Sarah Nyhan

A continuation of my attempt to finish a book I started in December 2017. Posting chapters in an attempt to organize it all and finish.

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I was blown away by how God continually provided. I don’t even remember now how I managed to go so long without having any income. But the name of the ministry was “Manna House” and my experience with it was reflected literally almost daily. Time and time again needs would be met abundantly. We frequently had so many donations that I was really challenged in finding ways to rehome the excess. We never went without. But as for God showing off for me personally, there was one time in particular that really sticks with me all these years later.

In addition to working at Manna House, I was also still helping out in other ways with the church. And one of those ways was volunteering to help out with a group that staffs the recreation room during the annual women’s retreat. Well, I was supposed to drive over twenty minutes to Elvira’s house one day for a meeting with that group. But I barely had any fuel left in my vehicle. And I had no money at all. I couldn’t buy any gas.

So I was at Manna House, debating on whether to go to the meeting or not. I mean, would anybody there really miss me? I probably could have gotten away with not going. But ever since that day of God showing off for me after I spent my last $20 in the grocery store, I felt like God had been driving home the point about what happened to the manna that the Israelites hoarded out of fear. Do you remember? It molded if they kept it overnight instead of relying on God to provide the next day.

So there I am in MANNA House. You’d think I’d get it. If only you knew from whence I come. Suffice to say, being broke is the absolute opposite of what I was raised to do. Risking it? Nope, not a chance. So it took me a long time that day. Thinking back and forth. But eventually I just overwhelmingly felt like I should still go to the meeting even though I wasn’t sure I had enough fuel to even get there, much less get back. But, one step at a time.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…”

I was relieved that I made it to the meeting. I determined to settle in and not worry yet about how to get back to Manna House.

“Sufficient to the day is its own trouble.”

There was food. We were all just sitting around eating and talking. When out of nowhere, Emerita walked over to me, handed me a $20 bill, and said something like, “I think God told me to give you this. I’m sorry I don’t have more.”

What?!?! When on earth have you had someone walk over to you, hand you money, and then apologize because they didn’t have more money to give you. What?! Only God!

I am so thankful to Emerita! And again, God saw my need – that I didn’t have any gas and wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get home. And He abundantly provided!

Wow, what a powerful moment! God saw me! And I didn’t do anything. I had an unspoken need. And He put it on someone’s heart to help me right when I needed it. I was able to fill up my tank and get back home. Thanks to Emerita and Trinity!

But looking back, I unfortunately have not heeded the message as often as I wish I would have. How much hell have I put myself through because I didn’t? How much wasted time? How much pain and suffering? How many additional years wandering the desert of my self-sufficiency? Ugh!

If only I could turn back time.

But there is no condemnation. Only always healing. And Love. In Love.