FEBRUARY 2, Philippians 4:19

Eric looked out the kitchen window. It had rained all morning, but now the sun was shining brightly like burnished gold. If only his family had real gold, then he and Mom could solve all their problems. He sighed. He couldn’t help feeling worried now that his mother had lost her job. Ever since Eric’s father died two years earlier, it had been hard for them to manage. Now it would be even harder. Turning toward his mother, he asked, “What are we going to do about money, Mom?”

“Don’t you worry about that,” said Mom. “I’ve been able to save a little, Eric, and I’m sure I’ll find another job soon. There are lots of jobs available in the computer field.”

As Mom came to stand beside Eric at the window, several sparrows swooped down and perched on a small branch. Under the weight of the birds, the thin branch sagged and swayed in the wind. Then amazingly, the thin branch became uprooted, and it crashed to the ground! Eric and Mom watched as the frightened birds flew away.

“You know, Eric,” said Mom, “that flimsy branch is like money and material things. When we count on them to hold us up in times of trouble, they always fail, just like how that branch failed those birds. Aren’t you glad we can count on someone who never fails?”

Eric nodded. “You mean God, don’t you?” he asked. “He never fails.”

“That’s right,” said Mom, giving Eric a hug. “God takes care of the birds, and He’ll provide for our needs, too. We can be sure of that.”

Thought: Are you worried that your own family might not have enough money for all the things you need? Pray about it, and then trust God to provide. If you come from a family with no financial problems, thank God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to learn to trust You for all that I need. Help me to also remember the difficulties that others may have. These could be my parents, my siblings, my friends in church or at school. Teach me, Heavenly Father, to also pray for them. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.