Yesterday was a day of miracles! But, in the words of the Captain Underpants books, before I can tell you that story, I have to tell you this one…
A little over a month ago:
I’m not sure if you remember, but a little over a month ago I was asked to do the dedication of a friend’s baby in Luton. As part of the preparation, I went over to meet with my friend Danny and his wife Lisa, and their pastor. After the meeting, my friends and I had lunch together, and just before I left, he gave me a copy of “Life in the UK” – the book that you use to prepare for the test you need to take for citizenship. This was a nice gift, but as it costs around £600 to register, I said to the Lord “Well, thanks God, but I don’t actually have the money for this to be useful right now!”. And left it at that…
About two weeks ago:
We asked our home group and some close friends for prayer. This month (October)has been the most difficult month for us financially since we moved to England. Our bank account is about £900 overdrawn, and we had no extra gifts come in from anywhere (our basic monthly costs are about £300 more than our income, and there are always “suprise” costs that we rely on God to supply for, as well as the £300 shortfall). I was really concerned, and, although I prayed with Karen about it, and we had people praying for us, I started to do what I always do when we are going through financial “testing” – I started looking for a way to make up the shortfall in my own strength. I started looking for a job, thought about selling the car and getting a smaller one, and trying to find little ways to save money.
As I was doing this, I felt convicted by the Lord – he told me “You are looking to yourself for provision, instead of trusting me. Stop it!”. I took this to heart, but asked him for a small sign – a reassurance – that He hadn’t forgotten our needs and was going to provide for us. At the same time, I cancelled a relatively small subscription I have to play an online game. I posted to my “guild” online that I was cutting down on expenses, and it might be a while before I played again.
That evening, I received an email from one of the leaders of the guild, who is not a Christian, saying this:
Hey Dale,
Wubb and I have talked a bit, and we wondered how you would react if you were offered a gaming card code. Free of charge, no strings attached. Would you start playing again, or would you stay (offline)?
I know how it is to have problems with something/anything IRL, and then also have your favourite hobby taken away. The hobby is often there to distract you/your mind from IRL problems, and when you lose your hobby, the problems could seem to grow bigger.
Let me know as soon as you can, and we could have a gamecard code for you before (tonight).
And remember, if you are offered something you really want, its stupid to say no. :)
Best regards
Wow! A total non Christian was the “small sign” that God was giving me – He is still in control! AND – He was going to use this situation to give me a testimony. When I logged in to play the game, I whispered him, and said that I didn’t know what He believed, but as He knows, I am a Christian, and then explained to him what I had prayed, and how he and his partner are the “Sign” that I had asked God for. His reply was that, although he didn’t believe, his partner, who is from a committed Christian background, had said after they talked about it: “You know Dale is a Christian, and has probably been praying about it.”
I asked him what he thought of what I had said, and he told me that in his dealings with his wifes family, he has been amazed by how many “co-incidences” have happened when they prayed about it, and that their stories and mine really made him think. So – God gave me a sign, and a testimony, and drew this man I have never met a little further on his journey towards God (I believe!)
The next day…
Our good friend and co-worker for the Gospel, Angela, told us about a picture she felt God had layed on her heart about how she saw “Money just falling out of heaven for us”.
That evening, a friend of ours from Home Group who had been praying for us told me that they had received some extra money, and felt that God prompted them to give some of it to us – and gave us a gift of £100! Another sign to me that God is in control, and would provide for us.
A week ago….
A friend of ours who we haven't seen for about 7 years wrote and asked if he could stay with us for a few days while he was over in London. We were thrilled, and on Saturday he arrived and came to stay.
Yesterday…
Our friend Phillip invited us out for a meal, and our friends Simon and Helen from Home Group agreed to babysit for us. We went our for a fabulous meal at http://www.madhuwanrestaurant.co.uk/. (I really recommend it. Great ambience, and although the service is slightly slow, the food is well worth the wait – outstanding Indian Cuisine!) After dinner, he gave us each a gift. Karen got a little gift (which she loves), and to me Phillip gave a napkin. Rather curious, I opened the napkin to find a pen drawn Union Jack, with £600 written on it. He is giving me all the money I need to get my UK citizenship!!! So, a month after getting the book and grumbling at God, he just overwhelmingly blessed me, out of the blue, with the money I need for the application as well.
And…
When we got back from the evening out, just before we took Simon and Helen home, they told us that they want to give Karen a Dell Lattitude 6400 laptop – MUCH newer and more high spec than the one she currently uses!
Also…
Another member of our home Group, Linda, texted to offer us a desktop computer for the kids to use! Another Dell (our favourite UK brand even!) – second hand, but in excellent condition, with a flat screen monitor and all the bits.
Just… WOW!
All of this, in the month that we most needed God’s reassurance that he is our provider, and will meet all our needs as we walk in faith each day doing the things he has called us to.
Edit:
And Today…
Since writing this blog this morning, we have just been given the £114 we needed to buy the part we need for our car to be fixed. I’m sitting here, utterly overwhelmed by God’s generosity. – Dale
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(Eph 3:20-21)
Wow...GOD'S FAITHFULLNESS! How I needed this today....about to make serious decisions based on our financial situation that will affect us and the kids. So trusting God to confirm His will . May you be blessed even more!
Posted by: René | 19 October 2011 at 10:55 AM
We will be praying for you Rene, and trust that God will give you your sign and your miracle too.
Love
Dale, Karen, and Kids
Posted by: Thinkzalot | 19 October 2011 at 01:05 PM