“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine” (Psalm 50:10-11).

Many years ago the little house on St. Charles Street, built on the hillside, was filled with the laughter of children. Dad was hard working, but his salary was meager. Mom did an outstanding job of making the budget stretch. No one was ever turned away from the little family who loved the Lord. Dad didn’t want to tell the family that he didn’t have enough money to buy new shoes for the youngest child. This boy was growing quickly, and his shoes were starting to hurt his feet. “Honey, it is not a matter of our children being disappointed in you not being able to buy shoes for Clifford. They need to see the Lord working and blessing us,” a very wise mom shared with her husband. So that night, they prayed together as a family that God would provide for them to be able to buy Clifford some new shoes. One of the children mentioned to the Lord, “I know You own the cattle on a thousand hills. We don’t need cattle, Lord. But Cliffy needs shoes.” The next day a letter came that was mailed three days before the prayer meeting. It was a kind letter from a dear friend, and enclosed was a twenty dollar bill. The friend wrote, “I just sensed the Lord wanted me to send this to you. I love you, dear friends.” Sometimes the Lord says, “Wait.” Other times He answers quickly. Always He provides for His children.

For today: Aren’t you glad you belong to the Lord? Don’t you wish everyone did?