Well, the mechanics are still trying to determine exactly what's wrong with my car. They told me yesterday that there's a parasitic draw that was sucking power from the battery, eventually causing it to die. So once they figure out exactly which circuit is the parasite to blame, hopefully they'll be able to take care of it...and at a reasonable cost.

Even though I'm not sure how much these repairs will set me back financially, God's already been providing. On Tuesday morning, the day after my car died, we were told in chapel that we'll be receiving our Christmas bonuses next week. Then at the end of the day, I got an email offering me a free-lance writing assignment for an AG teen devotional. These small supplements to my income come at just the right time and I am so grateful for them!

I'm often challenged by Matthew 6:25-34, when Jesus tells us not to worry. Worry is something I do all too well, but when my car died on Monday, I was determined not to let feelings of despair or anxiety get the best of me. With God's help, I've been trusting him and reminding myself that my trust and feelings of well-being should not solely depend on the amount in my savings account. I'm thankful that the Lord continues to teach me lessons like these, as I find I don't always retain the lesson the first time around.

Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But week first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Lessons Quickly Applied

I started reading through Philippians yesterday, which includes the following verses:

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." 1:27a
"Do everything without complaining and arguing." 2:14
"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." 4:11b-12

And this morning I'm having the opportunity to put these verses into practice.

As I got into my car, ready to begin another work week, my little Saturn apparently decided it didn't like Mondays and refused to start. After several failed attempts to turn on my car, I realized my efforts were in vain and headed back into the apartment to ask Bethany for a ride to work. (Thank goodness for a wonderful roommate whose job is located a mile from mine!")

In the process of exiting my car, I also noticed a huge, brown stain on my winter coat. I realized that the spilled coffee I thought I had so nimbly jumped away from on Saturday night, had in fact, landed on my coat. So, I mentally added a trip to the dry cleaners to my to-do list, along with getting my car towed this afternoon.

Now, I know that in comparison to Paul's imprisonment as he wrote this letter to the Philippians, my circumstances aren't so dire, but they are still discouraging. However, I'm thankful that this is the chapter I "just so happened" to be reading yesterday and today. Those verses helped put an event that could easily bring me to tears into perspective.

But, if you're reading this, I'd definitely appreciate your prayers. I had to purchase brand new tires for my car two weeks ago, so my budget is already pretty tight right now and I'm not sure how much I'll have to pay to get my Saturn up and running again. Thankfully, I have AAA, so I don't have to worry about paying to have the car towed. In the midst of everything, there are blessings.

I leave with what I would consider one of my life verses, also found in Philippians:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7