On May 5 I wrote about the new way to grocery shop. It has been a real learning experience.
In my first online order, I wanted 3 packets of bacon bits. I got 3 boxes (15 packets)! In the first local order, I ordered 5 pounds of rice. I got 10 pounds for the same price (they must have been out of 5 lb. bags). How do you store 10 pounds of rice?
In the third pick-up, I ordered “1” cluster of tomatoes on the vine. I got 1 tomato. (It was a very nice tomato.) Okay, I thought, it goes by piece. So the next time, I ordered 5. I got 5 clusters for a total of 24 tomatoes!
Now I was feeling amused, blessed and pretty cocky.
Then, it changed. I was charged for meat I didn’t receive. I paid the non-sale price when they couldn’t fill the order for the item at sale price. Okay, we are all learning here. And we are so very far from starving. Really far.
Then there are substitutions. Initially, I wanted what I wanted and I was annoyed when I didn’t get it. But a few times, I have found that I liked the substitute better than the one I requested. Who knew?
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I see a parallel here between our requests (prayers) and the store’s (God’s) response.
They say that God answers prayers with, “No,” “Wait,” and “Yes!” Nobody likes “No.” But God loves and protects me (from danger I can’t see), and won’t let me get out of position for a future blessing. Nor will He be taken for granted.
“Wait” often feels like “No.” Yet it’s an opportunity to learn patience. It’s an opportunity to prepare for blessing. “Wait” is just a delayed “Yes.”
“Yes!” Does anything make us feel so loved?
“Yes” comes in different flavors, too. There is “Yes, but not what you expected” (substitutions), “Yes, and here’s more” (bacon, tomatoes and rice!), and “Yes, I thought you’d never ask!”
So, let’s ask. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NIV
Because,
My God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19-20 New Life Version (NLV)
So, what will you ask for today?
Rice keeps well in Ball Jars with a lid – for years…. I buy Large bags at IKEA and don’t buy for years… or less…. Now having had the experience of a refrigerator that went out (freezer fine) for 1.5 weeks. Amazing how much baking one can do with rotting veggies, canning pickles with fresh cucumbers (actually they are pretty good garlic dills though I didn’t have the right vinegar…, Bread with seeds and nuts (put in the freezer), etc. So far went through 18 or so eggs…almost 2 1/2 gallons almond milk – for bread and cookies (freezer for the bread), Cooked veggies – frozen. What lovely incentive to use things I have ignored in the freezer too (seeds, nuts, etc.) Silver linings…