Sometimes we are asked to up something we love by God so that He can deepen our relationship with him while blessing others.  This was me in the last couple months.  In March, God asked me to give my camera to a missionary who is teaching photography classes in India.  He also asked me to give my car away in the same day.

Giving my car away was not as big of a deal as my camera.  This was the only camera I had and if you know me, you know that being able to create beautiful images is one of my passions in life.  If I am being honest, I felt like in some ways I was giving my child away.  It was not something I came to terms with right away. It was not easy but I know it was what I was supposed to do.

Around this same time, He asked me to start my photography business.  In the human mind, it does not make sense to give your primary piece of equipment that you need for a photography business.  But in God’s mind it made sense because He saw the whole picture.  And saw pieces to this story that I did not see in my limited mind.  But I had faith that He would provide for me.  Because I knew He would not ask me to do something if He wasn’t going to provide for me.

Because of me giving my car, the couple that I gave my car to, they gave their car to another family that did not have a vehicle.  Over the last couple months, I have saving money and I eventually saved enough money to purchase the same camera I had given away.  In the meantime, God provided cameras I could borrow.  Two weeks ago, I purchased another camera.  The day after I bought the camera, a friend got in touch with me and I was told they are going to send me a check that is going to pay for the camera that I bought!!  This friend then explained that my faith inspired her to have faith for things they want or need.  Giving creates an infectious spirit and the reaction like dominoes.

When we do what God asks us to do, know that He is going to bless you and that He will provide.  And sometimes the way He provides is not the way we think it is going to happen or is not in our timing.  And we must be open to that.  If we trust and obey God with what He asks us, He will do what He promises us that He is going to do.  And He will do it in His time not in our time.

I do not share this story to show how great I am because reality it was not an easy journey and I did not completely trust Him at times.  I do not have it all together nor will I ever.  And I did have doubts along the way.  And there were moments that I was like “God, you asked me to give my camera away and to start a photography business at the same.  And here we are X amount of time later and I still do not have a camera.” But in these moments, I remembered that He is true to His promises and that He has and will continue to provide for me.  Looking back, I would not change much about this whole part of my story.  Because my faith and trust in Him deepened in my waiting period.  Also because of my obedience and faith other people were impacted.

So, next time God asks you to do something that does not make sense, go for it.  He will follow through on His promises and He will provide in ways that you do not think He will.  And in the process, our relationship with Him will deepen.  When He does provide, be ready to be amazed because He is a great Father and He delights in providing for His children.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19