The Lord's Provision

How many times have you ever come across a penny on the ground and just kept walking? We all have. I was no different. Money, specifically change, is dirty to me. Just the thought of all the places its been before it gets to me is disgusting. It is not far fetched to think that the dime in my pocket has once visited a bathroom floor, a street gutter, a child's mouth,  and a crackhead's couch. I mean, isn't it possible that the dollar you possess right now once nestled itself in some ladies dirty bra collecting boob sweat, yuck!

Because of this I have transitioned my life around my debit card. I rarely carry cash and avoid circumstances that would require me to visit the germ distributing ATM machine, that part I can control. But recently I was convicted regarding that penny on the ground.

The Lord spoke to me and said "Who are you to turn your nose up at my provision." And, of course, He was right. Am I really so haughty to believe that I am too good for something provided by God? Everybody is different. Some people only pick up bills if they find them, never change. Some people will pick up change, but only if it's quarter, other's only if it's silver, never pennies. But regardless of the amount, one thing rings true for all - when you find money it is a blessing from God, no matter how big or small.

If I come across a penny on the ground and ignore it, if I don't pick it up, I am saying, "God, I am willing to accept a blessing from you in larger amounts but I am above this." I am saying, "God, I don't need your provisions, I can do just fine on my own."

If I deny a small blessing can I really expect any blessings at all? Everything I have is provided by Him, my clothes, my meals, my shelter, everything. I don't deserve these provisions but He gives them freely. And because they came from Him, He has the right to take them away.

Needless to say, I no longer ignore that penny on the ground. In fact, ever since the Lord spoke to me regarding this he has tested my obedience in the matter. One time, I was waiting in line at the bank and there was a penny on the ground in the middle of line. This may sound silly, but it was really hard for me, as a grown man, to bend over and pick up that penny as people were looking at me. It sincerely felt as though they were disgusted by my action. Another time, there was a penny in a parking lot in the middle of one of those oil patches in the parking spot. It was caked in oil, but when you have your convictions, you have your convictions. The Lord has rewarded me as well. I never used to find bills on the ground but since I've been obedient in this matter I find them all the time.

When I get home, I put all my blessings in a water jug. It serves as a tangible reminder of the Lord's provisions and the active role He plays in my life everyday.