About five years ago my husband and I made a split second decision to upgrade my iPad and give him my old one. I immediately jumped in my car, drove to the Apple Store and made my purchase. We aren’t able to do that anymore.

When we both worked full time we could buy whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, within reason. We don’t have necessarily expensive tastes, so it was easy to spend without paying attention to where our money was going. We didn’t have to budget because our bank account was always full.

Becoming a Single Income Family

In 2022 we became a single income family when Ieft my job to stay home with our kids. In the past two years I have learned that while I felt like we lacked nothing during our working season, I was lacking an amazing gift.

While praying about leaving my job, a friend told me that I would not be able to work out our finances on paper because it would always appear that there wasn’t enough money for all the things. She was right, but she was also right when she told me not to worry about it, because God would always provide enough. We have always had enough to pay our bills, put food on the table, and eat out occasionally.

During times when I cried out to God that we didn’t have enough, He always came through. I cherish those memories of God’s faithfulness. They have given me confidence in God as Provider.

God is the Perfect Provider

I am choosing to follow the truth that God is our Provider of everything, whether we acknowledge it or not. But while I know that God gives us everything we need, I hate to admit that I am just like the Israelites seeking to return to Egypt. I long for the life of plenty we once had, but I must remember that life lacked a sensitivity to God’s provision, and so in return wasted a lot of that provision.

So whether our family has a full bank account or not, my prayer is that I never lose this new sensitivity to God’s provision, and that I use His provision more wisely for His Kingdom.

Matthew 6:31–34

31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.