A Transformation… from fear to greater faith

God has definitely worked some transformation in me during the Grace Transforms campaign.

My husband, Barry, had been unemployed for more than six months when the church called for a three-year commitment to the Grace Transforms campaign in May 2005.  As we prayed about what God might want to do through us to help build a church for His glory, we both sensed God prompting us to make a “scary” faith pledge. Without really knowing how God would provide, we pledged about a half-year’s salary, IF Barry had been working.

At the same time, we were facing Barry’s ongoing problems with Lyme disease. So this faith pledge was not the most comfortable thing we’ve ever done. It would have been even less comfortable if we had known Barry would be unemployed for two more years! As the months went on, we began to wonder what God was up to, not only for provision for our faith pledge, but also for our own needs. I wondered if we were hearing God accurately about many things. Barry and I even discussed me returning to work, but we sensed that idea was motivated by fear and not God.

So, we waited on God. Then, in mid-2006, we had what I call a “George Muller Moment.” God graciously and abundantly provided not only the ability to fulfill our pledge to Grace Transforms, but also for ALL of our financial needs (and many wants, too)! Barry received an inheritance from a distant aunt. I don’t think he was even aware he was in this aunt’s will. But God knew! He also knew when her life would end, and that we could then be a vessel through which He would build His church. So, we were able to fulfill our pledge A YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, while Barry was still unemployed! (God provided a job for Barry in July 2007).  

Here’s the transforming part: I had known in my head that God is my Provider. By His grace, He allowed me to experience that concept! I no longer expect Him to provide for my needs only through my husband (or in any specific way). I now really know that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and that He can do anything when our eyes are fixed on Him!

Isn’t it fun (although nerve-wracking at times!) to watch what God can do when we step out in faith in response to His Spirit’s leading? Who could guess what He had planned for us when we made that original pledge?

Grace to you,
Donna McClendon