This story is based on true events that happened to one of my dearest friends. We grew up together for several years in the same church but now live in different states. Though distance is between us, the love is still there. You will always “hear” Wanda before you see her, for her infectious laughter always precedes her. I suppose that and LORD is what has gotten her through.  Listen as Thwanda tells her story of some of God’s miraculous interventions in her life.

Treasures in Darkness

I was a young mother of four children whose husband left to find himself. Having three boys and one girl was a miracle in itself because I was told by the doctor I couldn’t have children. Well with my four little miracles and an absentee husband I worked inside and outside of my home to care for them. The Lord had blessed me to purchase my first home and I was grateful. At first, I was told I didn’t qualify because I was a single mom. That was the mindset in the 1980’s. However, God moved some mountains for me and it was as good as done. I always believed the combination of hard work and the LORD always surpassed the limitations of what man says I can do. We had a home!

Shortly after moving in the house, I was unexpectedly laid off.  Having to live paycheck to paycheck my bills quickly became delinquent. I was struggling to keep shelter, lights and food. With a broken heart I prayed because I had no way to feed my children.

I Got This!

I have always been independent and strong. No one ever knew my struggles because I always managed it myself. Not my mother, not my father, not my friends, no one. This is not how it was supposed to be!

I remember when I was growing up. I never knew what it was to be hungry or without what I needed or even wanted. In my early 20’s as a single woman I had my own checking and savings accounts and wanted for nothing. When I got married, I thought my life would only blossom as we built a family and life together.

Presenting my Case

But now, ten years later I sat on my couch crying and asking GOD why and what could I do? In my heart I cried out giving GOD a litany of reasons this should not be happening to me.

“I give my tithe and offerings!”

“I sing in the choir!”

“I teach Sunday School!”

“I serve in the soup kitchen!”

“When the church door is open, I am there with my children in tow!”

“Is there yet more you require of me? What more must I do to be rewarded for my faithfulness to You?”

“It’s not so much for me LORD but it’s my children! They are suffering!”

I painfully recalled my youngest telling me he was hungry and asking for a cracker. My oldest son, only 9 years old, somehow mature beyond his years, quickly responded,

“Drink some water and let’s go upstairs and play.”

I learned years later he thought that playing would help his baby brother forget his hunger. This broke my heart and I felt like a failure. I believed provision was my sole responsibility and I wasn’t living up to my role.

An Angel at the Door

My troubled thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell ringing. So as not to display my anguish I quickly dried my eyes, walked to the door and opened it.

I gasped! I couldn’t believe my eyes!

There on the steps were bags and bags of groceries, not just any food, name brands, fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, cereal, and even snacks for the children to enjoy! I shook my head in disbelief and looked around for the kind person to say ‘Thank you’.  There was no one to be seen anywhere. I begin to cry again, this time tears of joy! I called my children to help me bring the many bags into the house.

The children were ecstatic!  We feasted on the blessings of GOD for many days after that.

A very short time later, before those provisions ran out, GOD restored my job with promotions and my joy! I said then and I say today–What a MIGHTY GOD we serve!  JEHOVAH- JIREH – He is my PROVIDER!

The End

No, not yet.

Epilogue

Angel Revealed

More than thirty years after this miracle of provision, Thwanda was serving in a new church under a different pastor. In a particular service, the pastor was relaying to the congregation how God will tell you to do things and you don’t know why. He was telling a story of how God, many years ago, brought a particular family to mind and told him to go to the store and buy them groceries. He was serving as an elder at the church at the time and felt a little funny about doing that and even a little embarrassed as he didn’t know what the single mom would think. But being obedient to God he went to the store. He began to put various items in the carriage. The strangest thing though, he reached for a certain brand of rice and the thought popped in his head, ‘No, get Uncle Ben’s’. When he was going for canned vegetables, again the thought in his mind said ‘Get Green Giant’. He went on like this until he had ten bags worth of groceries.

He drove the groceries to the mom’s house and unloaded them on the porch of her front door. He rang the doorbell, ran to his car and sped off.

At that moment the Pastor’s and Thwanda’s eyes met; they were both crying.

For thirty years, Thwanda had no idea who placed those groceries on her porch. But what she did know was that GOD provided. Now she knew the Angel through whom He had provided.

Today and Forever

Today Thwanda lives happily married to her second husband and ministers to men and women about the faithfulness of God. Her four children, now adults, are thriving in life and in ministry. She has 18 beautiful grandchildren and continues to say, “God is Faithful… Always.”

Her story continues….but clothed in joy!

 

Because of Who You Are – Vicki Yohe