When God Gives You What You Need (Even If You Don’t Like It)
“And
my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in
Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
Call
me vain, but I have never liked white vehicles. They show every bit of dirt and
every bug splatter, and to me, they just look awful. So when I bought a white
Dodge Journey seven years ago, I was not happy at all.
You
might be wondering, “Then why did you buy it?” Here’s the story.
The Car I Didn’t Want
I
had taken my maroon Jeep in for new tires and an oil change. It was late in the
afternoon, and I was tired. That’s when a salesman started pressuring me to
trade in my Jeep for a brand-new Dodge Journey. I told him no—several times.
After all, I had just paid for four brand-new tires. And, it was the last car that my husband and I bought together for me to drive, so it was sentimental to me.
But
he was persistent, and before I fully realized what was happening, I had signed
the papers and drove away in a shiny, new… white Dodge Journey. I hated it.
I
was angry at myself for letting him pressure me into something I didn’t want,
and I was frustrated about the wasted money on those new tires. I felt like I’d
been taken advantage of. But the deal was done.
God’s Surprising Provision
Fast
forward seven years, and here’s the truth: that “ugly” white Journey has been
one of the most dependable vehicles I’ve ever owned. Not a single breakdown.
More
than that, God used it to meet needs I didn’t even know were coming. In those
years, I’ve had to move three different times. And aside from the big pieces of
furniture, I was able to move the majority of my belongings in that roomy SUV.
Looking back, I realize that God knew I needed this vehicle—even if I didn’t.
I
can’t help but think there may have been something wrong with my Jeep that I
never discovered. But one thing is sure: God knew what I needed. As a widow
living on one income, He provided a dependable car that has carried me through
many seasons. And, hey, it's a Dodge vehicle, and my husband was a Dodge man all the way!
Choosing Gratitude
Today,
I’m thankful for the very vehicle I once resented. That “ugly” white Journey in
my driveway reminds me daily that God’s provision isn’t always what we expect,
but it is always what we need.
“Many
are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
— Proverbs 19:21
Is
there something in your life you’ve resisted or disliked, only to later realize
it was part of God’s purpose? Trust Him—He sees what we cannot, and He provides
what we truly need.
Closing
Prayer:
Father, thank You that even when I don’t understand, You know what I need.
Teach me to trust Your provision and to be content in Your purpose for my life.
Amen.
