The year was 1982.  I seem to be able to remember it like it was yesterday.  We, as a family (girls age 7 and 3), had gone to a Christian family camp.  It was the first time we had ever camped in a tent.  That is a story in itself.  🙂  The last day of the camp was Friday morning.  Late Thursday afternoon a storm came through (they say it was the tail end of a tornado).  We were in a session with adults and the girls were with the kids program, and had actually been separated for class.  After the storm passed (it was ugly), we made our way quickly to where the kids were and found Tami.  Ever the diligent older sister, she was crying because she couldn’t find Janna.  We took her hand and found Janna with some adults,  a little scared but safe.  We went back to our canvas tent to find it soaked.  We made due for the night and the next morning pulled away.  I had 1/2 tank of gas to get us home, and due to some unexpected expenses, we had enough money to grab a snack breakfast.  The camp was easily 3-4 hours away and I began to pray: “Lord, I have 1/2 tank of gas left; some young children; and no money.  Please get us home.”  I was driving a 1980 Chevy Citation, loaded to the gills, and we made it all the way home.  THE GAS GAUGE NEVER MOVED!  I know, I know.  Some will read that with skepticism, but it is true.  The gauge never moved.

BUT. OUR. MIRACLE. TIME. WAS. NOT. OVER.

We knew we would be coming home to empty cupboards.   We unloaded and then I checked the mail that had come while we were gone.  I saw an envelope from a pastor/friend in Ohio.  Remember: this is August.  Enclosed was a check for $100 with a note: “Bill, I just found out that we never paid you for speaking at our Prayer Breakfast.  Find that check enclosed.  Forgive me for forgetting.”

Did I tell you the check came in August? 

Did I also tell you that I spoke at the Prayer Breakfast in December? 

Ask me if I believe in luck, chance or coincidence.  You would be better off asking me if I believe in prayer.  Jeremiah 33:3 says,  “Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”   God was big into show-n-tell during that stretch of our lives.  He can do show-n-tell any time He wants!  🙂

I used this story to close my sermon and the “Transformed by Prayer” series Sunday.  It is a lesson that I/we have never forgotten.  Have we worried since then?  Yes, I am ashamed to admit.  But God always pulls me back to that story.  He is in the “showing you great and hidden things” business.  How about you?  Has He done something amazing for you?  Why not share it with us?