It is just-in-time;
It comes when we have ceased to fret about the subject matter;
It comes in the right proportion for us, not too little, not too much.
An example.
Since we arrived in Oz, hubby has been trying without success to secure a f/t job. Despite lowering his expectations and applying for entry level positions, he has been met with rejection after rejection, to the point that he is overwhelmed by discouragement and a sense of hopelessness. There seem to be so many obstacles. Employers prefer locals or at least people who have already chalked up some years of local work experience (the chicken and egg issue). Sometimes you need 2 local referees to vouch for you. Or the job requires an Oz certification.
But God has not left us destitute. As we wait, He has provided hubby with 2 p/t jobs. One is an ongoing weekly catalogue distribution position. The other is a 2- month assignment doing inventory checks in an office supplies store. Neither pays a lot, but it's enough to keep us going, to keep him busy and to help him feel that he is contributing to the family expenses in some way. If we were in Singapore facing a similar situation, the pressure would have been unbearable because of the constant comparison with peers. Here, we are free to admit that we need help, especially His help. This freedom is a great relief and a wonderful character builder.
An unforeseen blessing of not working f/t: hubby has been able to help with chores and looking after Beth, releasing me to put up my feet when I need to, and to work at my online business, for which I'm grateful. He and Beth have had many grown-up conversations as they spend quantity (and therefore quality) time together, which might not have happened in Singapore. This will be a blessing and imprint on her character formation.
Also, as Oz residents, we are entitled to certain family tax benefits. We applied to the authorities and now receive a small allowance every 2 weeks, plus a Health Care Card which gives us concessions and subsidies on medical bills, utilities, vehicle registration renewal/road tax and Beth's kinder fees - all the regular major money drainers. For example, being on the public healthcare system means that my recent stay in hospital was entirely covered by Medicare.
Yesterday, hubby attended an interview for a f/t position in the City. The call was so unexpected that he couldn't remember having applied for the position; the application had been made some months back and he hadn't thought about it since! He is fairly hopeful about this one because the interviewer has informed him that he intends to call on hubby's Singapore referees. If he does land this position, he plans to negotiate for a later start date so he can be available to help me with the baby till we're more settled.
I have prayed that if this job is right for hubby, the Lord will open the way for him. Other than that, we are not fretting about the matter and are living our lives as normal.
So you see, God has not left us stranded. He has given us just enough for the next step, and the step after that. And for that we are grateful. We are especially thankful that He has not (yet) poured on us vast riches either, because we might not have the wisdom to manage them wisely and in a manner that glorifies His name. Perhaps when we have learnt to do so, the riches will follow.
The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. - Prov 10:22
In the meantime, our prayer is that of Agur in Proverbs 30:8-9:
Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say,"Who is the LORD?"
Or I may become poor and steal,and so dishonour the name of my GOD.
Amen.
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