Bible Reading: Matthew 6:28-33

"Mom, what if Dad can't find another job?" Selah was sitting with Mom on the porch, helping shuck corn for supper. Dad had been out of work for months, and even though her parents were still in good spirits, Selah could tell that money was starting to get tight.

Mom smiled at her question. "The Lord will provide for us," she said confidently as she tore off another cornhusk.

Selah smiled as her kitten, Max, came bounding around the corner and started batting at the pieces they were dropping on the ground. She still couldn't help but think about the things they would have to give up if Dad didn't find a job soon.

Mom looked at the kitten, then looked at Selah. "Selah, did you feed Max today?"

Selah looked surprised. "Yes, of course. I feed him every day!"

Mom smiled. "Why do you feed him?"

Selah picked up Max and put him on her lap. "I love him, and he needs food every day," she explained. "Why do you ask?"

"Your kitten reminds me of a verse in the Bible," said Mom. "It's about how we don't need to worry about what we eat or what we wear, because the Lord will provide for us. We just need to trust that He will keep His promises."

Selah looked down at Max. He was so small--he would never be able to find food on his own. "So, Max trusts me to provide for him like we need to trust God to provide for us."

"Exactly," said Mom. "And this corn we're shucking is just one way the Lord has provided for us today."

Selah looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"The Thomas family from church grew this corn in the field behind their house," Mom explained. "They had so much that they gave us a whole basketful!"

"Wow." Selah rubbed Max's fur as he stretched out in her lap. "I guess God really

is taking care of us!"

Mom nodded. "God provided for our greatest need of all by sending Jesus to be our Savior. He gave us His own Son, and we can trust Him to give us what we need each day too. This corn we eat with dinner can remind us of all the incredible ways God provides for us."

–Emily Tenter