Amazed and Thankful

This week in staff meeting we were thanking God for the good offerings in the month of December. We had exceeded our projections for income and had held the line in spending. And yet it was apparent that we would end the year in the red. The Finance Committee and Deacons were aware of this situation. Still, in staff meeting on Tuesday, December 29, I led in prayer to ask God to miraculously provide some unexpected offerings that would put us in the black.

The next day I ran into people who had brought in some offerings and most of the time I never even know the details. On Wednesday the 30th I was interrupted and was shown something that took my breath away. It was an offering for $100,000.

God does not always do what we ask. In those times we trust His goodness and remain grateful. But when God steps in like this it is amazing. I am glad to report we will end the year in the black with all reserve funds intact.

Conversations around the office have been amazing. Things like, “Why are we surprised when God answers our prayers?” I think the feeling of being surprised is the same feeling that comes when we are amazed and grateful altogether. God is good and we are overflowing with thanksgiving at the close of 2009.