Me: More Money, More Problems. GOD: Problems?

As I've said before, I am a college student at Clemson University. Actually a financially poor college student. I pay for my lovely schooling partially through scholarships, but mainly through student loans. Student loans that I used to freak out about. I mean, these loans never come in on time. I could apply for the loan two months in advance of due payment and the loan would always get here late - causing me a headache(s) and more trouble.

Well, this semester was different. It was worse then ever before. I applied for my private loan in plenty of time to receive it before the payment deadline, but the downward spiral we call this economic recession posed a problem. Instead of the money coming straight to me and my bank account. The money was going straight to Clemson University. Simple enough right? wrong. This meant that Chase (the loan provider) had to get in contact with Clemson's financial aid office - which seemed to never be open - and they had to verify that I needed the money. Then Clemson had to send some documents back to Chase saying I could stand on my head and pat my stomach, or saying some kind of information that the financial aid office wouldn't disclose to me. Needless to say, January 7th was approaching fast and I had no money for tuition, books, rent, etc.

Actually, January 6th came charging and I couldn't track down where this said documentation was. For all I know it was stuck either in the US Postal Service or cyberspace. I called constantly, to the point where the financial aid office had my number on speed dial, but nothing. They had no idea what was going on with my loan documents, but they did know that if I didn't pay them by January 8th, I would be unregistered from all my classes - meaning I wouldn't be a Clemson student. This is a very hard thing for a first semester senior to hear (I lost about two handfuls of credits when I transferred to Tigertown).

Normally, all this frantic chaos with my loan would drive me certifiably insane for a week or two. In the past, it actually had. I would be a nervous wreck trying to control the uncontrollable. I would let the money take hold. I would stress out, get grumpy, and throw ridiculous (selfish) prayers at God for help.

However, this time was different.

For the first time in my entire life I put God to the test with my finances. I actually trusted Him with my money. You might be saying that is super easy since I didn't have the money yet. Good point, but let me explain a little further.

Coming back from Christmas break I had $132. Now I had bills, gas (which I go through a tank a week at $30 a pop), food (now I can eat!), tuition, books, and what if something breaks? Point is this money is supposed to last for a month or a month & half. Upon coming back to Clemson and NewSpring Church on Sunday January 4th I felt God pull at my heart to tithe fifteen percent of the $145 I received for Christmas. I was reluctant, but folded, finally putting God in my wallet.

In return, GOD has rocked my wallet.

My loan documents were snatched out of cyberspace and placed in Clemson's Financial Aid office. By January 6th at 4:30pm, not only was school paid for, four hundred dollars was placed on my student ID to buy books and groceries since the local BI-LO lets us use the ID like a debit card (its some deal through CU). The rest of my loan money will be sent to me through a check from Clemson University, enabling me to pay rent and utilities. The Lord also paved a way for $180 to come into my hands within the next few days, meaning gas and other expenses can be paid until my first paycheck comes. My mom even emailed me telling me that she got a notice in the mail from Chase saying that my loan wouldn't be dispersed until January 26th, but by the grace of God I've already received it. Now, all this is more then enough - more then I prayed for.
In the past I have given 10 % of my paychecks and other money that I've earned. But it wasn't until January 4th that I gave tithe on gifts and when money was super tight. It was the first time I gave to God when I would feel the pinch - when I would miss the money. In return, He rocked me. He gave me more than I expected, more then I need, and more then I asked Him for.

I love that.
I love when God shows His power.
He is so good to me and I am so thankful.

I can't help but wonder what else I keep from God's power - where else in my life can He rock me, but I get in the way?