We were out of food and out of money. It was Sunday, so there was no hope of help coming in the mail. Our kids were down for naps, and when they woke, we had nothing for them to eat for dinner. Sitting at our dining room table, holding hands and praying for God’s help and intervention, we were startled by a knock at the front door. When I opened the door, I was confused to see Connie standing there. She’d never been to our house. She and Frank lived and moved in a completely different social (and economic) strata than us, and we’d never had any close dealings with them.
Not only was I confused that Connie was there, I was even more perplexed to see tears in her eyes. Her first words weren’t “hello,” but “I hope you can forgive me.” She continued, “The Lord woke me up Friday night and told me to do something for you and Sherry, and I didn’t do it. Then He woke me again last night and said the same thing, and I couldn’t finish today without obeying. Do you think you could come outside and help me?” When I walked outside with her, I saw her VW bus with the rear center seat removed. Inside were grocery bags; lots and lots of grocery bags!
She was thanking me?
As we carried the bags inside, Connie didn’t say anything but “Thank you.” She was thanking me?
After Connie left, Sherry and I dug through the bags, finding that what Connie brought had resupplied every empty spot in our cupboards and refrigerator. All the brands Sherry normally bought. Even some of the special treats we’d buy for the kids. Once everything was put away, Sherry caught my eye and hugged me, and we wept. Together.
We sat back down at the dining room table, held hands, and prayed again, this time thanking God for His unexpected, faith-inspiring movement into Connie’s life, which then had such a life-changing impact on ours.
So we keep praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do (2 Thess 1:11 NLT)
My first observation was the cool VW bus in the photo (sorry but I love old cars). Then to read that Connie and her husband apparently lived in a more affluent neighborhood I thought how cool is it that even living in an affluent area, they still drove a VW bus…. I know, I’m a little odd that my thoughts went there. But how beautiful was that picture of all the bags of food… not just a couple bags but a bus full !!!
My second observation was how I wished God would speak to me clearly about doing something 2 nights in a row….. OR that I would pay closer attention when he does speak to me. This is a story of faith, trust, obedience, and of course love. This is how we as Christians and the church should function in our world. Great story Rick……. Thank you!
Thanks, Steve! It was a beautiful event, and truly shaping for Sherry and me.
This was such a blessing to read – loved it! God is so good.
Thanks, Toni!