Our summer miracle

We experienced a miracle this summer.

You might be able to explain the reason, and it doesn’t “defy nature,” but to us, it was a miracle.

Let me back up just a little bit.

Last September, I resigned from my job. The decision took me a looooong-time to make. For over a year, I wrestled with the Lord in prayer over the decision.

My resignation wasn’t flippant, sudden, or safe. We were simply following the strong, prolonged prompting of the Lord, and it was a huge step of faith.

I ​knew​ God was leading us. 

I ​knew ​He would be with us.

I ​knew He wouldn’t leave us.

I even knew that God would bless our obedience to walk by faith and in faithfulness to Him.

But here’s the thing about blessing :: God’s blessing sometimes looks a lot like suffering. His ​good gifts ​come, many times, through painful experiences or circumstances.

My heart struggled with the word will.

Repeatedly I cried out to God, “I know you can, but will you? Will you provide for us? Will you sustain us? Will you be Lord of even this?

My heart shouted a thousand, tearful amens with this C.S. Lewis quote ::

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be. (C.S. Lewis)

Every time I struggled, every time I couldn’t see the outcome, the way, or the hope I desperately needed, God whispered to my heart, “Do you trust me? Will you trust me?”

What I had to come to terms with then, and what I’ve had to return to and reaffirm many times since then is this ::

If our obedience looks foolish in the eyes of the world, so be it. If our steps of faith result in loss, I accept it. Because no matter what comes, no matter what happens, in the depths of my heart, I know God has the best in mind for us.

I believe that He works all things for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purposes. I believe He is faithful and sovereign and loving and good, and I know He can be trusted.

Our circumstances haven’t been easy since that step of faith, and really, though it felt like a giant leap at the time, that step of faith was merely the first step on a long path of choosing to walk in obedience and faith and faithfulness, but God has been faithful.

When we weren’t sure how the bills would get paid, He provided.

When we didn’t know which direction to turn, He led.

When we felt shaky, uncertain, afraid, or vulnerable, He was our strength and courage and protector and friend.

And He still is.

He hasn’t left us, and He won’t now.

So what of this miracle? 

I’m sure it will sound silly to you, but oh what joy and laughter and delight He gave us through something so simple and finite.

We’re a family with 4 rambunctious kids — two of them being rowdy, growing boys.

Mama’s been going a little crazy this summer with the bouncing-around-the-house energy of the kiddos, and I’ve had my eye on this energy-sapping, exercise-giving, get-em-outside circle of fun.

Yes, I convinced myself that this thing would solve all some of my problems. Problem was, though Amazon gave a good price, it was way out of our (I’m not working anymore) price range.

Then prime day came around, and I wondered if our wish would be on the sale list.

Out of curiosity, I clicked over to check the price. 20% off on checkout. Bummer.

The $280 it was supposed to be was still a far cry from the $125 we had saved and set aside.

The credit card tempted me. Twenty percent is still 20%.

But I had committed to the Lord that I wouldn’t add this extra to our debt. Instead, I reaffirmed that even in this, even in this not-necessary desire, I trusted Him.

I hit the checkout button. (It wasn’t my finest moment, I admit, but I was so curious what the final numbers would be with the discount, taxes, and any extra shipping for the size.)

You guys — my jaw hit the floor.

I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know if it was an Amazon mistake, a really great deal, or God rubbing His hands together in delight, but the total on that screen came to $123.57.

I was like a kid on Christmas.

“God, are you kidding me?” I squealed in delight.

We had $125 saved, and the total amounted to just under $124 total. I couldn’t believe it, except I kind of could. :)

I clicked “order” as fast as my fingers could tap, and I got on my knees to thank God for this unexpected, unnecessary, definitely-an-extra gift.

Sure, our miracle might be explainable and unimportant to you. But to us, our miracle reminded us that God sees us, He hears us, and He provides even above what we need.

It’s simple, I know, but what joy God put in my heart! Even writing the story now, I’m smiling and laughing, and giving all glory to Him.

Friend, if you are in a season of waiting and wondering and questioning not just if God can but if He will, let me remind you :: He sees you, He hears you, and He will provide even above what you need. Keep waiting on Him. Keep yielding your heart to Him and affirming your trust in Him.

He is faithful. He is kind. He is good.

soli Deo gloria,

Erika

ps — I do love sharing good deals. We’re a penny-pinching family who’d much rather save a dollar here so we can be generous to others there. So I am thrilled to share Amazon Prime Days with you again this year. Find out more HERE.

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