Are You Finished with That?
2009-04-28 01:00:00

Are You Finished with That?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Do you experience times when there doesn't seem to be enough to go around? Bills are piling up faster than paychecks, and anxiety is creeping into your mind.

Many such moments have occurred for me, making me acutely aware that the bread on my plate came from the Lord because my cupboard was bare. When I was part of British Youth for Christ, I was paid a minimal salary. Usually I had just enough to keep me in hose and shampoo - and on my knees.

One of my memories from that time is of Phil, a staff evangelist, and his wife who splurged one night and went to a nice restaurant for a steak dinner. While they were enjoying a lovely meal, Phil noticed that the man seated opposite them was leaving after only picking at the T-bone steak.

"More than three-quarters of that steak is left," Phil said to his wife indignantly. "What a waste!"
"Never mind what he's doing," she replied. "Enjoy your meal."
But that's a huge piece of steak, and it'll go to waste," Phil continued. "They'll throw it out."

A few minutes passed, and then he said, "I'm sorry, but I just can't allow that to happen."
As he stood up, his wife hissed at him, "Sit down! What are you going to do?"
"Never you mind," he whispered. With that he sneaked over to the table, wrapped the large piece of meat in his napkin, and then slipped back into his seat.
"What did you do that for?" she asked in disbelief. "What are you going to do with it?"
"I'll give it to the dog," he said.

Two minutes later, the man who had been sitting at the table returned from the restroom to an empty plate. He called the waiter over and demanded to know what had happened to his meal. The poor waiter didn't have a clue as to its whereabouts, but he did casually wonder why that nice young couple was leaving without finishing their meal.

God's provision is seldom on the plate at another table. When you find yourself looking at a bank balance that couldn't keep a goldfish afloat, remember who you are. Your Father knows every need before you even voice it. He knows every unexpected turn of events. We are told by Paul to be anxious about nothing. "Nothing" is a pretty conclusive word. No thing, no part, no portion.

Whatever is weighing you down, stop what you're doing (which I guess at the moment is reading!) and with thanksgiving on your lips, bring your requests to God. You won't have to eat what's on someone else's plate; God will give you your own.

Thank you, Lord, that you care for me. Thank you that you see every need before I even voice it. Right now, with a grateful heart, I bring my concerns to you. Amen