God Knows Our Needs - A True Miracle Story Part 2
Part two of this story will make you shout "Hallelujah" as well as encourage you that God knows our needs --- when we need it. He is NEVER late.
The tow truck arrived and I rode with the driver to the nearest full-service station. I expected the mechanic to have a solution but he shrugged his shoulders.
“Sorry, Ma’am, we’re about to close. I’ll have someone look at it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Do you have any idea what could be the problem?” I pleaded for even a hint of reassurance.
“Sorry, I can’t even guess until I have a look.”
The tow truck driver asked me if I needed a lift to the ferry. “It’s right on my way. I’d be happy to drive you there.”
I wanted to hug him but instead, I signed relief and gave him a big smile. “Thank you.”
Where will I get the money for the cab drive home? How am I going to pay the mechanic? No money for food or essentials...and now this!
God Knows Our Needs Even Before We Ask
I counted on God and knew He would also provide a way for me to get home from the ferry. I had less than twenty dollars in my purse which would only cover the cost of the ferry. Nothing would be left over to pay for a cab.
God knows exactly what is going to happen and is never shocked. He knows what we need but wants us to be precise when we make our requests. The more specific we are, the more we will appreciate the answer when it transpires.
“Thank you, Lord, for bringing me this far. I know you are with me and you will provide a ride for me. And thank you for the promise that you will supply my needs.” Ephesians 5:20 declares that I need to give thanks always, in all things.
God knows our needs --- when we need it. He is NEVER late.
The more I thanked Him, the more my joy built, moving me from a position of even the slightest doubt to one of unwavering faith. I was excited to see how God would arrange my transportation. There wasn’t a chance He would ask me to walk thirty miles on a dark, wet, and cold night.
Ask And You Shall Receive...
I sat in the cafeteria on the ferry wondering who I might recognize, knowing somehow God would have a ride available to get me home safely.
“Oh, my goodness. Is that you Carol?”
Swiftly I turned around.
“Toni! How good to see you. It’s been at least a couple of years. Are you ready for Christmas?”
“Getting there. The kids are coming home this weekend which is why I went to the city today to get some last-minute shopping done. I’m so glad I ran into you because we moved to a house a few doors down the street from you and I have been meaning to stop by. You just saved me the trip.”
Toni chuckled and gave me a warm hug.
I whispered, “Thank you, Jesus.”
After sharing my broken-down car story with her, Toni offered to give me a lift. It gave us a great opportunity to catch up, and I was thrilled to rekindle a friendship. It was the end of an eventful, miracle-filled day.
God Knows Your Heart
I was exhausted when I arrived home after midnight but noticed the answering machine flashing. The message was from Peter’s wife. I had not heard from anyone who was at the hospital since praying for Peter and didn’t know if he was home yet.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for praying for Peter. The doctors said he would recover completely and there is no sign of cancer. This was truly a miracle.”
I slowly sank to the floor, weeping, overcome with joy. “Thank you, God, for honoring Your Word. Nothing is too difficult for you. Absolutely nothing.”
The next morning, I called the mechanic. “The timing chain is broken,” he said, “and we will have to install a new one.”
“What will that cost me?”
“Shouldn’t run you more than a couple hundred dollars.”
I wanted to shout, “I don’t have a couple hundred dollars. I don’t have twenty dollars.” But instead, I thanked him and hung up.
I remembered God’s words to me the day before and praised Him for supplying what I needed.
“Lord, I don’t know where the money is going to come from. I don’t know what to tell the mechanic. But I trust You and know You will provide.”
“Thank you, God, for honoring Your Word. Nothing is too difficult for you. Absolutely nothing.”
Sometimes these words come easy and other times they can be a struggle. But I chose to believe God would provide. I chose to believe his Word which tells me all things work together for my good.
Within moments of that prayer of gratitude, the doorbell rang. I wondered if I should answer it.
What if it was a bill collector? What if they were here to turn off the electricity? “I know God is in control. I will not worry.” I repeated this several times as I walked towards the door.
It was the mailman. He handed me a registered letter. My hands trembled slightly as I signed for it and wondered if we were being evicted.
What A Wonderful Blessing!
I closed the door behind the mailman and slowly opened the letter.
Out loud I told myself, “Why are you allowing your fearful thoughts to grip you? Why do you immediately think of the worst-case scenario?”
I know it is not uncommon to have those thoughts. What makes the difference is what I do with them. Will I accept them and become fearful of impending doom? Or remind me that God knows the end of my story? He is in control. He will always find a way when there seems to be no way.
“Dear Clayton and Carol,” the letter began. “Last week my wife and I were praying together and God impressed upon each of us that He wanted us to bless you.”
I was trying to remember who this couple was but the memory was unclear.
“You may not remember us but we met you about a year ago when we were visiting our daughter who lives in your town.” I vaguely recalled.
“We hope you are not offended by this gift, but we felt strongly that God wanted us to send this to you. We hope you will be able to use it.”
My mind stirred memories and then remembered which made me quiver when I read the next part of the letter.
“A few months ago, an acquaintance of ours called you and asked you to pray for a newborn baby who had just died. The doctors said there was no hope. He was gone. Even though that baby was already dead, you did not hesitate to speak life into that child.”
I knew where this letter was headed. My heart beat fast and tears flowed freely down my cheeks.
“While you were praying for that child, he started to cough. God answered that prayer. Today he is a happy, healthy little boy.”
I will never forget that phone call as I stood in awe of God’s miracle power. I was ecstatic to hear the good news of the baby’s health.
“When we were praying, God impressed on us to send this gift to you. We knew God had a reason. We are so happy to bless you for blessing others during their time of need.”
I blinked. Then blinked again trying to clear my eyes as I gazed at the amount on the check -- $500. I looked again -- $5,000!
The same way I prayed for Peter in the hospital, I had prayed for that baby. Standing on the promise in God’s Word and not wavering in my faith when asking God to do what He promised is putting my faith and trust in His promise. Basing prayers on what God vowed to do when I dare to believe Him, is all He requires. He will perform the rest.
God Knows Our Needs - Trust Him Completely
This was a lesson learned and not one I would soon forget. God orchestrates my life.
His timing is perfect each time. He knows every intimate detail.
God honors His Word. God only asks me to be obedient and to trust Him. That is all He asks of any of us.
Let me share with you this video where I talk more about how God knows our hearts and thoughts. He is our loving Father, and I hope you will continue to feel His love for you today and everyday.