Encourage Yourself in Faith: Finding Strength in God's Promises

New Wheels, New Beginnings

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Proverbs 21:5

I want to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision that has deepened my faith and trust in Him. This journey has not only been about receiving material blessings but also about learning to rely on God’s perfect timing and His guidance in every area of my life.

It all began when I started saving up to purchase a car. I had saved about $3,000, hoping to buy a used car, something reliable but modest. However, when I went to the dealership, I was told they didn’t sell used cars. Although I was disappointed at first, my spiritual father and I decided to keep looking. As we walked around the dealership lot, I spoke words of faith over my situation, declaring, "I will have my own car." At that moment, I didn’t realize it, but I was speaking God's promise over my life.

A few days later, my spiritual father, his wife, and a friend of theirs joined me at the dealership. To my surprise, the dealership gave us a discount because of my spiritual father's military background. I was able to make the first down payment on a car I could never have imagined owning. It felt surreal, but as we prayed together, I knew deep in my heart that this was a sign of God’s provision. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1). God had provided exactly what I needed.

Not long after purchasing the car, I received another unexpected blessing. My dad shared that a young man had given him $500 to contribute toward the car. I didn’t even remember the man’s name, but I was deeply touched by his generosity. I prayed for God's blessings over his family, acknowledging that God uses people to bless us in ways we cannot anticipate. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

In addition to that, pastors from my spiritual father's ministry also contributed toward the car. Their support was such a beautiful reminder of the way God works through His people to meet our needs. With the combined contributions and the favor of God, the car was eventually paid off, and I was able to fully own it. What started as a simple goal of buying a car became a testimony of God's incredible faithfulness and provision.

In the months that followed, my spiritual father and I worked together to secure insurance. Through many challenges, we eventually found the right plan. My spiritual father even paid for the first six months of insurance. After his passing, I felt the weight of his absence deeply, but I also felt a sense of strength and responsibility in the lessons he had taught me. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). He had shown me how to take responsibility for what God had entrusted to me.

When my spiritual father passed away, it was a profound loss. Some people became jealous and hurtful over the blessings I had received, and their words stung deeply. But instead of responding to negativity, I chose to protect my peace. I blocked them from my life and trusted that God was with me, guarding my heart. “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). I realized that I didn’t need their approval—I was loved by God, and that was enough.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with immense gratitude. God didn’t just provide a car; He provided people who walked alongside me, who gave generously, and who prayed for me. I now walk in the legacy of my spiritual father, knowing that God is continuing His work in me. Though he is no longer here, I carry the ministry he prayed for, trusting that God has a greater purpose for my life. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18).

Trust God’s timing and provision:
When you trust God with your needs, He will provide in ways you can't anticipate. His timing is always perfect, even when we don’t see the full picture. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for our good.

Recognize God’s blessings through others:
Sometimes, God uses people in our lives to bless us in ways we never expected. Be open to receiving His provision, whether through financial support, encouragement, or prayers. Philippians 4:19 reassures us that God will supply every need.

Guard your peace:
Life can bring challenges and difficult people, but we can protect our peace by setting healthy boundaries. Remember that God is faithful to strengthen and protect you, even when others are not kind. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 promises God’s faithfulness.

Walk in Your Calling:
God has a greater purpose for your life. Trust that even through seasons of loss, He is still working out His plan for you. Walk confidently in the calling He has placed on your life, just as my spiritual father believed in and prayed for me. John 14:18 reminds us that God will never leave us; He is always with us.

Closing prayer:
Father, thank You for Your amazing provision, for meeting our needs in ways we could never have imagined. We are so grateful for the people You place in our lives to bless us and guide us. Help us to trust in Your timing and to walk in the faith that You will always provide. Teach us to guard our peace and to walk boldly in the calling You have placed on our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.