The unexpected journey was not disappointing this week—in being unexpected that is. I had applied for food assistance to help us get through this time in the journey. I didn’t want to, but was convinced that I needed to. So I did. I received notice that I make too much to qualify for any more than $50 per month. That is amazing to me. Last week groceries were purchased on a credit card in order to have food on the table and I make too much to qualify. I was informed that my wife and I do qualify for some medical assistance, after a shared $5,000 deductible per month. There is a verse in the Old Testament book of Psalms—I think—that says something like, some trust in horses while some trust in chariots, but I will trust in the Lord my God. I am certain that King David did not understand the dynamic of government today, but he certainly nailed it regarding government today with that statement.

Faith is a funny thing that—once embraced—causes you to do odd things. I made the application because I was convinced that I needed to do so. But the outcome was a lesson in not trusting man-made agendas. The funny thing about it is the fact that I had not placed my trust in them to begin with; but the reality of how it is designed to enslave you in being dependent on the system is sadly scary. The system becomes your hope, your provision, and your salvation. I do not know how many people have been sucked into the system, but I understand it to be millions. It brings to light King David’s words that some trust in horses while some trust in chariots, or to rephrase it, some look to government while some look to systems of man to place their trust in.

The question is faith, which is the belief and assurance that God is who he says he is and will do what he says he will do. My wife and I have made a commitment to trust in our God. If indeed he provided food for over a million people everyday for over forty-years, he will provide food for a family of five for as long as it takes to get to the other side of this portion of the journey.

On the relational element of this journey, my wife and I have also recommitted to gathering daily and praying over our situation—together. To be sure, we have been praying, just not with each other. I am once again returning to the place where either God is big enough to take care of us or we will go down trusting him. For example work was largely unproductive this week. This means my paycheck will be insufficient to take care of our needs. On Saturday I had an opportunity to take our children on an outing that would give them a break from our situation. It was something fun to do, that we could do together. The sad fact of the matter is that I did not have the money to do it. The reality is we went and had a great time. All the way there I was wrestling in my mind with the fact that I was using gas that will be needed to get to work later this week. All the way there I kept combating that thought with the Word of God; MY God shall supply all of my need according to HIS riches in glory through Jesus Christ my king. By the end of the day I had used exactly the amount of gas that I knew it would take to get there and back, but it didn’t matter. We went out and had fun; and it was great!

I am writing this because it is true, but it is also the reality of relational living; both with the godhead and my wife. I cannot stress enough how vital this is. A relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is essential to kingdom living in the earth today. Equally important is the relationship you have with your spouse—if married—and with those of like faith. By this I mean those of the community of believers that you walk with in your journey. I am working on another installment of Being the church that will give more detail on the subject. My hope, my prayer, is that site offers both hope and assistance to others who find themselves on an unexpected journey.