Jehovah Jireh

Two years ago, I remember standing at kids camp with armed stretched out and tears rolling down my face as I cried out to God, "Lord, be my Provider." I had recently graduated from college, quit my dead-end job and for the first time since age 16, I was broke and unemployed. It was a difficult season in my life and I was desperate for God. I was doing everything I possibly could to find a new job but I wasn't going anywhere. I needed God to step in.

A rendering of the hospital my company in building in midtown.

Three (long) months after that day, I was sitting behind a computer desk at my current job. Not only did God come through as my Provider, but He exceeded all my expectations. God supplied me with all the things I ever wanted in a job... Being able to write creatively? Check. Work independently? Check. Good pay? Check. Vacation and benefits? Check. All-expense-paid travel? Check. What about a Christian boss? Yep, that's a check too! It was almost too good to be true. And yet, it was true; but only because this job was given to me directly by the Lord. And I knew it. There's no way my interview skills were that stellar, or my background and education that phenomenal. This was all God. There's no shadow of a doubt about it.

View of downtown Sacramento from the hospital rooftop

Because I love what I do and the company that I work for, you can imagine how sad I felt about leaving my job to move to Dallas (in 51 days - but who's counting?). So, before I made the bold step of telling my company that I'm leaving, I made an even bolder step. I asked my boss if I could stay with the company, but work part-time and remotely from Dallas. It was a wild proposition. I doubted they'd take the bite, but, I was willing to risk it. And so I did. Breaking the news to the boss went well (or so I thought), and for the next three weeks I didn't hear back anything. I was simply told that management was considering my proposition.

Again, I looked to my Jehovah Jireh, and asked him to be my Provider. He was faithful to His name before and I knew He would be faithful again. Just as God provided the ram for the sacrifice in place of Isaac for Abraham, I rested on the promise that He would provide for me. He was, in fact, Jehovah Jireh.

"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh. As it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided." (Genesis 22:14)

Yesterday, I came in to work to find the red light of my answering machine blinking. It was wonderful news! The company had OKed my proposition, and they were even giving me an intern to help me do my job well remotely. I was ecstatic! Immediately, the verse in Matthew 6:33 came to mind, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Over and over, God continues to show me His faithfulness and His provision. Praise the Lord!

This whole experience also brings to mind a beautiful old hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. Enjoy the music here, and be encouraged by the lyrics:

"Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“

Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!