So aren't you broke yet?

I will continue with my thoughts on my life purpose statement, but I wanted to give a quick update on a topic that people seem to often (albeit hesitantly) bring up.

The two sources of income God has given me currently are substitute teaching (in the Richland School District) and speaking to different Christian groups. This week I did not work at subbing either Monday or yesterday. My attitude at this point is that it is a tremendous gift to be able to study on these "unpaid" days. Speaking opportunities have abounded (this is the generosity of God since I've not sought them). I am teaching at Bethel's Alpha retreat this weekend as well as preaching three times, and speaking at a fundraising banquet in the next month. In this, I often recall to mind Deuteronomy 8:18,

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."

A few weeks ago I subbed 4 of 5 days and then I was "out of work" on Wednesday of that week. I must confess that it was a very hard day. I felt directionless and was very worried about our financial picture. In hindsight it seems silly to worry that one single day would sink us financially, but the truth is that the issue was bigger than the one day of no pay. The issue is trust in God's provision. Do I really believe that God, in this spot (where I am SURE He has led us), will really take care of us? I've had to wrestle with that, and it has truthfully been very challenging and humbling at times. Even though God has been so kind, I've struggled. But let me relay a story about God's kindness that has helped me in the past few months when it gets hard. Perhaps it will bless you too if you find yourself in a needy situation.

Last August when I first announced that I would be leaving Bethel staff, I had a man approach me right after the service. He was holding a $20 bill in his hand and explained that the day before he was cutting down tree limbs and clearing the debris from his yard. While hauling branches away, he noticed this money caught in the leaves and wondered why the Lord was giving him $20. Had this been me, I might have gone out to dinner or thought the gift was intended for me. This man, however, went on to say that when I shared about leaving Bethel that he felt the Lord tell him, "Give the money to John and tell him that I will provide all he needs."

We now have that $20 bill stuck on the mirror in our room as a constant reminder that with God, money really does grow on trees.