You'll Have What You Need When You Need It

So, crazy times, huh? Us younger folk never lived through the Great Depression. And the only shortage I remember was the gas shortage back in the ‘70s. But nothing like this.
Honestly, our little town was pretty sheltered, at first, in regard to the shortages experienced in the bigger towns and cities.
 
But as the big city people panicked and raided their own shelves, hoarding most everything they could, the fear spread. Especially when photos of empty shelves appeared in the social media outlets.
 
The shortages finally filtered down to us. Of course, it appeared that most of the reason our shelves were empty was because those from the bigger cities started raiding our shelves. But that’s another story.
 
But whatever the reason, it was hard not to join in the stampede for Charmin, Emergen-C, and chicken. I could feel my heart beat a bit faster when items I could buy easily on any given day were sold out...continually.
 
Deep breaths. Don’t follow the herd. Don’t panic, stay calm...pray. “Thank You, Lord, that we will have what we need when we need it,” became my prayer-motto, as I reminded myself of the countless times God had taken care of us in the worst of situations. And He’s never let us down...ever.
 
I voiced my thoughts to Bruce, and he agreed: “Yep, He’ll give us what we need when we need it.”
 
And this thought crossed my mind that really put me in check: “For God did not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind—2 Timothy 1:7). Huh…Fear=Don’t panic; love=don’t hoard (forcing others into need); sound mind=DON’T PANIC!
 
It’s been several weeks now since the initial intrusion of ole Covey-19. And everything we’ve needed, we’ve been able to find—even the elusive Angel Soft toilet paper that’s seemed to all but disappear from existence at our local Walmart (The last time I glanced down that aisle, even the dreaded one-ply was hoarded). But early on, my mother-in-law found some of the good stuff and bought it for us. So no worries there!
 
The last item that’s always been important to us has remained MIA for weeks—Apple Cider Vinegar for the health of our horses. Every store…nothing. Even online. I went as far as asking Walmart if they even manufactured the kind we use anymore. (I mean, who hoards the 5 percent diluted Apple Cider Vinegar anyway?) My mother-in-law was even scouting for it. And since my days were filled with homeschooling my 3rd grade cousins, I couldn’t hover like a hawk over the pickle aisle until the truck came. So I was left to scrounge when I could.
 
I blew out a healthy sigh as I looked at our dwindled supply of the ACV. One more dose and the bottle was empty. “Well, Lord, I know we’ll have what we need when we need it. And if for some reason this hasn’t been the “supplement” we thought it was, then there’s no reason to find it and pack it around when we finally hit the road.”
 
Off to town we rolled. While I perused the allergy aisle at Walmart, Bruce disappeared down another aisle.
 
I glanced up as he navigated toward me, through empty product displays, with a big grin on his face. And a gallon jug of apple cider vinegar in his hand.
 
Apparently the jug was sitting right on the edge of the bottom shelf where he could easily see it. Believe me, on those bottom shelves, it’s easy to miss items that are shoved back in their dark cave.
 
Now, maybe the need for a jug of apple cider vinegar might seem rather small in comparison to a Charmin shortage or other, more concerning fears, but nevertheless, it was a very comforting reminder to us in these crazy times: When we look to Him, God is able…and willing…to supply every need we have. No matter what it is.
 
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”—Matthew 6:33.

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Book: Walk Like a Warrior: Inspirational True Stories of God's Encouragement on the Trail Less-Traveled—https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Like-Warrior-Inspirational-Encouragement/dp/1512774812