Proverbs 1:7 (CSB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Introduction: In the continuation of our story, I delve into the profound impact of trusting God's plan, a lesson that began with a mysterious roadside encounter. Let's explore how this experience challenged and deepened our faith, leading to unexpected blessings and a renewed mission.
Confronting Fear with Faith: Reflecting on Proverbs 1:7, I often ponder: How does fear influence our relationship with God? This question became central to my journey after meeting the stranger who challenged my understanding of trust and obedience.
The $6,000 Dilemma: Lori and I faced a hypothetical dilemma: Would we give away our entire savings if God asked? Our initial answer was no, rooted in our human understanding of security. But God was about to teach us a profound lesson in trust.
A Lesson in Divine Trust: The encounter taught me that trusting God goes beyond finances; it's about entrusting Him with every aspect of our lives. Despite my fears during that encounter – fears of being robbed or harmed – I realized I was subconsciously placing my trust in God.
The Turning Point: Our business underwent a complete transformation following that night. Inspired by the stranger's words, we rebranded everything, from our logo to our products. This was just the beginning of a journey guided by faith.
The Providential Sale: A seemingly casual comment at church led us to sell our Suburban. To our surprise, the sale brought in $25,000 – the exact amount we needed for a purpose God was about to reveal.
A Call to Generosity: God's message became clear: we were to use this money to give away 500 of our handcrafted crosses. This realization struck me profoundly, especially recalling the stranger's suggestion to sell his truck for a similar amount.
Obedience and Provision: This journey taught us the essence of obedience and trust in God's provision. What seemed like a chance encounter evolved into a real-life lesson from God, showing us the path to true discipleship.
The Importance of Those Questions: The questions I started with are not just philosophical musings; they are reflections of my personal journey in understanding fear, trust, and obedience to God's will.
Stay tuned as we continue to share how this journey unfolds and the impact it has on our lives and mission.
God Bless,
Much Love and Happiness
Rick & Lori
