- photo by Susan PageThere are occasions in life that can catch us off guard, even though we knew they were going to take place. It doesn’t make sense if you think about it, but it happens. Let me give you an example, and then I will share what God continues to teach me. My faithful Father is such a patient teacher.

On the day in question, I picked up the mail and saw two official-looking envelopes from the government. It made sense because I had recently renewed my driver’s license and health card. However, I discovered this official paperwork was for Canada and the Old Age Pension. Now, as I said earlier, it’s not that I didn’t know the paperwork was coming, but I wasn’t expecting it quite that soon. When I shared with my eldest that I didn’t know how I got here so soon, and I couldn’t possibly be this age, her very affirming remark was, “Keep telling yourself that, mom.” 😊 Some people are curious as to why “cash for life” would make me anxious.

Let me try to explain …

Major life decisions had to be made. That alone can cause anxiety. Change, even good change, can increase stress levels. Decisions regarding big life changes, especially when navigating as a single person, can be overwhelming at times. Should I access my pension at 65 or delay? Should I, or would I, or must I keep working? Full-time, part-time, any-time, no-time? Where could I live more reasonably? What were my dreams, my goals, my heart’s desire? Could I manage on a single Government benefit income along with my savings? What would I do? How would I cope? What if I didn’t remain healthy? Questions, questions, questions! The arrival of this paperwork allowed the enemy a foothold in one of my weakest vulnerabilities, …security, or rather, the fear of a lack of security.

I have head knowledge as well as a good deal of heart knowledge, but the emotions and the background of my insecurities, that’s a whole other story. I knew I could seek counsel, especially financial advice, but there were as many opinions as questions asked.

But then … a very dear friend of mine said, “You have always been in-tune with God’s leading; ask Him, wait on Him, tell Him, let Him lead!”

About a week later, when my emotions had settled, I turned to the portion of Scripture assigned for that evening in my dated devotional, which was from John 6. I could never count how many times I’ve read this familiar passage, but this time, it was alive and fresh, speaking directly to my situation.

Jesus had crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee, and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw how often He miraculously cured the sick. When Jesus saw the large crowd, He asked Philip where to purchase bread. Philip responded by focusing on what they didn’t have, and on how much it would cost to get bread for so many. In other words, He focused on the lack, or as the Spirit revealed to me, Philip wasn’t secure in the belief that Jesus could supply all that was needed.

Andrew, however, pointed out the little that they did have. There was a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish. Perhaps Andrew saw the possibilities - as slim as the pickings were.

Jesus, well, amazingly … He gave thanks to the Father and made the little become more than enough! More than enough to feed 5000, since that was the number of men in the crowd, not counting the women and children. On top of that, there were 12 baskets left over!

Later that evening, I felt God’s Spirit driving the message home as I read Shelter in God by Dr. David Jeremiah. The message is that He is indeed more than enough.

In his book, Dr. Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord is our counsellor. “I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7). The passage tells us that God will give us the answers, even in the night, or in times of darkness and confusion. God doesn’t have a “hold” button. He doesn’t redirect us to another line. He is always available. The Psalmist goes on to say that God is our confidence. “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (v.8).

Along with the Psalmist, we can declare, “I cry to you, LORD; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living’” (Psalm 142:5). You, Lord, are more than enough.

In the world, and yes, the message has even seeped into the Church, that we must accumulate enough to live on and that we need to have a huge nest egg of security. Let’s remember the simplest and basic stories of Jesus. He took what there was, a mere five small barley loaves and two small fish, and He made it more than enough.

Another passage of Scripture that helps us fight against the lies of the enemy, who wants to keep us in a place of doubt and fear, is the beautiful portion from Philippians 4, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. … And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (vs.6,7).

I’m also reminded, while on my daily walks seeing the details in nature, of Jesus’ words when He told us not to worry. “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 than food, and the body more 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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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—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 seek 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” (Matthew 6:25-34).

Our God, who takes and multiplies whatever we offer, knows what we need before we ask. To this God who is more than enough, be glory forever and ever! Amen.

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.