I'm not even surprised anymore.
After the last few years we've had, I'm no longer surprised by what God's able to do in our lives. There was a time when my husband and I would both marvel at God, saying "I can't believe this is happening. This is insane."
That's just not the case anymore.
I have experienced such a consistent level of God's provision and completion of promise in our lives that it's become something we stand on rather than hope for.
Here's the latest evidence of His unrelenting care.
Two weeks ago on a Wednesday, my 2014 Dodge Durango stopped accelerating as I was driving to my favorite Mexican dine in spot- Taco Bell. At first, I thought it was a fluke so I turned the car off in the parking lot, switched it back on, and proceeded to reverse. Everything was fine. Ordered my 2 crunchy tacos, a bean burrito with no onions, and drove forward only to find out that the problem persisted. The husband was called, he confirmed this was not normal, and we carefully drove it to his place of work. From there we decided it needed to go into the shop. That's not the whole of it. Other things were happening in our little world, as is always the case.
- I was headed for a 4 day camping trip with my daughter THE NEXT DAY
- Husband now had no way to get to work if I went camping.
- No sitter for my son if he couldn't be taken to the sitter's house.
- We live 25minutes from town.
God provided and Jared was able to make up that time not being on the job by catching up on some much needed paperwork that had been piling up. We went on the trip- had an amazing time- and honestly? I had forgotten about it until I got back home.
It would be a week before anyone could even look at the car. What were we going to do? No car for two kids? This is crazy. Still, things were happening. God was working.
- My boss lives in my area (which is 25minutes from town) so she brought me home each day.
- Husband was able to make things work out to where he could pick up curbside groceries after work.
- Lots of people were praying for good news on the car.
Good news on the car did not come. When we finally got it into the shop the following Wednesday- we didn't hear back on the car until Monday. Basically- we need an engine rebuild or a brand new engine to be sure that the car would run safely again. What? We can't afford that! We began to get discouraged.
- We were SO close to paying off that car! Then we would have two vehicles paid off and no car payment!
- There would be practically zero trade-in value on the car now.
- We can't cover the cost of a new engine right now!
It's so easy to have faith when things are kind of bad, but when you feel like you've been cheated by life- or that there's a certain amount of unfairness going on, it's hard not to ask "Why me?" But we didn't. We tried to keep a positive state of mind. Meanwhile- so many other things encouraged us! We could definitely see how God had already been preparing us.
- We had money saved away because of some changes we had recently made to the budget. Almost enough to buy an "in between car" until we could save enough for the repairs on the Durango.
- We had friends who lived nearby that could give us rides if needed. A few neighbors offered to bring by groceries or give us a lift into town.
- My sweet husband decided that God was calling him to have some humility and ask for help. He makes a post via Facebook, inquiring about a car we could purchase.
- We would be fine. God always comes through.
Fast forward to this Tuesday. Jared's parents are in town and they brought our nephews over for a visit. While we hung out at the house, we explained our situation and the plan to buy a car to get us by until we could afford the repairs needed. The discussion was mainly focused around the idea that we needed to accept where we were and know that God would take care of it.
Within a half hour of that conversation- I get two phone calls.
First Phone Call
A friend from church has a son that's getting married and they had a videographer cancel. They need someone to video their wedding for them and they want to pay ME $500 to do it! What? Me? Are you serious? YES! Praise God! Now I can put that money toward getting a vehicle!
Second Phone Call
Another friend that I used to teach with calls and offers to let us borrow one of her cars indefinitely until we get ours fixed! I told her it could take a while and she insisted. Insurance would cover me. Nothing to worry about. A 2005 Toyota Camry. Just perfect for my little ones and me.
So there I was in the laundry room, crying. Not because I couldn't believe it. But because I could and my God had come through in such a powerful way. Jared put his hand on my shoulder. He hadn't even heard the news yet- but he knew that God came through. Once again.
Not only was He going to give us money toward paying for this overwhelming situation- He was going to make sure we paid as little as we needed. This wonderful servant offering her car to us meant that we could now dedicate the money we have saved right onto the repairs that may cost up to $7500.
You don't know our financial situation but you may be thinking there's still so much more to go. Yes. It may seem that way. (and there is so much more to go) But No. Not when you serve a God who continuously closes the gap. Not when you trust in a Father that works all things for your good.
Even if it takes a year- I will never forget the blessing of this season. We have nothing apart from His work in our lives. Both women on those phone calls were being used by Him. Every situation and behind the scenes happening has His handprint on it.
I told a friend on Sunday that I was "low key panicking a little" because it was so much to overcome and it felt impossible. Then I remembered that it's not up to me to get it done. Took my hands off it and firmly planted my feet on the promises of my loving Savior.
God knows we need money. Who doesn't? More than money though, we need peace. We need trust. We need faith and hope in something that surpasses it all. He. Is. Working. The very idea that His presence and purpose never leave me outweighs any false sense of security this world has to offer us.
Yesterday (exactly one day after the miracle of the two phone calls), I'm running around tidying up my house and chasing my 9month old who's screaming and disgruntled. My book club is set to arrive in 30 minutes and my 3 year old is putting laundry back into the hamper for Mommy to fold another day. She's still got her backpack on from an "adventure" we were supposed to go on an hour ago- but brother's tantrums didn't allow for it. I'm feeling like a failure. I'm frustrated. I'm losing it. She set the table for us- with perfect little plates, forks, glasses filled with water and all the love in the world. I pull the fishsticks out of the toaster oven and plop them on her plate as she squirts her own ketchup.
"Mommy are you eating too?"
"Not yet, baby. I have to help Bubby first."
She then starts to eat at the table alone as I try and calm the baby down.
In the middle of all of that- I hear her sweet voice start to sing (to the tune of Are You Sleeping?)
God, Our Father
God, Our Father
We thank You
We thank You
For our many blessings
For our many blessings
Amen
Friends, know this. God is working in all things. In every moment. We shouldn't need miracles to believe that. In all things- praise His name. Thank Him for where you are. He is ever present. Whether He's rescuing you from your circumstance or sitting with you in your reality. He loves you, and He's on your side. Be the one who sits at the table alone with fishsticks on her plate- still thanking God for all of her blessings.
Looking Ahead
Next month, I'm kicking off a new series called The Claustrophobic Christian: Faith in Tight Spots. We will go through different stories of the bible and see how various characters handle circumstances with faith. We'll be looking at good and bad examples- learning more about who God is along the way. I pray you join me. The podcasts are going to be much different this time. Lots of conversations with friends, mentors, and family:) It's an exciting time! I have been writing it for over a month now. Isn't God amazing? Here we are- stuck in a tight spot and He's already started preparing my heart for it! Subscribe, share this post, and like my Facebook page to get more updates @ Kari Banks (blogger)
The podcast can be found here:See Good Things Podcast
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