However, throughout the series I was pondering on and reflecting on times when God broke in, specifically in my life. I was feeling a little stressed about this and trying to think of a precise moment, a precise story. I finally came to the realization that there have been some big moments when God really broke in (accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of my life and being baptized to show this change), and there have been smaller moments that maybe weren't as earth shattering, but He definitely broke in. I also realized that I need a lot more of God breaking in!
Finally, though, a story of God breaking in came to me and it came at such an interesting time. Some friends of ours were sharing about how much they were struggling with their faith and struggling financially. They were not sure how they were going to have a Christmas for their family, pay bills or just make it. They felt this urge to resort back to some old, bad habits like they had never felt before. Then that night they returned home to find a hamper delivered to their door. A hamper full of Christmas gifts, money and even a book about pressing on and remaining strong in faith when times our tough. It was such a touching story, and it hit me. It hit me hard, because only a year ago we were in the same exact position.
Last Christmas was a really tough time for us, spiritually, financially, emotionally. At one point we had decided that John and I would not do anything for each other for Christmas, which was fine as it is about our kids, not us. Bills were piling up, we were working crazy hours handing the kids off as we switched shifts, therefore never seeing each other, nor spending quality time with one another, and we were struggling to meet the basics it seemed. I finally got a job with the government at the end of November (praise the Lord), but was spending a lot of time traveling to and from work, not to mention the gas. We knew we had to make some big decisions and decided to move closer to my work. This meant more expenses, double the rent we were paying, etc. So then we decided that our kids would be getting minimal (thankfully I had bought a big present for them on a great sale a few months earlier and that would be it). We had also invited some friends to spend Christmas with us and had no idea how on earth we were going to pay for the groceries. Not to mention a lot of other stuff we had going on.
At the beginning of Dec. we were heading into town to do some errands and stopped off at the post office. We were surprised to learn that we had a parcel, a large parcel in which they asked us to drive around back to collect. We were a little perplexed as to who would be sending us a parcel of such a large size and were eying each other up thinking did you purchase something. We were shocked when we received it. No return address, just from the North Pole in Calgary. The box was filled with Christmas gifts for our kids, for John and I and a gift card for groceries. We were shocked, absolutely shocked. We drove to town in silence, as we processed what just happened. Then we both just lost it, completely and utterly broke down because for the first time we both felt like God had shown us that He really does care for us and has put some pretty incredible people in our lives to show us how much He cares and loves us. For the first time I knew that God was going to take care of us, provide for us and that He was all that we needed to really trust, rely on and confide in. That was a moment when God truly broke in and it was a Christmas that I will never forget. It was a Christmas that truly was about Him and the amazing gift of His son which is truly all we ever need.
As we were shopping this year for Christmas gifts, my husband stopped and said
'thank you Lord that we can afford Christmas and food this year'. Right there in that crazy, busy mall, where everyone was rushing around trying to get those gifts, those small, quiet words of thanks warmed my heart and gave me peace. He has provided for us in so many ways and I realized right there that I take it for granted and that we are so incredibly blessed. Truly we are! We simplified things a lot this year and it felt good. Four things I focused on when gift shopping were:
1. Something to wear
2. Something to play with
3. Something to read and
4. Something they need
Next year I hope that we can focus a lot more on giving to those in need and blessing others as we have been blessed.
So that is one of our stories of how and when God broke in. I would love to hear how or when God broke in your life!
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