While in seminary, I was struggling financially. One day, all I had left was five dollars. That day, I walked to the gas station and bought a Coke and a sandwich. I had two dollars left and I wondered if I had enough to continue? I decided to buy two lottery tickets. After all, I left everything to serve God, I deserved a miracle, right? While I was walking home, I heard a voice saying in my ear, “This is the way you are going to teach people to trust Me?”
Isaiah 58:11 reminds me of that specific moment in my life. Israel’s people are praying and fasting and waiting for a miracle, wanting their lottery ticket. However, the prophet responded to them that, “the day they start working to break chains of injustice, free the oppressed, and give to the poor, God will satisfy all their needs, and they will be like a watered garden, whose waters never fail.”
Many times, while trying to serve God, being faithful to my spiritual call, and working for issues of equity and justice, I have wondered if I have enough to continue?
The day I heard God’s voice whispering in my ear, I threw the lottery tickets away. God has provided every step of the way. Isaiah reminds me that when we take action in our faith and toward God’s heart to love others and fight for equity and justice, God will always provide like a watered garden, whose waters never fail. God always provides.
Prayer
Lord, Let me take bold actions toward equity and justice, that my life can reflect others of your providence. Amen
Rev. Ernesto Barriguete is the Director of Racial Equity and Justice Ministries for the North Carolina Conference