This afternoon, I went to a local Binding company to purchase a binding system and associated supplies. The total was $833.74. I planned to pay for the equipment with my office’s Government Purchase Card (GPC) – Visa®. The cashier was having some problems with her credit card system, but after 10 minutes, she told me that my card was denied.

I didn’t think this was possible because the GPC wasn’t maxed out (I checked the account register earlier). I tried calling the point-of-contact for the GPC in my office, but he wasn’t available.

I apologized for the inconvenience and I asked if they could hold the merchandise until I could settle this ‘issue.’ They told me that since I was in the military, I could take the merchandise and call them once I had the issue resolved. I thanked them several times and departed the store. I felt bad about the situation (and slightly embarrassed), but as I was driving back to my office, the Lord told me that it’s all about who represents me.

At first, I thought my association with the military granted me favor with the Binding company, but God reminded me that favor ultimately comes from Him. I don’t have to demand favor from God or anyone else, though I can petition God for His favor through prayer and/or fasting (2 Chronicles 20:1-4; Ezra 8:21-23).

Regardless of the outcome, I must choose to be content (Philippians 4:10-13; 1 Timothy 6:6). Every situation will not go my way! God may have some other purpose for me: to learn, share, understand, etc. All I have to do is be the man God has purposed me to be and to trust Him.

I may not always see God’s favor ‘at work’ around me, but I know He’s always with me.

Update: Four months ago, I requested an increase to our GPC purchase limit, but our account was not updated. I contacted the Finance Office to update our account and the purchase was completed – PAID IN FULL!