Praying for the good, the bad, and the ugly
A lesson from having $.11 left to your name
In 2020, as with most people, things were pretty terrible for me and my family.
Very long story short…
…I found myself staring at $.11 in our bank account.
11 cents.
Eleven cents.
Total. Savings, checking, everything.
But…I also am sitting here writing this to you in 2023.
I’m full-time at a job I am really enjoying. I’m writing. I am celebrating my youngest daughter’s 3rd birthday today (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLOTTE!)
Things aren’t the absolute greatest ever.
But, man, they are pretty good compared to $.11.
And I have to take the time to remember that we are to pray “give us today the food we need” every single day.
Because I have literally been unsure where and when our next meal is coming from. But I’ve also needed to pray for patience with a co-worker. And I’ve also needed to remember to pray about gas in my car. And for money for a video game I’d like to play and find time to play.
The list goes on.
But, ultimately, it’s the good AND the bad.
Because it constantly teaches me to rely on God and that, when I do, that it’s a beautiful thing.
So praying, daily, for what you need from God in any area of your life will always pay off in fruitful and unexpected ways.
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for the ugly days of staring at a near-empty bank account as well as the days with discretionary spending money. Jesus, help me realize that, in all things, all I need is you. Spirit, give me today the grace I need for myself. Amen.
Remember
Even the worst parts of your life have brought you to where you are now. Don’t hate those days. Acknowledge them for what they were, but recognize that they have also brought you to the person you are now…which, I promise you, if you are reading this and taking prayer seriously in your life, will only make you better tomorrow.