My name is Mandy Harper. I live in Orange Park, Florida, with John, my husband of twelve years, and our children: Jayden, Ashlyn, and Gavin. Oh, I cannot forget about our dog, Leia, and two cats, Cole and Mochi. They act as if they are also my children, who need lots of attention and constantly eat! I have been an elementary Sunday school teacher for six years at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Jacksonville, Florida. I get the opportunity to teach young girls every Sunday morning. I have been asked to write a little devotional, and I hope this will be an encouragement to each reader.
Many of us, if not all, have been adjusting to our new routines and lifestyles while trying to get used to this “new normal.” I remember when we went to Costco just to buy normal essentials and, of course, there was no toilet paper. Even then, we got to the macaroni and cheese aisle, and my daughter said, “Mom, where is the mac and cheese?” Mac and cheese is a staple in our house, and there in the store without any of this beloved food in sight, even my eight-year-old was getting worried. As we continued through the store, many of the items on our list were obviously missing and sold out. As we were checking out, I noticed our cart was still full of food items and things we could actually eat. The thought crossed my mind, “We are still going to be taken care of, even though things are missing.” The food that was in our cart were not normal things we would have bought, but they were things out of which I could make meals for our family.
We have all heard the saying, “Make do with what you have.” Maybe we have even said it ourselves. The Bible says in Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Even though grocery items were out of stock and missing from the shelves, the Lord still filled our cart with what we needed. This verse reminds me that He will always give us what we need, even though it may not be exactly how we planned.
This week my children have started doing their schoolwork at home. It has certainly been a learning experience for me, and I know they are adjusting to “Mom” being their teacher. I have had to sit down and remember how to do English and math, and I am so thankful they are not in high school yet because they would probably need to ask Google for help! Being a wife, mommy, and teacher all at one time has made it easy for me to become overwhelmed and stir crazy. My four-year-old buzzes right through his schoolwork, but then needs someone to play Legos with him, and is constantly asking for a snack. My eight-year-old is slogging through math while learning division. My nine-year-old is trying to figure out how to type on the laptop while doing a quiz. He exclaimed out loud while staring at the keyboard, “Why are the letters out of order?”
I bet many readers are relating to this madness! It would be easy to throw up my hands and say, “I give up. This is too much!” The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I have heard this verse quoted so many times throughout my life. I even memorized it at a young age. This verse is so easy to say but tough to live! I must trust the Lord with all of my heart! I should not lean on my own understanding and strength because that is when things get out of order and become overwhelming. In the midst of schoolwork and this new routine, with everyone at home and nowhere to go, it is something of which we need to be reminded. I know that I often try to do many things without the Lord’s help, and it never turns out the way I planned. Those who relate to me will understand because we try to do everything ourselves. We help the children with homework, make the mac and cheese, play with Legos on the floor, wash all of the laundry, and mop all of the floors in one hour! However, let us remember to put Him first and let Him direct our day. As His child, I am so thankful that we have the ability to go to the Lord and ask Him for help!
When we start the day with prayer and the Bible, we must remember to ask the Lord to help us to trust in Him. Then, He will give us the strength we need for the day. Even when life gets crazy, let us always take the time to trust God—the One Who will supply our needs and get us through each day!
I sang this song in Sunday School as a child, and the words still ring true today:
Why worry when you can pray?
Trust Jesus, He will be your stay.
Don’t be Doubting Thomas!
Lean fully on His promise!
Why worry, worry, worry, worry when you can pray?
by Mandy Harper
