maybe with powdered milk, and maybe not

I remember my parents bringing us all into the living room. They told us we were out of money and that we needed to pray that God would come through for us. We prayed fervently with faith that if Mom and Dad said God would help us, then He would. When I was very little, I spilled the gallon of milk from the top shelf of the refrigerator and Mom cried. It was the only real milk we could afford for a long time. Because I spilled it, we had to drink powdered milk. We had discount lunches and government cheese in high school and shopped yard sales for 98% of our clothing. My parents drove the family car from the time I was in 3rd grade until I was a junior in college. Through these years, I loved life; I developed meaningful relationship skills and a faith in God that would shape my future and strengthen me at the core of my being.

How did this happen? My parents were determined to raise up leaders who would do right and love God. We had to experience for ourselves that God would take care of us, and keep His promises. We had to learn that prayer moves the heart of God and that, at all cost, pleasing Him would bring about blessings.

I remember the $100 bill wrapped around Dad's car door handle, mysteriously specific answered prayers, free "damaged" cans of food with no labels. It's sortof fun to open up cans, not knowing what you are about to eat for dinner! I remember going to McDonalds with our last $10. I remember my sister saying that she was not sure God cared about us, and the next day, all 4 of us kids were given a $500 savings bond. Twice a year the $17.50 interest checks reminded us that God would provide for our needs.

Seeing the faithfulness of God first hand in those formative years and knowing for certain that He would not fail us, proved to be instrumental in our faith as adults. When we started West Ridge Church, I had no doubt that God would provide each of our needs in His perfect timing. This journey of God's provision has shed light on past questions, however, as a parent, I have new questions. I want my boys to have an unshakable faith in God, yet we are not drinking powdered milk. My boys do not have to depend on God for daily needs like we did. So then, how will they develop a first hand faith? The answer, I am learning, is that God will allow different things in the lives of people to bring them to total dependence on Himself. Sometimes, those things are painful and out of our control. It is a challenge for us as parents to allow God to work in the lives of our kids. Sometimes I want to throw character building out the window and forget about that far away bigger picture! I would rather slap a few people on my way to rescue my boys from the difficulties that they must experience. BUT I must allow God to make Himself known to them as healer, rescuer, provider and promise keeper. While we encourage, train, love and support, God has to become THEIR GOD. He is the One who authored the manual of their lives and plans to give them a hope and a future--a future I cannot dictate--and would not want to. For He will do His best work in their lives, maybe with powdered milk, and maybe not.