A Christmas Miracle

 

Hey friends,

I have to be honest with you guys. Over the last month Matt and I have been struggling financially and almost had to consider going home or moving into a homeless shelter. Allow me explain in more detail the situation and how God has provided for us over the last few months.

When Matt and I arrived in Halifax for the winter we had just spent all of our savings. Certain that we were not supposed to go home but remain in Halifax, Matt and I chose to use our one thousand dollar emergency fund to buy food and living expenses for ourselves rather than buy a plane ticket home.

For approximately three weeks Matt and I struggled to find a home. Sleeping in our tent and then couch-surfing among the members of Deep Water Church. It was amazing how far we could stretch that remaining grand when we did not have any rent or gas expenses.

After three weeks of couch-surfing the Lord provided us with a home. A bedroom to rent from a couple at Deep Water Church named Alix and Jonathan Campbell. We knew that God had prepared this home for us because of these three reasons.

1. God gave my friend, Krista, a dream that matched the description of this house and its residents.

2. When we discussed the renting arrangements with Alix and Jonathan, they confirmed that God had also placed this idea on their hearts.

3. When we moved into their home after paying rent for the first time, Matt and I felt peace in our hearts. We knew that we were exactly where God wanted us to be.

Therefore,  the second week of November Matt and I started paying rent and enjoying our new home and roommates. Matt and I chose to mirror Alix and Jonathan’s living and lifestyle habits as a sign of love and respect. Alix and Jonathan are environmentalists. They purchase their groceries at the farmer’s market and the local Sobeys. They buy organic shampoo, environmentally friendly toilet paper and laundry detergent. They even buy a fair trade local coffee called The Laughing Whale (it is delicious!). Matt and I have been following their example. Although this lifestyle is more expensive, this is Alix and Jonathan’s house and we want to respect their values. We also enjoy rock climbing together every Friday and we order pizza on the weekends. It has been very fun! We became great friends with Alix and Jonathan and learned many new habits that are beneficial to the environment.

There is just one problem. It has been almost two months and we still do not have sustainable jobs. Through a temporary agency Matt was given three weeks of work. This provided a way for us to pay rent for December. However for January, we are officially living off our travel VISA and we are unsure as to how we will pay it off. Matt and I start feeling stressed and nervous. Neither one of us want to be in financial debt. We had expected to have jobs by now and had not anticipated this situation. What should we do? Where was God’s provision? Had we done something wrong?

“But seek first His kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)”

Matt and I decided we had two choices.

1. We could cut up our VISA right now and move out of Alix and Jonathan’s house. We could stop all our expenses by living in the homeless shelters and receive food from the local soup kitchens as we continue to look for jobs to pay off our debt. This could also be a great opportunity to share God’s love and gospel to the poor.

Matt and I pray about this option but it doesn’t sound like the right decision. God has specifically brought us into Alix and Jonathan’s home. If God has placed us here then we should trust that God will provide us with jobs to pay the rent. Which leaves us with a second option.

 2. We continue to live with Alix and Jonathan and trust that God will provide us with jobs and rent. In others words, we continue on the same course of action.

How scary! Our finances are like the Titanic heading towards an iceberg! How long could we continue on this course before we crash? Our VISA card has a limit of $2000. We decide that this will be our crashing point. If we reach this limit, our journey east will be over. It will be time to go home.

During this time Matt and I continue to seek first God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness. I work very hard to write “My Healing Journey” for The Narrow Shoulder. God has put an urgency on my heart to share this story. Matt continues to tell people about Jesus and he prays for the injured and the sick. We continue to trust God’s promise that He will provide.

More time passes and we are now dangerously close to our crashing point. We have only $50 left on our VISA before reaching the limit. The iceberg is so close, yet we have no way of solving the issue.

On Monday January 15th, I post “My Healing Journey” on The Narrow Shoulder. Immediately, it is like the doors of heaven open and we receive blessings and provision from God! Matt and I both receive full-time jobs that same day! I am employed at a daycare center with Halifax Christian Academy. Matt starts working at Jonathan’s construction company. Praise the Lord! There is hope for the future. And yet, with only $50 left on our VISA we really need finances right now. Is God’s provision too late?

On Wednesday January 17th, Matt and I arrive home hungry and tired after our first three days of full-time work. We are pleasantly surprised when Alix and Jonathan inform us that there is a card for us in the mailbox. On the envelope it reads:

Merry Christmas Matt and Amy

The writing is very cute. It was clearly written by a child. There is no return address nor is there a postage stamp. Taking it inside Matt and I sit on the couch and open up the envelope. Inside is a yellow card that reads:

When you opened your eyes this morning, God had already taken care of every unfolding detail in your day.

The words are so kind and encouraging. It is nice to know that someone is thinking of us. We open the card and inside is another small white envelope. Matt carefully opens it and peeks inside. I watch as Matt’s face changes from curiosity to shock. His eyes fix on the contents inside.

“I can’t believe it..” Matt whispers.

His lips part slightly and his eyes fill with emotion. It looks like he is about to cry.

“What is it?” Alix asks. She sounds concerned.

“You’ve got a strange look on your face. What’s in the envelope?” Jonathan asks.

“I can’t believe it.” Matt repeats. “God did it again.”

Matt reaches his hand inside the envelope. He reveals a small stack of hundred dollar bills. Now all our jaws drop! There is a thousand dollars in Matt’s hands. Our initial shock quickly turns into immense joy. Shouts of praise and celebration fill our small living room as we rejoice in God’s amazing faithfulness and provision. Matt was right, God had done it again!

How did we miss that huge iceberg?! With only $50 left before reaching our VISA limit God had managed to meet our needs just in time.

But, why had God given us specifically a thousand dollars? I think to myself.  Is there any significance to this number?

“Matt, can you open up our bank account?” I ask.

Matt opens our bank account on his phone. The outstanding balance due at the end of January shows $1,675.  

“How much money did you make this month while working with the temporary agency?” I ask.

“$675” Matt says.

“No way, with this extra thousand dollars we will have the exact amount needed to pay off our VISA!” I exclaim. 

Alix laughs and shakes her head in disbelief.

“It is so exciting living with you guys. Jon and I have never seen God’s provision like this before. This is amazing..”

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:31-33)

Matt and I are learning about God’s provision on The Narrow Shoulder. It is natural that we should worry about our own provision. We naturally worry about our finances, jobs, homes, food, and clothing. However, as followers of Jesus Christ we have been called to exchanged one stress for another. Matt and I no longer ask the question “How will we survive?” we ask the question “Are we seeking first His Kingdom and His Righteousness?” Matt and I meditate on this scripture often and it has transformed our mindset and priorities. We have many needs on this journey and rather than have it cause us stress, it has fueled our passion for the things of God. This question causes us to evaluate our lifestyle and to seek first God’s Kingdom with all our heart. In doing so we have seen God’s amazing provision in our lives. Matt and I are now witnesses to this beautiful truth. God is faithful to His promises. If we truly seek first the Kingdom of God, then He will be faithful and meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). In Christ, we lack nothing. Therefore my friends, let’s stop worrying about own needs. Let’s start responding to our true calling and seek the heavenly things that are everlasting, good and fulfilling! Don’t worry, God will take care of the rest.

Most importantly, to the family who so generously gave us this financial gift: Thank you so much! Matt and I may never know who you are or what it cost for you to believe and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. But Matt and I are so glad that you acted in faith that day. You were an answer to our prayers and it allowed Matt and I to continue this journey of faith on The Narrow Shoulder. May God’s blessing and provision rest on you and your family as you continue to live out your faith, seeking the kingdom of God with all your heart.  🙂