One of the many blessings of being in full time ministry is getting to hear stories about how God came through in a way that only God could. Sometimes it is through people, and other times through crazy situations that you cannot make up. A verse that is often misquoted, but used as a reminder how God can provide is how “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:10) The verse is actually about the people’s sacrifices and how God does not need them, but it is a good reminder that God owns everything and He can provide out of that, which he does, and did in an obvious way for my friend.
Cancer had taken its toll on my friend’s body, but also on her bank account. The church and community helped as much as they could. Everyone was generous, but now it was time for property taxes to be due. We lived in NY and taxes on land are not cheap. It was a high amount that they owed, and all extra funds were heading toward doctor bills. My friend started praying and the church was praying. No one knew where these extra funds were going to come from.
About this time the state was rebuilding overpasses and bridges due to some collapses that had happened. There was one right outside of town. Instead of replacing the bridge, the state decided to fill in under the bridge with dirt. It would cost a large amount of money to truck in the amount of dirt they would need. One day my friend got a knock at her door from the state workers, wondering if they had any dirt they would be willing to sell them. They would level off a piece of their property, tote away the dirt, and pay them for it. My friend at first thought it was some sort of joke. This church was known for its practical jokes, but this was no joke. The state wanted to buy their dirt (for the amount needed to pay the taxes). Not only that, this family had a friend who had wanted their own car shop for a long time, and to build outside of town. This new leveled piece of land would be perfect. It blessed two families, plus the state may or may not have saved money. I still do not understand that part, but wow God! Only He could be so creative in supplying a need.
This is one of those lessons I share often, and try to remember. Sometimes I do not even know how to pray for someone, or cannot imagine were the funds or things needed will come from, and somehow they do come, and usually in ways that I never could have imagined. Unexpected rebate checks, friends feeling moved to send money, a business looking to donate, someone looking for someone to share what they have with others. Over, and over I see God move and supply people’s daily bread and so much more. Not only does He own the cattle on a thousand hills, He also owns the dirt that makes those hills. He is ready and willing to move whatever mountain needed to take care of His children.
Inkblot Life 
Reblogged this on Inkblot Life and commented:
Today my husband retold this story in church as part of his sermon. The timing was perfect. I needed a reminder. I was making a list of all the hard and seemingly impossible situations in my life and in the lives of people I care about and then today I was reminded that God buys dirt.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
LikeLike