Our calling to do ministry with unsolicited donations usually connotes faith with unpredicatable earnings.  And while the earnings might be unpredictable God has always been faithful in His provision.  When we first ventured out into incorporating Nothing Without Jesus in 2003 we had no idea in what ways God would provide.  It was impressed upon us from the very beginning that we wanted people to know that they were loved and for that message not to be clouded with requests of money.  God knew our needs and He was in charge of that.  (We realized later that Paul shared a similar adherence in 1 Cor 9.  See also Why Don’t You Raise Support for a fuller explanation.)  Therefore, Wes worked 3 extended hour days with a ‘normal’ paying job and worked 3 days with the ministry.   A couple of times the ‘normal’ paying job changed, but it was always apparent that God’s hand was there and the job was another output of His ministry.  Then the moment came when God put it on both of our hearts that it was time to move to the ministry full-time.  Naturally, the consistent income wasn’t there to move to full-time ministry, but God had some fabulous training to do in us to strengthen and confirm our faith in Him.  I have some beautiful stories of how God miraculous provided, sometimes right at the last nail-biting moment.  Since that time we have lived the last 11 years exclusively on what He has supplied through generous supporters.

We have recently reached a new season.  Some of our regular supporters have fallen on rough times with job loses and bonus declines.  We are so appreciative of them and their sacrifices that have allowed us to love and disciple fellow believers.  (I am sure that they would appreciate your prayers on their behalf!)  We have been able to stretch out the shortfall for some time, but now it is unmistakably time to supplement our income with outside part-time work.  We have not felt that we are released from the ministry in any way!  God continues to supply and we continue to walk by faith as we prayerfully consider in which manner He would like to supply. Wes and I have accepted a temporary flexible part-time job offer and another possible job opportunity is on the horizon.

There seems to me something very tame about having a dependable paycheck.  I have had the thrill of seeing God’s provision in the midst of gross insufficiency. But my source of where I depend is now so deeply entrenched in me that I know it isn’t in a paycheck.  I depend upon Him.  It is the same walk of faith regardless, steady or unsteady.  I give thanks for it all.  And the upcoming midst of chaos of working, ministry, and homeschooling will provide ample untamed areas to allow God to be my strength and provide for me in whole new ways.   I pray that we all continue to see the source of our Provision, whether little or large, steady or unsteady, it all comes directly from the hand of our Father who adores us!   Believe it by faith.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil 4:11-13