God Has It Covered (A Sequel)

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” (Matthew 6:34).

Last week, I encouraged us all to embrace whatever surprises God throws our way. We can trust him! His plan is good! Woo hoo! Bring. It. On.

And then I found my Saturn sitting dead in the garage. Hmmpf.

Tomorrow, a tow truck will haul it to the shop ($) where we suspect they’ll diagnose a snapped timing belt ($$) plus, while we’re at it, a battery replacement, oil change, and tire rotation ($$$). This happiness comes the same week our mailman delivered the Christmas shopping credit card bill ($$$$).

That timing belt has pretty bum timing.

Or does it? I’m told these things usually snap while driving, yet ours gave up the ghost upon start-up. And guess who was the last person to drive the car—me. In a snowstorm, by myself. If I had to choose, I’d much rather break down in the garage than on an icy highway without my husband’s level head at the steering wheel. Praise God for delivering me home safely the last time the car was in motion.

So I could fret about the cost of the repair. I could stew over how I’m going to get my daughter to preschool without a car. And I could worry about my husband’s mood when it hits him that our supposedly reliable vehicle is just as volatile as our beater. But, I won’t. Why?

Because God has it covered. That’s my mantra for this year. For some reason, even this auto failure is necessary in his grand design. I might think it’s inconvenient and expensive, but God sees the big picture—and if I knew what he knows, I’d be begging for a snapped timing belt right now. Hey, thanks, Lord! Just what I wanted!

Matthew 6 is my go-to chapter in the Bible anytime I’m tempted to freak out over money, unplanned expenses, or provision of any sort. If you’re not familiar with verses 19–34, I urge you to look them up and burn them into your brain. That passage is a good old scolding from Jesus, slapping our stress back into perspective.

What are you worrying about today? Wouldn’t it feel great to shed the “what ifs”?

I’d like to suggest a challenge for the week. Write a list of your worries on a sheet of paper, seal it in an envelope, and scrawl the words “God has it covered” across the top.

Then drop the envelope in your driveway, and back the car out. Make sure to get some good tire marks on that monster.

Wow, I can’t wait to do that! See? I’ve just given myself a reason to look forward to tomorrow instead of dreading the repair bill. For a chance to smash my worries into the cement, that new timing belt is worth every penny. Bring. It. On.

Did this post encourage you? Please feel free to pass it on! You might also like Life Is a Highway, When Trials Come and The Case of the Purple Car.