In All Things
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| Coat of Many Colors, 24x30 oil on canvas |
Imagine paint colors at the store: thousands of rectangles of tints and shades of hues, ranging from neutral grays to “close-your-eyes outlandish.” Now think of just the “whites,” those chips that look generic until you compare them with others and realize the difference in the off-whites, ivories, warm, cool, etc. I’d guess there are hundreds of white color chips to choose from.
When I painted my kitchen cupboards last year, I compared a handful of white color chips. I’d set them in different areas to see how the light changed the hue throughout the day. I finally decided on “Spun Cotton” because it’s the color of Angus, our Pekingese, a cheery, warm white like unbuttered popcorn, which actually was my second color choice.
Last week the last half gallon spilled in my studio closet. The lid was bent and likely there was paint dried into the top of the can so it never really sealed. I cleaned up the mess, saving some of it in a little plastic yogurt cup, knowing that I’d likely have to buy at least another quart of it to touch up my cupboards one day.
A few days later, in the Re-store, I saw a Behr Marquis can with some white on the side. My artist eye knew it was very close to my cabinet color so I read the mix label. Wouldn’t you know, out of the hundreds of possible colors of white, out of the myriad custom matches it could have been, it was labeled “Spun Cotton”? Not only that, but the half-can was on sale for $2 (if you buy this brand of paint, you’re thinking “WOW”)!
As amazing as “chancing upon” the exact brand and color of paint I needed, when I consider the miracle of the Holy Spirit providing me the same relevant verse multiple times in a day or a week, out of more than 30,000 verses in the Bible, finding that color is not really that big a deal.
Why is it we more readily notice God’s infinite abilities through our frail human capabilities? Why did finding that paint seem like a bigger deal than hearing the same verse on the radio, reading it in my devotions or in a text from a friend or hearing it in prayer and knowing it applies directly to my life and growth as a Christian? I used to think that the writers of devotionals and the Christian radio programs all got together to feature the same subject/verses each day, because it was all so related and relevant to me. Have I gotten so accustomed to those “Holy Wow” moments, to witnessing the Holy Spirit’s working in my life that I’ve grown used to, numb to the joyous miracle of how God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28)? Did I need a physical reminder of God's presence and ability to show Himself in every part of life?
I think the Lord showed Himself in this paint situation to remind me that He’s not only in control of the major Scriptural revelations, but of the tiny things that we don’t even think about. It proves that He wants to provide for our needs- not in a “prosperity gospel” sort of way to make my wildest dreams come true like a genie in a bottle, but to demonstrate that He’s counted every hair on my head, sees every sparrow, that He knows even our most insignificant needs, like a half can of “Spun Cotton” paint, and when we put Him above our needs, He often works in amazing ways we fail to even notice.
I wasn’t even looking for paint when I found it. Had the loss of the expensive paint, or the mess it made, or finding a deal, or the appearance of my kitchen been my main concern (Ha, for one, I’d be quicker about getting rid of the chipped, worn, mauvish Formica, LOL), it would have become an idol to me (anything placed above the Lord). I don’t believe He would have provided the paint, and I would have missed the confirmation that with God all things are possible (when He’s the first priority). I also think that had I not written this down, I would have missed the lesson in it.
I have other “God providing” paint stories; this one’s good: After the Dayton fire 20 years ago, our ceilings were stained brown from smoke. On the way to town, I prayed, asking the Lord to help me decide whether I should buy a few gallons of ceiling paint or spend my money (I think I had $50) on groceries. At Kmart that day, paint was on sale for $1 a gallon! I was able to buy paint for the whole house and groceries!
Jesus said that He came so that we not only have eternal life in heaven, but so that in Him we can also enjoy life abundantly (John 10:10) here on earth, when we accept His free gift of Salvation and put Him above all our cares of this world. “Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you have need of them. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matt 6:31-33)