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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12–13, NIV).

Several years ago, after Christmas, I began to sort through the bills. What a sobering experience. First I paid the MasterCard bill and then my quarterly estimated state and federal taxes. This was followed by out-of-state college tuition—a 17 percent increase that year. (At that point I had that mental picture of a giant vacuum cleaner in the sky, sucking up all the money we had.) Then I checked on our retirement account, noting it had, for the third year in a row, dropped double digits. I began to have this sinking feeling. I was really discouraged.

Then it was as if the Lord said, Haven’t you paid all your bills? Haven’t I met all of your needs? Haven’t I always met all of your needs? What makes you think that after all these years of so-called spiritual maturity, I’m no longer going to meet your needs?

That was very convicting. Then the Lord said to my heart, Bryant, it never was yours in the first place. And whether you’re riding high for one year and down in the dumps the next, that’s My decision. It has always been My decision. It has never been yours. I’m just interested in your managing what I entrust to you to the best of your ability. Trust Me with the rest.

Thanks, God. I needed that!