GOD PROVIDES

No one told me that there were more important things in this world than keeping up with the Joneses. I was following the American life of living to the fullest and having everything that money could buy. Sure, I was not rich, but that did not stop me from providing nice and comfortable things for my family and friends. Only when I stopped focusing on my own life and looked around to those who had less or nothing did I realize that God provided everything I needed to survive – and much more.

Last October, I took a trip to Australia and New Zealand. While on that trip, I visited the Sydney Opera House and Concert Hall. I had always wanted to attend a concert there just for the experience. All scheduled concerts and shows were sold out, so I resigned myself to that fact and did not let it bother me. The next day, on Sunday, I decided to keep the Sabbath and attended a small church near the place I was staying. After the service, I was talking to the senior pastor at the church when he suddenly mentioned that there was a big concert at the Sydney Concert Hall the next evening, and he asked if I wanted tickets. I didn’t hesitate. With a definite nod and excitement, I said yes. For $10, I was treated to a fabulous 250-member Gospel Choir from Florida and the Sydney Salvation Army Jazz Band. All my dreams were fulfilled just by remaining faithful to my walk with the Lord. He provided the rest.

— Frank Bertrand

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist