This is an ornament one of my kids made when they were little. I love the simplicity.
Last Sunday night, we finally got the church Christmas play produced. We really struggled with it this year because we had less help than usual. We seemed to be surrounded by the perfect storm of people being too busy to assist and with less people to help to begin with, the Friday night set up reached a critical point.
At one point, there was just the Gaines family of four to get the sanctuary cleared and everything set up for the dress rehearsal on Saturday morning. But, wouldn’t you know it, God provided. My daughter called two friends who agreed to help finish sets. My son and my co-director’s son were also on hand. The director of music (a part-timer), showed up unannounced to help and then there was good old, Mr. Roy.
I suppose every church has a Mr. Roy. If they don’t, they need one. He’s a retiree who is always on hand to help with just about everything. He serves on committees. He drives the bus and goes on youth retreats if we are short. He even agreed to be in the play last year. (Much to his dismay) He cuts grass and rakes leaves. If it needs doing at the church, he will do it, no questions asked.
One of my favorite provision stories is Elijah and the ravens. It’s found in 1 Kings 17:2-4. “Then the Lord said to Elijah, ” Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening.
Let’s consider that for a moment. I can’t even get my dog to return a chew toy I throw for him. God commanded the ravens. Can you imagine commanding a wild bird to do anything? God commanded the ravens and they complied. They helped keep Elijah alive while he was in hiding.
Now let’s get back to our little Christmas play. If God could command ravens, then He certainly could send me help when I was trying to tell the story of the birth of His son and that was exactly what He did. We had enough help to get it done. We didn’t have extra, but we had enough. Isn’t that what faith is all about? Isn’t believing in our hearts that God will provide like He did with the fishes and loaves and the ravens, what helps to drive our faith? We have to humbly give what we have and trust that He will do the rest.
And He did. The play went off without a hitch. We did have to Duck Tape a shepherd’s staff that got broken when they were using them for swords during practice and there was a sheep that whispered in my ear about it being too dark in the sanctuary until it was time for him to go on. But, those are the memories that I treasure the most.
As usual, God took something that looked kind of hopeless and turned it into something beautiful, but then, that’s His way. Why do I ever doubt? Have you ever had a similar experience? Feel free to share.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂