From Prison Paychecks to God’s Provision

Nova Yarnell has seen God move in amazing ways. While in prison for drug possession, she gave her life to Jesus, and immediately began trusting Him to meet all her needs. “I was learning about tithing, when you give to the Lord, it's his laws and principles,” says

Nova, “and so I started tithing, and one of the things that he had said was to give back the $0.30 an hour that I was making to another resident who had nothing.”

In addition to giving away her wages, Nova decided to donate the little money she had saved, to a local church.  “It was a heart posture. It was an alignment with Him. It was in alignment and agreement with His word. I also knew that it wasn't my money. It was His.” 

That act of obedience was a huge step of faith for Nova. She was soon to be released from prison, and needed $600/month for her transitional housing… money she didn’t have.

“The Lord told me to apply for a program to see if they would pay my rent. And before I got out, I found out, lo and behold, I had the

$600 for that first month at the Sober Living,” says Nova. “And I love those moments when I actually have nothing so that I can say, father, show yourself faithful.”

Fresh out of prison, Nova found God provided again when she landed a full-time job. Within a few weeks she got a raise increasing her salary by $600 a month – the exact amount needed for her rent.  Nova reflects, “Since being out of prison and even before then, I couldn't hold a job, let alone have an income that was worthy of a tax deduction this year, I actually owe on taxes because I made so much.”

Over just 18 months Nova has been promoted three times, giving her more responsibility. With bonuses and raises she’s seen her income increase by 275%. Her formula? Faithful tithing and prayer.  She continues, “faith as a mustard seed, you know that mustard seed is very, very small, but what it does and becomes is very very big.  And so often times that little bit that we give can turn into some massive ripple.”

Today she encourages everyone to step out in faith, no matter how small, and see how God will provide.  “To grow your faith, you do have to have that small seed. If you can have just a little bit of faith and you ask the Lord because He says, ask, seek and knock, and it shall be given.  Everything is His.  I get to steward what he is giving me. If you're faithful in the little things, he'll give me more.”

Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the LORD will deliver Him in time of trouble.” When you partner with CBN, you do more than just give to the poor. You provide hope and the love of Christ through life-giving surgeries, food and clothing programs, humanitarian aid, and so much more! Become a CBN partner, and help transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ! Join us now!