God is God and I am not

I had prayed for good weather.  I had asked others to pray for good weather.  I was certain God heard my prayers and would answer them.  However in His sovereign and good ways He chose answer then in a different way than I expected. 

Inside the garage

He chose to bring rain, inches of it, for two of the three days of my sale.   Could He not of changed the weather and brought me sunshine each day?  Of course He could have, He made the earth and everything it is belongs to Him.  Jesus calmed the storm when He was in the boat with His disciples by the power of His word.  The disciples’ response was fear and awe.  “And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25)  God chose not to calm the storm or stop the rain on my sale.  Why?  Well He knew my ugly, sinful, selfish heart would desire the praise and glory from the success of the sale.  He wanted to make sure that I knew that it wasn’t my advertising, my sign making, my prices, and my hard work that would bring in the money.  He wanted me to know that He was in control of this sale and if it was going to be a successful fundraiser it was because of Him, not me.  

Day one, my pride was struck down but it I held on to it tightly.  Day two, it was still there but my grip was loosening.  I was trying to be strong.  I had somewhat resigned to the fact that God has designed my sale to be on a raining weekend so he’d get the glory.  But, I wasn’t very excited about the idea.   My pride still wanted satisfaction and glory.  Day three, God had humbled me.  This was my simple prayer in the morning as I sat listening to the sound of another thunderstorm raging outside.  God please pour out blessings on my sale today - rain or shine.  However, I'd prefer "shine".  But Your will be done not mine.   This sale was no longer about me and what I could do but about God’s provision for me.  He used it to teach me, again, that he is my provider and I can trust that he will provide no matter the circumstances.  He reminded me that He is sovereign, He is good, and even trials are for my good and His glory. 

So, how did God provide during a rainy garage sale? 

•        He humbled my heart. 
•        He showed me mercy, rather than consuming me because of my sin he mercifully showed it to me.  - “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deuteronomy 4:24
•        He brought friends to encourage, pray and love on me even when I my attitude was poor.
•        He provided about 10 families to give items to be sold. 
•         He brought people to the sale in the rain. 
•         He brought Christians to the sale that were interested in His ministry in Hungary.
•           He provided about $1,200 to help me get to Hungary in 22 days.  

·      God taught me that He is able and will provide for my needs.  “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6

He’s able to cause storms in order to humble.  He’s able to provide for me- no matter the circumstance.  He’s after my heart and attitude not my works. 

This song came to mind as I was reflecting what God taught me through this experience.  He’s God and I am not.  It sums it up better than my words can.

My Friend Amanda, who also teaches at ICSB.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Our God is, a consuming fire,

A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom

Our God is, the only righteous judge,

Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God

A sacred refuge is Your Name

Your Kingdom is unshakable

With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own

None could comprehend, His love and His mercy

Our God is exalted on His throne

High above the heavens

Forever He’s worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You

So we can set our hearts on You

Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Written by Nathan and Christy Nockels

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