Provision

          Well, another year is coming to an end and another new beginning is on the way. This year has flown by, so quickly in fact, that I have trouble even remembering what all happened. But the one thing that stands out to me about this past year is PROVISION. The saying "God will make a way when there seems to be no way" has been made evident in my life this year. From receiving a card in the mail from a dear friend with a check enclosed during a time when we needed it the most, to getting nearly the exact amount of money needed for a mission trip donated the week before we were supposed to leave... God has proven faithful in my life this year! The economy led me to lose a lot of money I was receiving for school. My mom had some health problems and was written out of work for a month, only to find out later that she had been denied disability. But somehow, God still made it possible for us to keep up with the tuition payments. God led me to  that school for a reason, and deciding to attend a pricey private University takes a major leap of faith, but He didn't let me down. God answered countless prayers for me this past year, and he gave me assurance that I'm following the plan He has prepared for me. He gave me the opportunity to help babysit my little cousins over the summer, and when I went back to school He provided me with a work/study job. The people I work with are truly a blessing, my hours are flexible with my class schedule, and the money I make helps my mom with tuition payments. Not only that, but He also allowed me to be chosen for an educational grant in which I get the chance to mentor middle school students in the afternoons. I've also been getting a lot of positive feedback on my blog this year, and that has been a great encouragement. It's now the last week of the year, and God is still opening doors, answering prayers, and supplying needs. The greatest provision of all happened last week when I received a phone call from my dad letting me know that my 70 year old Grandfather had accepted Christ as his Savior. That was an answer to a prayer my dad had been praying all his life, a prayer I had been praying all my life, and a prayer my Grandmother was still praying when she lost her battle with cancer two years ago.

*Update: Exactly one week to the day from when my Grandpa accepted Christ, God called him home. He is now dwelling with the Savior, and rejoicing with his loved ones who've gone on before. What a blessed assurance we now have!*

          When I look back at it all, I'm amazed. I have been incredibly blessed, beyond words. It hasn't been an easy year by any means. It's been tough, and I've struggled with my faith at times, but God never failed me. The definition of "provision" is "the action of providing or supplying something for use; to supply with food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey." This year God provided me with the opportunity to go on a mission trip with my youth group, because He knew that was something I needed in order to grow in my Spiritual walk and develop the qualities I need to become an effective leader. This year God provided financially for my college education, because that's something I'm going to need in order to do what He would have me do and fulfill the purpose He has planned for me. This year God provided me with a job, because working for the money to pay for my college education makes it all the more valuable. This year God provided me with the opportunity to mentor middle school students, because He wanted to teach me how to relate to them and He wanted to prepare me for the things I will face in the future He has planned for me. This year God provided me with lots of encouragement from my writings, because He wanted to assure me that this is part of the plan He has in store for me. This year God provided my Grandfather with salvation, because He wanted to give me and my family hope for the future.
          God's provision has been such a blessing to me this year, and I am unworthy of it all. I have not given God the praise He deserves. His provisions were not given so that I would take them for granted and keep living on my own terms. His provisions were given so that they may be put to use, they were provided as supplies for a journey. 2012 is the start of a new journey, and with all that God has provided, I am fully prepared for what is yet to come. I have no reason to doubt or to fear. With God on my side, I can do all things. Thank you, Father, for your continued faithfulness in my life this year. Thank you for your continued provision, for making a way every time when it seemed like there was no way. In this upcoming year, may I be what you would have me be, and do as you would have me to do. All the glory goes to  you, Lord! Thank you for all that you've done and all that you're going to do. I give you all the praise.

A few songs to summarize my year...

Your Love Never Fails!

You are Faithful!

Forever Reign!