Livin Lively

 By Peggy Lively

           One day as I headed to the grocery store, I knew I only had a certain amount of money to spend. This particular day, I had $171 cash and knew this was my limit as I entered into the grocery store. I also knew that being a family of six, it is very rare that I get out of the grocery store for less than $200. So as I shopped, I was more intentional about buying fewer items and choosing less expensive ones. As I went along, I put several things back and exchanged items, trying and hoping to stay under my budget.

           When I placed all my items on the check-out belt, I said a quick silent prayer. “Lord, please let it be less than $171.” I must confess that this prayer was probably as much out of pride as it was out of need. I have been in the “select and put back” process before while others waited in the line behind me. So I was hoping to avoid this embarrassing scenario.

            The cashier scanned the last item, and I watched the total go over $171. Then he scanned a one dollar coupon I had picked up in the store, and the total came to $170.34. I smiled and thanked the Lord for letting me have just enough. It is in times like this that we are more dependent on God to provide for us. He doesn’t give us too much, or too little, but just what we need.  

            Even when God provided the Israelites with manna from Heaven, He said, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” (Exodus 16:4, NIV) God instructed the Israelites to gather enough food for one day only, except for the sixth day when they were to gather enough food for two days. God wanted them to trust that He would continue to provide them with food each day. “So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.” (Exodus 16:17-18, NLT)

           Solomon prayed in the book of Proverbs, “Give me enough food to live on, neither too much nor too little. If I’m too full, I might get independent, saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’ If I’m poor, I might steal and dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8, The Message) So if things are tight financially for you right now, maybe God is providing just enough to meet your needs for today. Thank Him and trust Him to continue to provide for you each day.