34. Joshua - Daddy God gives us more than what we can think of

Name: Joshua
Date: 29 April 2007
Location: Singapore

This afternoon, prompted by the Lord, I went to the shopping center to buy an educational related product for my son Ronnie. It was something that I had seen before but there was never a need for it until now.

After enquiring at the retail shop, I found out that the manufacturer had increased the price 2 weeks ago by $100, almost a 20% increase. It wasn't good news to my ears. I said, "If only I had bought it two weeks ago!"

Then I started talking to God in my thoughts. I said, "God, you always take care of my every need as my heavenly Father. With You, I am always at the right place at the right time - so how did I miss this by 2 weeks? Can You help me get that product at the old price?" I knew it seemed impossible, but I was simply hoping against hope.

I asked the retailer if I could get the product at the old price - and they said no. Not satisfied, I went to another retailer in the same shopping centre to inquire if I could get it at the old price - and they said no. I had tried and it seemed impossible. Since it was something Ronnie needed, I decided to purchase it anyway - at the new price.

As I was about to make the payment, I enquired on an unrelated issue - if they had a credit card instalment plan for the purchase? Strangely, I did not need the instalment plan as the amount was not very big. I just asked because I had seen that on the brochure.

The sales lady made a quick call and came back to me. She said they did not offer the instalment plan at the outlet. So I told the lady, "Dont bother about the plan, I don't need it." I gave her my credit card. She said, "Wait, I haven't finished. You can get the installment plan at the head office, or alternatively, you could also buy the product from the manufacturer at the old price at a roadshow at Plaza Singapura."

I said, "Really? I will get it from Plaza Singapura." She added, "Today is the last day of the roadshow!". I thanked her.

I brought the family out for dinner and went to Plaza Singapura. We bought the product at the old price, saving $100. And on top of that, received many free gifts and vouchers worth more than $100. It was truly beyond what we could ask of or think of.

The lady didn't have to help me because she represented the retail store instead of the manufacturer. But I believe that God heard my conversation in my heart. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think. As Father God, He certainly wanted to do beyond what I could ask or think.

He never fails to amaze me with His love. In fact He surpised me because I had already agreed to buy at the new price. I am also touched that my heavenly Father would care enough to intervene in such a small matter. It is His way of showing how much He cares. This testimony is not about saving $100. It is about how much Father God cares for us.

I shared this testimony with my wife and Ronnie, and we gave thanks to God. It is great to live life with a constant expectation of good things from our heavenly Father.