There were times I wondered how we were going to come up with the money for curriculum, a computer, or something that the children needed for their education. Always at the right time, God provided.

I was using Good Science one year and I needed live chlamydia from a biological supply house. I didn’t even know you could buy this bacteria or what a biological supply house was, let alone how to find one! I remember throwing a prayer up in frustration, “Where am I going to find a biological supply house, Lord?” Later on that evening when I went to our Wednesday night church, I was using the phone in the church school office and as I glanced down, I saw a calendar with a phone number from Carolina Biological Supply. I was overwhelmed with gratitude to the Lord for answering my half-hearted prayer thrown up in frustration!

Another year, I wrote down in a prayer journal three things that I thought that I needed, 1) an electric typewriter, 2) a computer (because people told me I needed one – how did I ever live without it???) and 3) a set of encyclopedias. All of these were big ticket items for this humble household, but I prayed for them and put my faith in the Lord to provide what I needed at the right time. Within the year, I had them all, and they came as gifts from the Lord through Christian brothers and sisters.

These are just a few examples that have taught me that the Lord cares for our needs, and often even our wants! Little did I know at the time the capabilities of the compyter and that I would eventually put the electric typewriter away, but I faithfully used that typewriter for a season. As I look back, it is just another example of the Lord providing something because I asked for it and thought that we needed it.

I have also learned that because God cares for our every need, to use what he has placed in my hand. For example, one time I thought that we needed a different math book. I prayed about it and waited but continued to use what the Lord had already provided for us. As we finished up that text, I realized that we just needed to be diligent and work through the difficulties.

Do you need something for your homeschool? Curriculum, music lessons, or an enhancement tool? A creative or different approach to teach a difficult concept? Perhaps some wisdom to handle character training? On a bigger scale, maybe your husband needs a job, or you need a new car? Pray about it and ask God to provide for you! While you are waiting, memorize Scripture to help you stay focused:

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

John 16:24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; and, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Always keep in mind that God loves us and delights in us. He wants to be our provider!

Amber and her husband, Kelly, homeschool in Vale, Oregon, where they have been in leadership in the Christian Homeschool Association of Malheur and Payette Counties, a support group with families in both Oregon and Idaho.

Copied with permission from the December 2001/January 2002 CHAMP newsletter.