You've probably heard one of those stories about a crazy miracle happen in someones life, right? Either through a friend sharing about a someone they know or even someone close to you in your family. But has it ever happened to you personally? I was one of those individuals who had heard of many stories about incredible things happening in other peoples lives but I never really thought that it has ever happened to me, until three days ago when I was on a drive back home from doing errands.
Early in the morning, I thought it would be nice to hit up Starbucks, enjoy a nice warm caramel macchiato, and finish up the book I was currently reading, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I had read the book before but there's always something new that just clicks or you understand more the second time around. This time, I took up a challenge that was requested by the author. There is only one place in the bible where God invites His people to test him. Malachi 3:10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that here may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, 'says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the window of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows'". From this verse God was telling his people to give more than they could manage, give everything they had so that He could show them that for giving willingly, He would bless them immensely. So then here was my chance to test God. Right at that moment, I asked God to show me something crazy, radical, a miracle. I decided that I would tithe the money I had saved up from babysitting the past couple of weeks and then wait and see what God does with it. Later that day, I went on my business and did a few errands to prepare for my trip to Hawaii. While I was gone, my pastors wife called and asked me if I would come over their house for a few minutes to pick something up. So, in the early evening, I went over their house and they handed me an envelope. They said they were proud of me for wanting to spend my time serving the Lord and learning more about him through my trip and wanted to help me out a bit with the finances. They sold a few things from their home and decided to give me the money from what they sold to me for my school. I was thankful for their act of kindness and love for the Lord and really couldn't believe that they had done this for me. The only thing they asked of me in return was pictures of the beaches and maybe a few sea shells. This family is such a blessing to me and a number of people. They are prime examples of selfless giving and are an inspiration for myself and others that no matter what you have or what your situation is, you can bless another person with either money, giving of food, or even just a genuine smile. Once I returned home, I opened the envelope and found that they had given me $1,050!! "Holy Miracle"!! I said and began to cry. What an incredible blessing and what a way for God to prove to me that he is all powerful and that he loves me.
God is ready all the time to bless us, we just have to submit to him and ask for it. There's no need to doubt, no need to wonder. He has me taken care of and knows what I need in the time that I need it. He is my father, my provider and my first love. He will never let me down.
As the days seem to pass by faster, my time here at home gets short and my life changing experience quickly approaches. I have FIFTEEN days left until April 5th and I am still in need of funds. Most of you have received my letter and may have felt in your heart to donate. I am so incredibly thankful for that, but had the return envelope sent back to you, do not worry. There was a complication with the post office with receiving my mail, but has been handled and fixed. So if you still feel lead to give, you may do so and resend your donation to the same mailing address. It will be received and I will send a thank you card in return.
Again, thank you so much for your prayers and donations. I will be sure to continue to updating you all on my adventure with photographs and posts on this blog. Love you all very much!