Praise God for His Marvelous Works

Recently, I answered the telephone and a woman with a great deal of heaviness in her heart spoke to me concerning a situation in her family. She had informed me that she had read about New Leaf Ministries in one of the posts I had placed in the Classified ads. I had originally posted the ad because we are struggling with income right now, or at least I thought that was the reason for the post. It is quite obvious now that God had other plans in store. Although we need income to be able to continue grow this ministry, God continually reminds me (and amazes me in the process), "Do the ministry, Mark, and I'll take care of the finances."

Having grown up as a "P.K." (Preacher's Kid), I grew up being somewhat of a miser. I recalled in a recent premarital counseling session of a story where I used to hoard the lunch money my mother gave me then eat like a "little pig" when I got home from school. Athough I remembered that I saved the money to buy my family Christmas presents, it became a pattern that in some ways follows me to this day. It's a "control thing", and I have a tendency to think I should be the one in control. Old habits die hard.

This ministry has taught me a great deal about finances on a whole different level. God is in control (and needs to be in control) of the finances. Trust becomes a huge factor in this. God has plans, according to His will and purpose for this ministry. In many ways, I need to do my job and allow God to do His. I've learned that lesson in a much more direct way than as a pastor serving the local church. Teaching and preaching about trusting in the Lord is very different than actually doing it. Praise God for His marvelous works.