The Test, the Tribulation, and the Triumph

I am picking up my grandson’s favorite after-school snack: the big plate of honey chicken X 3 and white rice at Panda Express. The manager is helping me. She knows me well from the many times I go in to get Bryson’s “snack”!

But this encounter with the manager starts my TEST and my seeking! My wallet is NOT in my purse. I ask if I can take the meal and pay her tomorrow. Food in hand, I am looking under and around my car seats. Nada.

I remember the last time I used my wallet was picking up Chinese food next door to the family center after work the day before. I paid my bill and was on my way. I call them. No wallet.

I take Bryson to his tutoring class. I continue my search at home. Now, I’m in the TRIBULATION phase of this saga. I’m thinking about the credit cards, the health cards, the cash, and the driver’s license. I check my bank account and major credit card accounts – thankfully, no unknown activity on them.

During the search and rescue activity, I am calling to God for peace and wisdom and protection over my wallet. “Lord, You promised You would keep those in perfect peace whose minds are stayed on You. Thank you, Lord, for peace that passes all understanding.”

I need believers to be agreeing with me. I call Ryan, my son, and he prays: “Lord, you said that if two shall agree as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of our Father in heaven. Lord, we ask for the protection and return of Mom’s wallet.” I text my daughter. She calls me and prays with me. “Lord, we pray for complete restoration of this wallet. Not a single item from it will be taken. In Jesus’ name!”

It’s two hours later and I am on the way back to pick up Bryson from his tutoring class. I remember I drove this direction the night before on the way to church. I have an aha! I went first to pick up a photo I had done at Walgreen’s. I quickly go there and speak to the photo attendant. “Yes, Ma’am. I put your wallet in our safe.”

Angel choirs are singing, and holy bands are playing in my head! The day before, a minister came into the family center and bought many crosses. He puts them on chains and gives them to the down and out and homeless. We start talking about the goodness of God and as he is leaving, he tosses me a twenty-dollar bill and says: “Take this, keep it or pass it on to someone else. I want to hear the story about it!”

So, God nudges me to toss the $20 to the photo rep! He was beaming. I tell him to keep it or toss it to someone else! Thank you, God, for the protection and the triumph!

A big part of the triumph came from my two sons. Both suggested that I get the Apple Air Tag (a chip) that goes in our wallet or anything else for protection. Bluetooth on our phone identifies the location. I ordered two from Amazon.

I’d like to tell you I was at total peace and confidence because I’m that good at being a stalwart woman of faith and an overcomer and conqueror. But I can’t. I’ll admit my angst and concerns and I pray that I’ll be more at peace if there’s a next time. Lord, PLEASE, no next time!

I didn’t write this blog with a rah rah “look at me” tone. But with a humble posture, eyes wide open and thanking God for His loving patience with me. I’ll keep going to my great Tutor Who continues to work on me! How much patience He has for me. How much of the story is still ahead of me.