True testimony, as told by Pastor DJ Chung. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the obedient couple.
It all started with an oversized problem with their tiny garage.
Mark and Jill were ready to purchase a new car, but their lack of available parking space left them with few options. Comparing the dimensions of their garage with the size of vehicles in their price range, there were only a handful of cars from which they could choose.
After several weeks of research, they landed on purchasing a brand-new Mitsubishi Mirage, Black Edition. Their local car dealership had one available with only 18 miles on it, and the price was $22,000 out-the-door. Mark signed the papers on Monday, with plans for Jill to go in on Wednesday and sign as the co-applicant.
That evening, however, they received an unexpected call that instantly changed their priorities. Their friend, a pastor, had been a victim of the Los Angeles wildfires; his family of five had lost their home and all their earthly belongings.
Mark and Jill were heartbroken for their friend, and they prayed the Lord would guide them toward a way for them to help.
The solution came to the couple immediately: they would have more money available to give if they settled for a used car. Together, they resolved to search for a used but still reliable version of the same car they’d already planned to purchase. They committed to God that whatever money they saved, they would immediately donate to helping the pastor and others affected by the wildfires.
As Mark continued researching, he found a like-new Mirage with only 13,000 miles. It was available for $13,000, and they were thrilled! With their very small compromise, the couple had already gained $7,000 to help others. They made an appointment to purchase the car just a few days later.
That appointment, however, was not meant to be. The seller communicated delay after delay, and days turned into weeks of waiting. Mark and Jill were frustrated and confused. Why were there so many complications when they had been so sure of God’s leading?
Meanwhile, Mark continued to research. Ultimately, they found a slightly older but still reliable, gently used Mirage, and it was in incredible condition. They marveled at the asking price: $9,995. This was a savings of $12,005 from the new car they had originally planned to buy, and that would all be redirected to help others in need. They would pay less for the car than they would have available to give away!
Mark and Jill praise God for the ways He was able to meet their needs while orchestrating an incredible opportunity to practice Spirit-led generosity. They were able to give away more than they ever dreamed possible, because they trusted God to provide.
All it took was a tiny car and a tiny bit of faith to experience God’s provision in a very big way.
Heather M. Day is an author, speaker and communication specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the fields of marketing, communications, and nonprofit ministry. She is the founder of Daylight Creative, LLC and author of Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit. She and her husband, Robert, reside in Bourbonnais, IL, with their two children, Emma and Jackson.