It's the Loaves and the Fishes, Baby!

 

Now What?

So last night I got a text. I knew it was coming, but when I read it, I still wasn't completely prepared. Did you ever get one of those texts? You brace yourself for the alert on your phone and don't want to look because you're pretty sure you know what you're going to find when you open up your messages. You really don't want your fears to be confirmed but have to check eventually. Well this was one of those times for me.  

One of my jobs is that I am an Instructional Aide for cyber schooled students in their homes. I had been working with a student for the past year, was just beginning summer school with him, and it was confirmed several times that I would continue in the fall for the upcoming school year. 

Unfortunately, mom had other plans. She texted me and informed me that, although it was a difficult decision, at this time, they would not be continuing with any Instructional Aide services. Even though we had a great year and it was discussed numerous times that neither of us were looking to change the situation, this text was the confirmation that, in fact, it had.

I was suddenly without a job. 

• A job I enjoyed
• A job I was good at
• A job I relied on
• A job that was supposed to last

Now, let me be clear. Since my divorce, I have never held only one job at a time. I've always had at least two, and often three. So, this morning, I was not out of all of my jobs, just the one that was my main source of income. This morning I woke up knowing that I had to think of some way to make up that income so I could pay my bills this summer. 

• Would I get another temporary job and quit in the fall when school started? 

• Would I change careers and look for something entirely different? 

• Would I live off my savings? 

I had to come up with something. And fast. Or so I thought.

God had a plan.

While I was busy wondering how that was going to happen, God was working behind the scenes, as he always is. The text I read last night informed me I was no longer needed. I no longer had a job. I no longer had the financial security I had just a few mintues prior to reading that text. But God surprised me, as he often does, once again.

The last text I received the night before, reminded me that I was not in control. The first text I received this morning, reminded me that God is. 

Another one of my jobs is being a home healthcare worker. I have taken care of the same woman for 4 years now. One of my coworkers asked me if I could cover her shift one day this week. This morning she changed the question from, "Can you come in early Tuesday and cover part of my shift?" to "Would you like to take all of my hours this summer because I have a lot going on and wouldn't mind if you did?" 

Did I hear that correctly?

• Did God just give me enough hours to make up for the lost wages and then some?
• Did God just come in at just the right moment and provide financially for me? Again?
• Did God use this job loss to help my elderly client get more hours covered and allow my coworker to stay home and take care of her family?
• Did God take something that seemed bad and turn it into a blessing?

The answer is yes!

When it comes to God, the answer is always "yes"! Friends, over the years, I have faced many setbacks. Many job changes and uncertainty. On paper, it doesn't seem like I should be able to pay my credit card bills in full, pay extra on my mortgage, pay for college for four children, and help pay for my daughter's wedding on a teacher's aide and healthcare worker's salary. But I do. God has provided for me in many different ways. People have asked me how I do it. I can't say how. There are so many ways I have been blessed and so many people who have contributed to those blessings. So my answer is always the same when people look at me and wonder how I do it. 

It's the loaves and the fishes Baby! 

That's what I tell them when they ask. That's what I believe. That's what I hold onto. And that's why I never really worry about tomorrow. I know He's got me. He still cares. He still provides baskets and baskets full of loaves and fishes, just when I need them the most!

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

 and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow. 

-Matthew 6:33-34

Oh, and Friends, if you are unfamiliar with the Loaves and the Fishes story, you can find it told four times in the bible. Matthew 14: 13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:12-17 or John 6:1-14. Pick one and check it out. It's pretty cool!