In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he said, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ.” This is something we may not fully appreciate until we need something specific or we endure a life-changing event. And even when we understand God’s provision, in our human frailty, we cannot help but feel anxious about the unknown.

In December, our entire family decided my mother-in-law would come live with us in April. From the first moment that decision was made, worry and anxiety took over my life. My husband and I work full-time. My mother-in-law had dementia that required 24/7 care. How could we manage that? How could we keep her safe? With one daughter working full time and the other attending college out of state, who could we count on to help watch her when I needed to be out of the house? Speaking of the house, there was a room to renovate, safety customizations to make, supplies to buy, and then a deep clean to be done before she arrived. How could we get it all done?

My mind felt like a horse-drawn wagon racing down a steep hill with a broken brake lever. At any moment, all the plans we attempted to make would be for naught, and the lock pins holding my secure world would fly out, everything would become unhinged, and we would be headed for certain disaster.

By February, I embarked upon prayer and devotional time two to three times a day. That is when I stumbled upon this gentle nudge found in the Gospel of Matthew: “‘Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.'” How many other times in life had I stumbled upon this verse and not fully appreciated it? How many times when life was free of life-changing events had I thought I didn’t need to hear it?

As always, God provides. He proved that as the contractors arrived and renovated the room. He blessed us with the ability to purchase the supplies we needed. The resources for house cleaning and companion care fell into place right when then should. Why did I doubt it?

I’m not sure who needs to hear this today. I’m not even certain if you will find this blog. But tonight, when I sit down to pray, I will think of you, and I will ask God to provide you with what you need. I will ask that you find time to ask so you can receive; seek so you shall find; and knock so that all will be opened to you.

May God bless you now and always.