It’s a funny name for a blog I know, but after a long absence from regular writing Heavenlyjava is ready to go once again. And I want to begin by telling you about the Birkenstock blessing. During my most recent seasons in God, I have noticed a shift around my finances. In the past I have always had to worry about where money was coming from, even though I was working full time money never seemed to stretch very far. However, that has now changed and abundance is my new reality.
In the last two years I have basically stopped working full time, and have had only little bits of casual work to supplement the pension and that is it. However, there has been a total seismic shift in my finances. I haven’t really increased my giving or applied any formulas but somehow the windows of heaven have just been broken over me and money has arrived when I need it. Some of the blessings of cash have been so bizarre and unexpected that I have started writing them down, and I call this my ‘Blessing book’. When I’m concerned about paying a bill for instance, I just look at the huge list of blessings and turn the worry over to God. Money has come from the most unexpected sources and at the most strange of times. I have found it under my doormat, in books, in envelopes, as gifts from friends and also just landing in my bank account.
But, back to the Birkenstocks. I have feet that are most comfortable in Birkenstock sandals. They are expensive shoes, and my favourite pair finally broke after constant wear. I looked locally and they were $169. Bit much for me. Online they were around $100 and post was extra from Germany. I kept looking on Ebay and then one night I felt a little voice whisper ‘Gumtree’. Gumtree is a local Australian online buy, swap sell site. I never use it, but had a look. I keyed in Birkenstocks and up popped a photo of the exact same pair I wanted in my size. Brand new and $50. I bet they’re in Sydney my doubting mind said, but no, they were five minutes down the road.
Off I went in the morning after contacting the girl. And I felt just like Cinderella as they slipped onto my feet feeling like they had been there for years. I handed over the $50 and walked away feeling so blessed by the intentionality of God’s love for me. Personal love, a father’s love for his daughter, his willingness to provide even the most simple and basic need. And yes, I could have got them for nothing and maybe that would have been an even bigger blessing, but wait – the $50 was part of a $250 unexpected gift from a dear friend a week before.
So the moral of this story is this. God cares, he really does. He might be busy organising the universe and all of it’s inhabitants, but he still cares about the minutest details of our lives. As he has consistently provided for me, I have experienced a new depth of faith and trust – stepping out into new areas and challenges, knowing that he really does provide all, yes all of my needs. As I go about my daily business of caring for family, friends and doing daily living tasks, I just put him first. He is my constant companion and I involve him in everything. Knowing he is there with me brings such joy and peace to what used to be an anxious life. I am blessed. I am thankful. I am grateful to all who bless me with finances, and I pray that Father God will also bless them a hundred fold.
Phil 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Matt: 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Thrive 