A Closer Walk
Our Heavenly Father sometimes makes provision for us even when we haven't yet realized we need that provision. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him...And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh," Matthew 2:1-2 and 11 KJV. The wise men brought gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each valuable in its own way.
"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him," Matthew 2:12-13 KJV. After the magi departed Joseph was warned to take his family and flee to Egypt, which he did. How was he going to pay for that trip? Hmmm. The Lord brought provision even before Joseph knew that provision was needed.
If we plan to take a vacation or a trip to some distant place we can save every month until we have enough to pay for the trip. But in the case of Joseph and his family he did not have the opportunity to do that. The journey into Egypt was thrust upon him suddenly, and without warning. The same can happen to us. Situations and circumstances can be thrust upon us suddenly and without warning. Some financial gurus recommend having an emergency fund, or rainy day fund, of three to six months worth of living expenses on hand just in case.
If we come into some extra or unexpected income we might want to be careful about spending it; at least right away. We don't know what may happen in the future, and perhaps our Lord is making provision for some future event, or unexpected calamity. (By the way, isn't all calamity, by definition, unexpected?) Whether the money comes from a bonus at work, a tax refund, or some other source, we would be wise to consult with our Heavenly Father about what we should do with this surprise income. Perhaps it isn't even for us. Some family member may have trouble and need help. It could be that a missionary we have been supporting will have an urgent need which we could help with. Or there could be any number of other happenings or needs that our Lord might make us aware of that could be helped by this income.
So, when we come into some money unexpectedly we would be wise to call upon the Lord and seek His guidance and direction as to what He desires of us. He might even tell us to take our whole family on a vacation to some distant place!