As the Youth Pastor (at the church where I work) and I were talking today about seeing God bless us when we are obedient in tithing and giving out of our need, I just found myself itching to re-live and re-tell this experience I had several years ago. I am always re-encouraged (I think I just made up a new word) when I think of this story of God's abundance being released into my life and the need that I had at that time. So here goes. During my senior year in high school I had a very real and frank conversation with God. At this particular time I was doing the talking. I told God about my desire to go to college. I reminded Him that I did not have the funds for it and that my parents couldn't pay for it either. I said, "Lord if you want me to go to college, like I think you do, then I am trusting you to make a way. Show me where to go and help me to pay for it." And I truly surrendered this decision to God and let Him work. At this point in my life I was still struggling with the idea that God would WANT to bless me let alone take the time to listen to my request. But I made the request and this is what happened. I was directed to Ivy Tech State College as they gave me a couple scholarships. I then recieved so much financial aid from the state that I had more than I needed! That's right! After each semester I would recieve a check for the leftovers. Those leftovers would go into my savings account for the tuition payment on the next quarter and by the end of my two years at Ivy Tech I had several hundred dollars left with which I was able to make repairs to my car caused by two years of daily commute to school and work. Anyway, today I am trusting God for some pretty big and what seems "impossible" provisions. But as I replayed that school scenario in my mind, I am again at a supernatural peace. Now I have learned that God WANTS to bless and provide. He WANTS to hear my requests and see them fulfilled and He WANTS the glory for it! Most of all, He WANTS us to rely and be completely dependant on Him. Most people struggle with utter dependance on God. I believe a key reason for this struggle is because we are taught from a very early age that the goal in life is to become independant. But when it comes to our relationship with God - independance is nothing more than pride. We are not spiritual or extra holy when we try to do things on our own. We are proud. That's a sermon for a different day. But I am encouraged to continue to trust God for these big things our family needs. I need Him too much . . . to try to do this life on my own. | 
