A quick, but huge testimony

I know, real original title, eh? I just realized that I had something SUPER substantial happen to me this past week but I have not shared it. For those of you that aren't familiar with the power of a testimony let me just do a quick run-down for ya. For those of you who are: feel free to skip ahead! :) When we release testimonies (what the Lord has done for us) it is 1)to give glory to God, and cause others to praise Him or see Him differently 2) it actually releases the same kind of breakthrough to those who are waiting for it 3)it's just great to celebrate how AMAZING our God is! It's in no way, shape, or form to bring attention to me, and I hope you know my heart in that.

-As all of my fellow BSSM students know, a lot of our payments were due this past week. I had opted out of doing a payment plan because I really did believe that God was going to provide my last bit of tuition. I had a substantial amount left but just felt like that was what I was supposed to do.

-Rewind 2 months. I've had seasons of time where God was totally providing for me. I was at Worship School, didn't have a job and yet always had enough for bills, housing, etc. About 2 months ago I was really struggling because during this season I'm working 2 jobs and it still feels like I'm not seeing any financial breakthrough. One night I had a huge emotional breakdown because I had totally made this financial 'thing' all my responsibility. I didn't understand how I could be working so hard and yet not see God partnering with any of my work. I love to give, and yet I felt like I had to constantly quiet that part of my heart because of the fear that would rise up concerning finances. I was frustrated, broken and didn't feel much hope, to be honest...all the while there was literally nothing I could do but trust God. I was already working as much as I could really mentally handle along with school. After some prayer from some amazing roommates and parents I decided that I obviously needed to change something in my mind. I've always been taught to live like you would if you had more than enough, but I had never actually done it.

I started a huge process of learning to enjoy Him in my work, and also how to trust. I started giving away large portions of my income in spite of every form of logic in my mind. I knew what I was hearing from Him to do, and I was trying desperately to not only be obedient, but to be obedient with joy. Now there's a challenge, that is, until you actually do it and you fall in love with His purposes for things, especially concerning finances.

-So, here I was living my life still not seeing any breakthrough but just having a different perspective on the matter. I don't even know how to type all of this because it still doesn't even feel real, except it is. It is just such a beautiful picture of what God does for us. I was approached by someone who not only wanted to give me money, but wanted to give me 5 TIMES the amount of my tuition that was left! Can someone say Praise the Lord? Goodness. Not only that, they gave me the money to use however I want to. They were very careful to remind me, 'Lara, you see. You hear. And I, and God, trust you to use this however you want and need to. He believes in you and knows you have the kingdom's purposes in mind.'

I keep trying to process all this means. And while, yes, this money does change my life, in a lot of ways it doesn't at all. The core values of giving, and trusting God, and obeying Him with joy all remain exactly the same. I know that God has to take us through certain seasons to teach us certain lessons, and I am SO grateful that I walked through the season I did this past year and a half when I had a 'lack.' What a beautiful picture of the fact that there is no lack in heaven. None whatsoever.

So, I release my testimony of provision over you. But more than that, I release the peace that I have felt the last 2 months over you. So that you can stand in a hard place and know exactly who your Father is. A good Father, with good things for you. May you be graced with the ability to stand in times of uncertainty and live in joy and generosity. I am so thankful that hope is so much stronger than fear.

I can't wait to hear about your breakthroughs!
Lara