Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.                                                                -Luke 12:32, NASB, 1995 edition

Dear friends,

Last night after dinner, Ryan asked me, “Is it night time yet?” I said, “Why do you ask?” He said, “You said we could have lollies at night time.” “Lollies” are Ryan and Micah’s name for “Bomb Pops.” I had bought a box earlier in the week, but Ryan and Micah hadn’t had any yet. I had said they could have them at night time. I grinned and opened the freezer door. “Yes, it’s night time.”

Bomb Pops are not healthy. They’re mostly sugar and corn syrup, but I was delighted to give them to Ryan and Micah, because they like them.

As I lay in bed last night, I remembered giving them the Bomb Pops, and how much fun it was for me, and I remembered that verse: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

Almost a year ago, my Honda Civic was 18 years old, had a hole rusted in the door and a loud, broken muffler. Every time I got in my car, I prayed for a good replacement. I had a specific request: A battery electric vehicle to be better for the environment, enough seats to take the kids places, enough range to get to my in-laws and back, and a price point we could afford. I searched the online marketplaces for months, even searching as far as Chicago, but found nothing.

Until two months later when my car developed a leak in the brake line. I took it to the mechanic, and they put it up on the lift and realized the frame was so rusted-out that it was a danger to have up on the lift, let alone drive. That was the day the car I now drive appeared on Craigslist. In St. Joseph. It was everything I had prayed for and then some.

This never happens to me. I’ve prayed dozens of very specific prayers and gotten radio silence from heaven, and I know prayer is complicated and that often, prayers for more essential things go unanswered. But this one apparent coincidence has me questioning my doubts and has got me praying for more good things, because God delights to give us good things that are good for the world.

Blessings,

Rev. David Schell