The power of prayer amazes me every day. But there are some moments that stand out as enduring testimonies.
We once had a Tahoe. It served us well. But the time came when we wanted to replace it with a van.
We advertised it in an auto sales magazine. In due course, a man contacted us about it. We agreed to meet him in a public parking lot.
We were glad we made this arrangement because he looked a little scary in the evening shadows.
He looked the Tahoe over, asked a few questions and then said he didn’t want it. As he started to walk away, Jay said, “Hold on a minute. I think we need to pray about this.”
I was stunned. Jay was not the type to make such a bold move, especially toward a stranger we did not even know … and a rather suspicious looking one at that.
The man looked a cross between startled and annoyed. He started back toward Jay. I thought of prayer myself. But mine was more like, “Oh Lord, please don’t let this man kill us.”
Before he got back, Jay began to pray acknowledging that God knew what we all needed and would provide it in his timing. Jay asked for special blessings on that man in all he did or would do in the future.
The man stood there a moment. None of us moved. He then said simply, “I’ll buy it.” He did, giving us the full asking price. He did not comment on Jay’s prayer or why he changed his mind about buying it.
We celebrated and proceeded to buy our new van. A couple of weeks later, we saw the man in a fast food restaurant on the other side of town.
Jay asked him if he was enjoying the Tahoe. The man said, “Nah, I told you I didn’t want it. But funny thing, I sold it for more than what I gave you. So it turned out good.”
And that is the story of how God blessed us and a man not known to us, but known to God. And God moved the Tahoe to someone we never met, but who needed a new SUV.
God would have blessed all of us in whatever way He chose, but I believe He especially smiled at the bold prayer of the man who stepped out in faith and thanksgiving for His Provision.
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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:21-22
