An Unexpected Blessing ✈️✨

A Bucket List Fulfilled in Faith

The bucket list item that seemed unattainable. A little regret as this too was a bucket list for my husband. But sixteen of us headed off to Israel and my trip was fully paid for and all-inclusive. Air, hotel, transportation and most food was paid for. Simply come to the table and enjoy.

By now, all the money was gone. I would arrive home on July 29th knowing that I did not have the money to pay the mortgage on August 1st. I also had no spending money for the trip. Any money I did spend would be credit with no foreseeable way to pay that back. Not a wise choice.

Preparing Spiritually for the Journey

I was determined to go and enjoy every moment. I would be present each and every day. I wanted to experience all that God had for me there. I would worry about tomorrow (the mortgage payment) when tomorrow arrives. For now, I would not diminish the blessing through the circumstance of perceived lack.

I completed a forty day fast leading up to departure. God led me through I & II Peter. I researched each stop on the trip and was as prepared as I could be. I shared daily devotions with the group that would be traveling, encouraging them as I was. I repented, asked forgiveness and set out to mend relationships as allowable. I walked daily, intent on strengthening my body for the trip and waited in anticipation for the day of departure.

Provision Before Departure

It was during the fast that I asked the Lord what I could bring home as a momentum. I wanted a souvenir, but had little money so it had to matter. Not only did he tell me what to buy, but where to buy it. Excitement built in my mind as I told no one.

Four days before I left, I was handed some cash. Two days later, more cash came. And the day before departure, more cash was handed to me. Thanks to the obedience of God’s people, I had spending money. This would not be the last time I would experience God’s abundant provision in unexpected ways.

A Missed Opportunity—or Divine Setup?

When we got to Cessera, I knew this was the place. This is where Jesus told Peter, “on this rock I will build my church.” This is where God showed me what my souvenir would look like. We followed the tour and did all the tourist things. Took pictures, laughed, and sat in awe as the places of the Bible were coming to life. As we prepared to return to the bus, I saw the gift shop. I saw the item and then our tour guide hurriedly said “get on the bus.” Wait, I have to buy, I thought. But there was no time. We had to leave.

I was devastated. My mind was swirling. I was so close to obedience. Did I miss it? I saw the exact item. Now what would I do?

A Baptism and a Blessing

The following day we were at the Jordan River. It was there, on July 25th that I was baptized just like Jesus had been so many years before me. But God had more for me. I had the honor and the privilege of baptizing my parents, my nephew and several other people on the bus. Some I may never see again on Earth. 17 in total. Wow God! I couldn’t have been more overjoyed.

But then, our guide said this is a great place to buy souvenirs. We have thirty minutes. I shared with her what I was looking for. How I had seen it the day before. She spoke to the shop workers and they took me aside and showed me the options. They accommodated my request as the first one wasn’t quite right. They showed me another one and there it was. A wedding ring with the inscription “I am my beloved’s and He is mine” in Hebrew.

God’s Perfect Gift and Provision

“How much?”, I asked. I can’t make this up. The exact amount of money I received from the first lady four days before I left. I knew this was my ring. He had provided. He gave me the confidence to spend the money. Like Paul, I am grateful for the gift of singleness. However, the Lord has promised to be my husband, or “Ish” a name of God meaning husband.

He had answered my prayer of a meaningful souvenir. He just upped my request. He gave me the perfect gift and provided the earthly currency to pay for it. I wear it and cherish it to this day.

A few days into the trip, I learned another valuable lesson. There was so much. It was overwhelming and glorious and life-changing. I didn’t want to miss anything and yet I couldn’t take it all in. I prayed again, asking the Lord to show me what I needed to see there and to save what I could see after I got home.

A Full Circle Moment

We returned to the states. August 1st came and went. No mortgage payment.

I sat with the Lord over the next couple of weeks taking in all that He had saved for me. One important item was the significance of the day that I was baptized in the Jordan River and received my wedding ring. It was 40 years ago, to the day, that I gave my life to Jesus as a young teenager attending church camp.

I always wanted to know my date of salvation. He continues to give me the desires of my heart - even those I have forgotten about counting as lost or inconsequential.