Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy.”
Psalms 34:5
They say that God works in mysterious ways…and I believe He does. Throughout my years as an adult believer, God has shown up in different ways and it always leaves me feeling very grateful. When people ask me can God be trusted, without hesitation, I can give an unqualified yes. And I can say that not only because the Bible tells me so but because of the times He proved Himself. Some were big and some were small but each one, every one, was significant and real.
Let me tell you a story. When my wife Judy and I were married I was a buck sergeant in the Air Force and, well, things were quite lean. With a lot of help from the Lord (and that’s another story), we were able to travel to Germany together for a three-year stint. We loved it but honestly things were even more financially tight there than here. With the fluctuation of the German Mark and the fact that things just cost more—there were plenty of times when there was more month than money. It was during one of those times that God showed off.
Judy and I had gone to the Base Exchange (the store on base) to get a few things that we had to have. It was one of those times when there was more month than money and we had to choose what was important very carefully. Well, I don’t remember the details, but we had a discussion right there in the store about what to do. Now when I say discussion, it wasn’t exactly a friendly chat, but neither was it a hollering match. In fact, I’m grateful because I don’t think we’ve ever had one of those. But anyway, it was a little “heated.”
Well, we made our way to the front of the store and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Like I said, I don’t remember the details, but it was all about money—or rather, the lack of it. And, I can probably say with certainty that most of the heat was coming from Sergeant Taylor and not his sweet wife. So, there we were standing in line, me yakking and sweet Judy holding her tongue. And just about then…it happened. Believe it or not, over the din of the crowd I heard something sliding…being pushed on the tile floor. I looked down.
As I looked down, there at my feet, was a crumpled up twenty-dollar bill. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it. I think I said, “Judy, look down.” We both were flabbergasted. Apparently, and I do believe this to be right, that crumpled up twenty-dollar bill was just what we needed to get past whatever crisis we were going through. Now, to put your mind at ease, there wasn’t any way to determine who had lost or dropped the money. As far as I am concerned God had acted on our behalf. He put it there. He is the One who somehow caused me to hear the slightest of sound of paper on a tile floor. It was my Father who caused me to look down.
Well, we picked up the gift and went to the cash register and paid for our items with what God had provided. It was amazing. What else is amazing is how quick my demeanor changed too. Frowns changed to smiles. Frustration turned to peace. Hopelessness changed to hope. You know, I personally believe that things like this happen all the time—everyday and in various ways. The reason we don’t usually see them is that we aren’t looking. The reason we don’t recognize them is we tend to explain them away. Small miracles become mere happenstance and sadly, we miss the blessing, and He misses His glory.
All the events of that day were the orchestration of my Dearest Daddy. The tight budget that I looked on with distain was the setup for God’s grand provision. Without the first, the second wouldn’t have happened. One of the authors of the Psalms wrote and said, “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy.” And, that Grits family, is the truth. So, starting now, starting today, let’s look carefully, let’s listen carefully for the Whisperer whispering, “Don’t worry child…I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 