"Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
In the past week I've read many Adventures in Missions blogs about God's provision of huge amounts of money in a short time frame:
- Tiffany shares how she need $2,000 more to be able to go to training camp, and in just a few days she had people calling telling her money was on the way.
- This guy, Ian, recieved almost $4,000 in 14 hours.
- This World Racer was given $14,800 in just 16 weeks.
- This World Racd Squad was given $20,000 in the LAX airport!
- Karson, a girl on my Immersion team, became fully funded during the week she was in Bulgaria.
- Stefan, also on my team, was haded a check for $1,000, and that's only a small peice of what God did for him this past week. (He hasn't blogged about it, but you can read his blog here).
"Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in the past. It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God's command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen." Hebrews 11:1-3
This past week, I've been asking God where's my story like these, and when I get to share a personal story of His provision of a bunch of money in a short time frame. So far I haven't seen that. But the longer I wonder about this my thoughts turn to who God is, how He's provided already, and if I'm really going on Immersion.
Yeah, God told me to travel, and I thought and felt it was Immersion, but He's not giving the money to me when I need it. Yeah, God is Provider and gives His children what they need, but maybe this isn't "the" trip and really don't need $11,900.
I believe God has something great in store for me. I believe that I will be leaving again in September. I believe God is Provider. I believe that He knows what He's doing.
Then it hit me.
I know what the Bible says, and I believe it. Therefore, I don't need God to give me $3,300 in a day (though it'd be nice) to have stronger faith in my God's ability, and take Him at His Word.
Earlier this week Jesus asked me, "Do you believe I can still do the same things today that I did in the Bible?"
"Yes, but-"
"No. Do you believe I can still do the same things today that I did in the Bible?"
"Yes, but-"
"No. Do you believe I can still do the same things today that I did in the Bible?" He asked for a third time.
"Yes." I couldn't say "but" anymore…
"Jalin Irene, there's no room for 'but' in our relationship. Either you believe or you don't. You follow or you don't. You have faith or you don't. There's no room for 'but'."
So, even though Provider God didn't give me $3,300 today He's still God. Still my Love. Still Good. Still Provider.
I don't need a story of God giving me a huge amount of money in a short time (though I'm still praying for it). I know He is able. No matter what I'm His, nothing can change that.
Let me tell you a story, one of my favorite about provision of money. Peter one of Jesus' disciples was asked by men if the Teacher paid a tax at the temple. After Peter answered "yes" He went to talk to Jesus about paying that tax. So, Jesus told Peter to go fishing, and in the mouth of the fish he would find money for the tax. That's how Peter paid for his and Jesus' tax. (check it out here).
Update: I've talked with a girl at AIM, Erin, to get some things cleared up about money since I don't have the $9,000. I have been given a short extention, and will need $3,300 in my account by THIS Wednesday the 11th. If I do not have 75% of the base cost then I will not be able to go on Immersion, no ifs, ands or buts. (If this happens I'll let you know of my next options and what will need to happen).
If you feel like partnering with me to go on Immersion please follow this link and donate some money. Please DO NOT send any checks to AIM it will take too long to process.
