A very involved God loves you!

It’s so interesting to read the book of Genesis. Those were real people, some with dysfunctional families yet God shares the good and bad about their lives to encourage us.

Jacob was such a trickster and his twin brother Esau got caught up in what he wanted at the moment and took his eyes off of the blessing that was coming in his future. He sold his birthright for a bowl of red stew. I’m not a stew lover. But beans and cornbread or chili — those are amazing! (In fact, it’s time to make more!)

But how many times do we do the same thing? All four of those adults, Isaac, Rebecca, Esau and Jacob messed up. First of all, the parents had favorites!!!! My boys tease me all the time. Each one of the boys say they are the favorite. But there are “favorite” things I love about each one of them. No way I could pick just one. Instead of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled in HIS time — The Isaac and Rebecca family felt God needed their help.

I know I’m not the NASA scientist in the room. But I’m smart enough to know the God of this universe who planned where the sun, moon and stars rotate for our benefit does not need my help. (Writing this helps remind me!!!)

I love it when God just blesses and blesses my soul like he did this past weekend.

First of all, I am not a normal female, I’ve been told. I hate to shop! I’d rather be doing anything else than shopping. And I married my opposite. My hubby loves to shop. Not that he always buys something, but loves looking. He could spend lots of time in those outlet places that are messy and unorganized. I’m not a neat freak. I’m not tempted to straighten their merchandise. But I just can’t stand to see all of that stuff in such a chaos.

Especially after our flood a couple of summers ago when so much “stuff” was ruined and went into the trash. Why spend money on something that just needs a place to be “put?” My storage options are very limited and I’ve gotten smarter about what things I really need, and what someone else can put to good use.

I don’t even like shopping online. I hate the return fee and all of that hassle if I don’t guess the right size. So I was getting to a place where my closet really needed to be updated. DREAD DREAD DREAD!!!

But I was determined to step up to the plate and get something accomplished. I took advantage of a local boutique with a “deal of the day” and found some beautiful things I loved, and they fit!! Another local clothing store had two sizes of a blouse I loved, but needed the middle size. So it will be at the store in a couple of weeks! Jackpot. I felt like I was doing well. But still lacking everything I really needed.

So we made the drive north and had been given the advice of a great place to shop — when they had sales! The last time I had been in that store I was very disappointed. I know I’m not 23 years old, but I’m not 110 either. And everything they had was for those two extremes. So I left without anything. That’s why I hate to shop. That’s why I wear the same things over and over. I know people are tired of seeing me in the same old clothes!!!

But Saturday was different. I had been praying about my NEED! (Yes, clothing options can be a need, not just a want or desire.) And God went before me and I hit the jackpot. Everything I took into the dressing room fit and all were on sale. Some pieces were 50% or 75% off. I was so excited. So my next dilemma was shoes that worked with the clothes and my feet. It turned out God had those picked out for me too — and on sale!

I’m telling you. We have an amazing God who wants to be involved in the bargains you need and “find” as well as providing you eternal life that starts right now. I remember my mom praying before we went to the fabric stores looking at patterns and fabric for two little girls! I’m guessing that’s where the seed was planted.

Whether you are facing a major health or financial crisis, or just need a new outfit — God wants to be there for you. Are you in physical pain? Are you working with some impossible co-workers? Are people spreading lies about you or your business? Turn everything over to God. Tell him you know you can’t make it work, but He can!

I Peter 1:3 (NLT) reads, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.”