I was reading a journal entry of mine from a few years ago: It’s Monday, and payroll for all the Shepherd’s Gate staff is due on Thursday. The problem is that there is not enough money in the bank to pay our wonderful employees…not near enough! Every person who is called to work at Shepherd’s Gate comes knowing that it is truly a faith walk.
For over 28 years we have never received any government funds. Every month we trust God to touch the hearts of people to give so that this ministry to precious women and children can continue. Over ten thousand desperate women and children have found new lives in Jesus here! Everyone who gives, in so many ways, are a part of the miracle! This particular week I truly did not know where payroll would come from…but God did! Our wonderful staff and many others were praying and believing in God’s promises to provide. Wednesday came and there was still no money…until, late that day, when an envelope came in the mail. A very large check was in it, from a couple who live in Louisiana. I was shocked because they are in their eighties, in ministry themselves, and I knew they did not have that kind of money! I called them…they had sold a piece of property and the Lord had told them to send us the proceeds that week!!
“Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God”.” Mar 11:22 NLT “It is impossible to please God without Faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”Hebrews 11:1 NLT “Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” NKJ
I thank God that Jesus is the author of our faith…it is a gift. A very important gift that we have the joy of using. Jesus told His disciples that to work the works of God that they were to believe in Him. John 6:28, 29 Knowing God is the key to faith, the more intimacy we have with Jesus, the more we will know how to use His gift of faith. In His Name, Steve P.S. The couple that sent the money that week had prayed for me a few years prior. I had had a massive heart attack but after prayer; Jesus gave me a brand new heart!!! No operation!! But that is a story for another blog…