"God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also providethe way of escape that you may be able to endure it."   1 Cor.10:13b

As I look back at what has shaped me, there have been many ways the Lord has worked in my life. However, the overriding theme of my experience has always been God's enduring provision for me. I'd be lying if I told you that I always noticed God's intervening hand or accepted my trials with the perseverance of Job. As it is, I'm being continually renewed to see how I have been blessed with all that I need.

God's preeminent grace came to me before I ever found salvation. I wasn't raised in a Christian family, but the Lord never failed to provide for me. During my growing-up years, I was safely kept from starting friendships with poor influences. I was given the ability to learn very well in school. My family, who struggled financially, always found a way to get what we needed. I was also protected from broken relationships within my family that could have devastated my self esteem and security. God was ALWAYS faithful to carry me during my childhood, even though I was blind to Him.

After I became a Christian at the age of twelve, the Lord didn't cease to watch over me, only this time, I could finally pick up on His graciousness in every circumstance. He offered me strong friendships with growing Christians, a family to witness to and love, and numerous blessings that have eased my burdens. He alone gave me the chance to attend and afford the college I adore, where I have grown immensely in my faith. He alone provided a (free!) car when I feared I wouldn't have one to find a home church near my school. Even during a tumultuous year when my young uncle was dying of brain cancer, God was evidently present. Through that storm, my aunt came to Christ and my family began their search for Truth.

God is always faithful. If, as in my case, people have failed you in the past, it can be hard to trust that God is always working for us. Today, I want to encourage you by sharing how God has always cared and provided for me. He wants desperately to overwhelm us with blessings beyond compare. As we prepare for this life-altering journey, let's praise Him for all He has done thus far, no matter how minute it may seem. After all, God is already protecting the hearts in Jeffreys Bay and paving the way for His work through us!