by LaTan Roland Murphy
On July 8th, God’s Provision in Tough Times released from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Over the next few weeks, join us as we meet some of the 25 authors of this fantastic book about overcoming financial hardships in the era of a down economy. The book is filled with stories of hope and is sure to lift your spirits.
Up third is author of the book, LaTan Roland Murphy:
[My parents] were quick to acknowledge [God] and give praise for all the things He had done for them. Whining just wasn’t an option.
~ LaTan Roland Murphy God’s Provision in Tough Times
I heard one of the most profound statements I’ve ever heard a few days ago, spoken by a wise friend:
“If money can solve all of your problems, then you don’t really have any problems.”
There have been times in my life when money seemed like the solution to all of my problems. As much as I hate to confess it, it’s true! It wasn’t until I watched loved ones suffer with cancer, chemo, and the terrible effects of these that I realized what real problems look like and what real pain feels like. No amount of money could heal, take away the suffering, or lighten the burden.
What do you consider your greatest problem today? What is your ideal solution? Perhaps you are plain exhausted. You’ve tried with all of your might to live frugally, saving for the possible rainy day you hoped would never come. But it did come. The unimaginable, the unpredictable happened and your world suddenly got rocked-off its ‘ideal’ axis. No amount of money could put Humpty Dumpty back together. All of the king’s horses and all of the king’s men can’t put your ideal world back together again.
There comes a time in everyone’s life when perception meets reality face to face. It is then we are able to gain true perspective on what really matters in life. Our empty perceptions of what equates true happiness melt away as sudden desperation grabs us from behind unexpectedly.
My physician friends have shared stories of patients pleading after hearing the devastating test results: Terminal illness/no cure. In that moment their cold, harsh, reality put everything in perspective. Money was no object. They would give every dime they owned, willingly pay any amount of money to have their health back. Unfortunately, money could not solve the problem or change the circumstance that would follow.
I am not sure what problems you are facing today, my friend. Perhaps the weight is crushing and you see no solution. I want to encourage you to reevaluate what warrants a real problem. Sure, our perception is our reality. My big problems might seem trite to you. Your big problems might seem trite to me. But we can all stand to take heed to the profound statement of my wise friend:
“If money can solve all of our problems, then we don’t really have any problems, do we?”
The good news is: We don’t have to do this life alone. I don’t know about you, but that gives me strength to face each day. I am humbled by Christ’s willingness to be concerned with my problems. What a wonderful gift to have Christ help in all our times of trouble. He is the provider, the faithful One, the ideal solution for all of our problems. You can count on Him no matter what life throws your way. You can be sure He is concerned about all that concerns you. You can rest in knowing He is at work. He has your best interest in mind.
I pray all of your perceptions will be His best reality in your life. I pray you will celebrate over-looked blessings and jump for joy simply because you have good health. I challenge you to be thankful today as you intentionally take notice of God’s provision.
Although all of the king’s horses and all of the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has power and authority to mend our brokenness – and that, my friend, is an ideal solution to all of our problems.
“He is before all things and in Him all things are held together” (Colossians 1:17 NIV).
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalms 46:1 NIV).
Photo courtesy of Microsoft Images
LaTan Rolan Murphy is a Georgia girl who currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, Joey. La-Tan is an event speaker, freelance writer, and vocalist with a heart for encouraging others. LaTan is a regular Voice writer for WHOA Women’s Magazine. LaTan is co-author of God’s Provision in Tough Times, now available. If you are interested in booking LaTan as a keynote speaker or vocalist for an event, please visit her website at: http://latanmurphy.com
Great post, Latan! I especially appreciate your prayer (and challenge) for us.
God bless.