Can I tell you a story of how a piece of banana bread brought me closer to God? It was a couple of weeks after my father’s passing and I found myself having to come out of hiding and into the land of the living and working. I hadn’t eaten much since my dad’s death as when I get stressed I tend to not get hungry. But that day, after I ordered my coffee, I thought to myself that I should have gotten something to eat, maybe some banana bread.
When I pulled up to the window the barista leaned out the window and handed me a bag and stated ‘your coffee will be right out’.
‘What’s this?’ I looked at the bag and leaned it out the window.
‘That’s your banana bread.’ She stated matter of factly as she handed me my coffee.
I started to tell her that I didn’t order any banana bread, but paid for the order and drove away wondering if I had actually ordered the bread and forgot. Was I going crazy from isolating myself for so long? I sat in the parking lot until eventually, I settled on the fact that it was God looking out for me. Now, some may say that it was just a coincidence but for me it was monumental in my walk and relationship with God. That day I learned a couple things with my heart that I already knew with my head.
GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKEN HEARTED
At the time, I was overwhelmed with grief and tremendously broken hearted over the death of my father. I honestly wondered how I would get over it and didn’t feel very close to God. But that day I realized He was close to me, looking out for me and caring for my needs, right down to making sure that I ate. When we go through hard times like a death or illness, there will be time when we feel like God has forgotten about us or wonder if we are being punished. But those are the times when He is nearest to us. Psalm 34:18 tells us that The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit and this scripture rang so true for me that day.
GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED
When I think of this story, I tend to think of the story of Elijah after he had run away in hopes of dying. I think of it for two reasons, one because Elijah just had had enough of life, he didn’t want to deal with the pain or fear any longer and at that time I honestly could totally relate. But I also relate to 1 Kings 19:5 when he fell asleep and was awakened by an angel that gave him bread and water to eat and drink. I truly felt as if God was ensuring I was nourished and at this time not only by the bread of His word, but by giving me physical bread.
HE IS A FATHER, FOR REAL FOR REAL
I have always been a daddy’s girl and I knew that when my dad was alive that if I needed anything at all, he was coming through for me. That day I learned that I was still a daddy’s girl, I was God’s girl. That incident taught me that God truly will take care of my EVERY need, literally. Like, He cares when we don’t eat enough or get enough sleep. He cares when we aren’t getting what we need and wants to provide and protect us, like a Father. All throughout scripture Yahweh is referred to as being a father, one who loves, protects and chases after His children with wild abandon. Because that is just the type of God that we serve.
It’s crazy sometimes the things that make us ponder our relationship with God. So many times we are seeking to find God in large, grandiose events like the parting of the clouds with a voice coming down from the sky. But often times, he is heard in the whispers and not the winds and if you are able to see Him in the small, everyday miracles you will find Him.
How have you heard from God in unconventional ways?
Love,
Court
