By Beverly Hughes
Being a remodeling contractor can present challenges, especially when waiting for payment for work done. 2016 was a lean year for work, and we were just getting by. As the end of the year approached, so did tithing settlement, and another mortgage payment was due. I had enough left in savings to either pay the mortgage or pay our tithing. We had money coming in, I just didn’t know when it would get to us.
We had to make a decision…pay the mortgage or pay the tithing…they were almost exactly the same amount and what was left in our savings would only cover one. We didn’t have to ask the Lord what to do, our faith was strong and we knew what to do. I obeyed the commandment and paid our tithes and offerings, in keeping with what I remember from Malachi 3:10; “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there ay be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Consequently, I was late with the mortgage payment which resulted in a late fee. However, the windows of Heaven were opened and blessings were poured out to us that we had not enough room to receive them. Business was slow for many others, but we were blessed with so much work we had to decline some of it.
I know the Lord blesses us with what He knows we need most, not necessarily what we think we need, but in this case the blessings received made the late fee for the mortgage small and insignificant. Promises made by the Lord are promises kept. All we need to do is obey His commandments, and be grateful for all He gives us and to recognize His hand in all good things.
I testify that striving to obey the Lord’s commandments brings me comfort, joy and happiness in my life, and allows me to see His wonderful works all around me and know that He knows me and loves me.
Penny Creek Ward Friends 