we needed?
God provided for the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert—manna, water, and shoes that did not wear out. God provided a ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son. Later, God gave His own Son as the provision for our need for a Savior. And Jesus promised that if God cares for the birds and flowers, He will surely care for us.
Can you remember a time when God provided exactly what you needed, regardless of the predicament you were in? Learn to rejoice in the Lord’s provision.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and sasint.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Debbie Cox is a writer.