But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. – 1 Corinthians 2:9, Amplified Bible (AMP)

Evangelist Jonathan Washer of Inside the Lines Ministries had a problem with his fifth-wheel trailer. He had a plan to fix the problem, but the plan called for a rather expensive part: a large toolbox that he knew was going to cost a pretty penny.

When Pastor Jonathan (PJ) arrived at the tool store, he was surprised to see an old friend working there. They spent a few minutes catching up, and then PJ explained what he has looking for. The friend said that the store carried the item, but he was pretty sure they were out of stock. Following a short search, however, the friend found one, lone toolbox sitting in the warehouse. The toolbox looked like it had been sitting there for ages, and after he learned the retail price was $750, PJ knew he’d have to let it keep sitting there. But then the friend noticed something – the toolbox was slightly damaged, which explained why it had remained in the warehouse for so long. After talking with his manager, the friend said the store could sell it to PJ for a mere $100. When he heard that, PJ just smiled. God had arranged long ago for this toolbox to be damaged, neglected, and forgotten for one purpose and for one purpose only: so that PJ could fix the problem with his fifth-wheel.

Stories of God’s provision for His people are all throughout Scripture, and they are all around us. God loves to prepare surprises for those who love Him and who trust Him, and He does so to reward them for their love and for their trust. If you don’t have any stories of your own like PJ’s [or Pastor Mike’s, or Pastor Jonas’ or L.’s], then maybe the reason you don’t is that you don’t love and trust God like you should.

Do you fit the description of a 1 Corinthians 2:9 Christian? Do you hold God in affectionate reverence, or is He a distant figurehead to you? Do you promptly obey His commands, or do you ignore Him every chance you get? Do you gratefully recognize the benefits He bestows upon you, or do you snatch His gifts out of His hands as if He owes them to you?  If you are a 1 Corinthians 2:9 Christian, then don’t worry; you WILL, if you haven’t already, experience God’s miraculous provision. But if you aren’t a 1 Corinthians 2:9 Christian, then you need to know that you probably won’t enjoy God’s nice little surprises until you become one.

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