It was payday again and although I was thankful to have money in my account, I knew it would only be there for a temporary amount of time. On top of my rent and daycare fees being due, I knew I wanted to participate in the Faith Tithe Challenge, which was Sunday, February 2. After writing my budget, I realized there was no way I was going to be able to tithe unless I sacrificed paying my rent on time. I knew that was not an option so I made the decision to not tithe.

When I arrived at church that Sunday, I was wrestling with thoughts of trusting God. As I set in service, I was talking to God in my mind saying, "God I want to tithe, but I have to pay my rent. I know you have provided for me before, but I'm still afraid." Shortly after I said those words, Pastor Kevin began his sermon and started talking about having life-changing faith. I knew at that moment, God wanted me to trust Him. I decided to go ahead and submit my tithe. I went home that afternoon and told God that I needed the money for my rent by February 5th in order for my rent to be on time. 

Leading up to the due date for my rent, I spent my mornings in prayer and finding scriptures that would encourage me. I quoted scriptures like Malachi 3:10 where God says, "Test me in this and see if I will not open up the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be enough room to receive it."

The morning of February 5th, I checked my bank account hoping there would be a random deposit and unfortunately there wasn't. I thought about taking out a loan but I could feel the Lord telling me to trust Him.

The next morning I woke up and took a deep breath and checked my bank account. To my surprise there was a deposit of $647 which was my state refund check. At that moment I had no words and immediately fell to my knees. All I

could do was say, "Thank you Lord!" 

This experience taught me that I can truly trust God with my finances. I learned that God truly can make a way out of no way.