God has been providing incredible answers to our prayers, even little miracles; let me share just a few:
1. God provides a live-in housekeeper. As you know, a few weeks ago, we hit our “wall,” and realized our need for help with the housework and children. But what could we do on our limited budget? God was already at work answering multiple prayers. Unknown to us, some dear friends of ours had an aunt who had lost her job because of a fire in the factory where she worked. At the same time, she had to relocate because she couldn’t live in her home any longer. A mere coincidence? It seems like we were a match “made in Heaven.” We offered her all that we could afford, very part-time. She, however, needing a place to live, asked if we would consider letting her stay with us so she could help us out more often. This would benefit both us and her as well, since she wouldn’t need to rent a place to stay. She was the precise solution for us and we for her! The perfect answer to all our prayers.
2. God makes the impossible probable. We had always wanted our kids to grow up with a Biblical worldview and Christian values. We thought our only solution was for Lillian to homeschool our kids, at least for the first few years. The more we thought about it, the more we realized that we were not the best suited to homeschool. What we really wanted was a biblically-based Christian environment (i.e., a good private Christian school.) But there was no way I could possibly afford it. As a professional minister, I had never come close to making that kind of money.
Miraculously, Lillian received a phone call from a principal of a nearby Christian school. It seems that God may be making it possible for our kids to have the Christian environment we want them to have in their early years. Of course, we don’t want to shelter our kids forever. We want our kids to love people with different worldviews and win people to Christ. But they are just too young and impressionable at this time. God heard my prayers. He is truly an amazing God!
3. Quality Time. Since the stroke, I often felt that I was missing out on quality time with my children because of my disability. I told the Lord I really would love some special quality time with my kids. Well, God answered that prayer too! By “happenstance,” we found the most perfect, private spot for us to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks. We were so excited and the kids were ecstatic. Lillian said it was the best fireworks show she had ever been to. Thank Heaven for little favors. God is so good!
Tim
P.S., We have lots more answered prayers and new difficult challenges, but I need to save something for next time. 🙂