I’ve been in Ecclesiastes for a while. Yes I’m aware there are only twelve chapters. Anita and I started reading it together and God hasn’t let me get out. Today I read chapter five again and two things jumped off the page.
I’ve always had a problem speaking too much. It’s a gift and a curse in the same breath. The first half of the chapter charges the reader to be silent in awe of God. I’m processing a lot internally and my temptation is to talk to many different people and process out loud. I realize now that God is telling me to turn to Him and Him alone. I plan on writing a lot while I’m in Africa but I decided that I won’t post anything while we’re gone regardless of access to the internet. This is a time for reflection and petition. See you on the other side.
The rest of the chapter speaks about money and wealth. Andy Stanley once said, “Coincidence is God’s way of being anonymous.” I wrote that one down. Over the last month we have had to lean in on God and His provision. Along with trusting Him with all our Africa finances (which He has provided in marvelous fashion through our family and friends. Thank you God and thank you guys!) we have had several situations requiring additional money to be found. You know the regular stuff. Cars, bills and unforeseen expenses. God tells us the “the sleep of the laborer is sweet…and the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.”
We all have our own filters of what rich and poor is. I’m sure mine is about to be drastically changed but I do have enough perspective to see that God has blessed us beyond measure. Thank you God for my abundance of health, love, family, friends, and service. I would be a rich man if I were able to labor for you the rest of my days.
May my sleep be sweet and my words be few!
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