"Sharecropper Theology"

Everett did not have time for God.  He spent Sundays working on his work car.  The pleas of his wife and mother-in-law to attend church with them were answered with “I have to work on my car so I can make a living.”

Everett was about to get a startling revelation from his mother-in-law, whom he, and everyone else, called Granny.  Granny was a God-fearing widow and sharecropper who raised nine children during the Great Depression.  She had lived by faith.  Her revelation for Everett: working on the old car was reward for not spending time with God.  She was not a name it and claim it person, but through her hardships, she learned to depend on God.

Her challenge to Everett:  Trust God and serve Him.  Granny was using Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:3-34; “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Frustrated with the endless task of car repair, motivated by the prayers and loving compassion of wife and mother-in-law, and drawn by the Holy Spirit, Everett decided to put his faith in the Lord.  He accepted the salvation found in accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and savior.  He made a public confession of his sins and committed his life to serving Jesus.

Everett committed to reading the Bible, joining and attending the local church, and tithing.  Granny challenged Everett to stop spending money on the old car and giving to God. 

Everett never looked back.  Serving the Lord for the rest of his life, he never missed an opportunity to share his testimony.  He wanted people to know God, His promise to care for His children, and the love of a God-fearing mother-in-law and wife. 

Everett admitted that when he spent more time with God he spent less time working on his old car.  God did not give a new car or more money.  Everett became a better steward of what God gave him.

That is what knowing God is.  It is seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness and believing God will meet you need.