Life-Changing Thoughts from XDN 315

In life there is always that “first time”. This “first time” is always coupled with an excitement beyond measure. Be it a first birthday, first date, first love, first job, first baby, and the list goes on and on – the level of enthusiasm does not dwindle. In our case it’s the “first car” … human as we are, we eagerly waited for the chance to relish in the comfort of having our own car. At the outset, we thought things were going to be plain and simple. After myriad weeks, an insight dawned on us that God was speaking a wonderful message of faithfulness and assurance through the “first car”. We got a first glimpse of the car in a photo sent through email by a family member. That was three weeks before my husband’s scheduled flight back to the country. We brought the matter to the Lord. Since then, my husband and I articulated our mutual fondness and instant connection to the car. Weeks passed, and the availability of the car was a confirmation that God reserved it for us. After being charmed by the car for the second time around, we shelled out our hard earned cash with a light heart. We were fully aware that we bought a used car with trivial flaws. But, it didn’t matter at that point because we knew that the car was in a running condition. We expected to use the car after one week but a string of dilemma turned up. We were upset over things and yet we wrestled in prayer. Our patience has been challenged to a great extent. The authorized car shop took two months to make a replacement part available due to error in the ordering and diagnosis. A feeling of relief enveloped us when we were told that the part has finally arrived. But the next phone call rocked our world - subsequent check up and road test revealed that other parts need probable replacement. We did a calculation and the parts require hefty sum. We were dumbfounded, tired, and almost in a state of bankruptcy. Amidst disappointment and frustration, we made a resolve to trust the Lord with all our heart and once again called on God to take control of the situation. I could still vividly recall that Saturday morning when I cried out to God in desperation and how His Word enlightened and comforted me. The following day was a Sunday, God’s word was so powerful and am struck in the Sunday School. Before the worship service began, the insight became clearer. I can’t almost contain it and I found myself writing a note for my husband during the Testimony time to share the burden that stirred up within me. And my husband agreed with me … that was the moment I can say we were totally released from the snare woven by the enemy. By faith, we made a decision on “something” that would glorify Him. We declared that whatever may come God will always be our Great Provider. Though we were hurting a bit, we went back to the cunning car dealer and made arrangements that we’re going to return the car. We computed how much we would lose from the deal but at the same time we made a justification to spare ourselves from further trouble. Before we could surrender the pertinent papers, God led us to seek counsel from a couple close to our heart. Thank God that our heart overflowed with peace and as we left the place we have come up with a firm decision. Consequently, the car has reached Baguio without posing problems contrary to the results of earlier diagnosis. Praise God that the car is all right but we still have to wait for quite sometime due to my husband’s lack of license to drive. When he got hold of his license we realized that the car needs to be registered and transferred to us first before we can freely make use of it. On one perspective, it’s just a simple car with plate number XDN 315 and yet God brought heart-changing philosophies through it. God taught us to prioritize things; to learn the art of waiting patiently; to rise above our struggles and disappointments; to give thanks to Him in everything; to continually declare that He is faithful; there is always a blessed assurance from the Lord; all things work together for the good of those who love God!