In a family our size there are several near absolutes: There are seldom leftovers; the older kids get to be good baby-sitters at an early age; Dad does know how to change diapers; and the younger children have more clothes than they need, mostly hand-me-downs!
    Hand-me downs, for those of you who lived the deprived life of an only child, are clothes that were previously worn by older siblings. The smaller the sizes, the less likely they are to be very worn. Using hand-me-downs saves money and younger kids don't mind. It does help the whole system if you can arrange to have your children about two years apart and keep them the same gender! This is a feat that some of us had little trouble with.
    God uses hand-me-downs in a sense. His mercies are new every morning, His grace is always sufficient and His love is everlasting, but Paul says, "my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus" (verse 19).  Our needs, when we give sacrificially, are met out of the blessings that Jesus Christ has already been given!
    You don't have to worry about God's hand-me-downs having any wholes or worn spots. They never wear out. God knows when, what and how you give and He responds accordingly. Trust in Him to supply your needs as you give to the Lord's work.

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All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise noted.