#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.

Luke 12:29

On a warm summer Sunday, Randy and I strolled outside of church. I hummed my favorite hymn under my breath I Surrender All. I inhaled fresh salt air from the nearby Pacific Ocean.

My mind wandered as we walked to pick up our children from Sunday school. Dread overtook me, because I remembered we were down to only $2.35 in our bank account ensuing my job loss.

After 15 years of working at a high-tech equipment manufacturer, my Director called me into his office, and opened a manila folder on his desk,“Rebecca, I am sorry, but we are moving your managerial position and department to Israel.”

What do you mean move my job and department to Israel? I expected to retire with the same company like my father did from the grocery industry and step-mother did from the copy business.

How am I going to tell Randy? After all, we decided one of us would be our stay-at-home parent, and now we have no income. I arrived home early that day, “Hun, I was laid-off today.”

Randy was crushed by the news, but encouraged me that everything would be fine. We decided to surrender everything to the Lord; our occupations, finances, health, material possessions, children, etc. We knelt and prayed for God to guide our paths, because we  believed when He closes one door He opens another.

During this difficult season, I leaned on the following bible verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”  – Jeremiah 29:11

Our kids jumped off the play structure, ran and gave me a big hug, “Hi Mom!” We turned and headed for our car. I ran my hands through Austin’s thick hair. “How was your class today?” He reached for my hand, “Good, we learned about Jesus.”

The two of them then scampered off to climb a close-by tree.

Along the way, our friends, Barry and Rina, greeted us,  “Good morning guys! How’s it going?”

Rina wrapped her arms around me, and kissed me on both cheeks as is customary in her country of Chile. Barry told us they planned to walk their dog, Snoopy, at the beach.

Our discussion wound down, we said our goodbyes, and went our separate ways.

Later that evening, I received an unexpected phone call from Barry, “Can we bring you dinner tomorrow night?”

I accepted his gracious offer. Hmmm, they’ve never spontaneously brought us a meal before. We’ve always gone out for dinner.

The next evening, Barry and Rina pulled into our driveway with their minivan. He jumped out, and popped open the rear hatch, “Hey, Randy, I need some help out here!”

Rina sauntered in carrying a rack of BBQ pork spare ribs accompanied by homemade corn bread and a crisp green salad. The feast permeated our home with a rich aroma.

I turned around and my jaw dropped. They carried in milk, eggs, cheese, bread, butter, meat, coffee, fruit and vegetables. The bounty kept coming. I chuckled to myself. Earlier, I’d recited the O’l Mother Hubbard poem, because our cupboards were empty. How did they know?

I looked at my countertops once bare now brimming with delicacies. I felt like I held a dual-edge sword in my hands; one edge for immeasurable blessings, and the other humility. I’d always been financially independent, and now found myself in a position of need.

During our meal together, we shared with them our hardship of lack of food, the possibility of losing our home and health insurance.

Barry looked me in the eyes, “We wanted to stock your refrigerator and cupboards with essentials.”

Wow, talk about perfect timing! I was amazed at how God stirred Barry and Rina’s hearts to deliver a miraculous provision that day. I was reminded of the following bible verse:

 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing…But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

Seven years later, we are on an incredible journey learning to trust God always.

Rebecca Krusee is a Teacher and Writer who lives in Ben Lomond, California. She is a Midlife Mom.