By: Sandy Bowen ~ Staff Contributing Ambassador & Writer
In the Fall of 2008, I left my unhealthy ministry position not clear about God’s plans for my future. For several months I prayed and fought hard to find a job, with little success. One night I, heard “You are going HOME!” I responded, “Wow God! HOME? What does that mean?” As I had been a resident of several communities of CA, suburbs of Michigan and my eternal resident of Heaven, I was puzzled. “God where is HOME? Are you bringing me Home to you? “
Suddenly, God’s plan began to unfold. HOME was Michigan where my sister, parents, and much of my extended family lived. I had moved away from Michigan in 1993, never intending to return. God’s plan began to unfold with the assistance of my sister. I would stay in her guest room, and help her with her business until I found a ministry position.
Over the years, I had traveled across the country with my children and husband several times, so the trip was not scary for me, except for my limited funds. For six months I had a part-time job in a call room producing low income. My funds would allow me to purchase one meal a day, all other food would come from my cooler. I could stay in Motel 6 for two nights of the four that it would take to get HOME. I planned to sleep in my car the other two nights. My sister sent gas cards to get me to her home. I believed I would be fine, I just needed to get HOME as God commanded.
As the days got closer to my departure date, I packed my car with what would fit into my car and cartop carrier, selling and giving away all the rest of my belongings.
The final evening before leaving on my sojourn HOME, a few of my friends made plans for us to enjoy dessert and final good-byes. We spent the evening remembering the fun times and successes we had togeth-er. Such fun, and such affirmation for me of the work I had done in their congregation.
About 8pm we headed to our cars. We hugged each other, and one gentleman handed me a card saying, “Just a little something to buy a few meals on your journey home.” Since it was dark outside, I tucked the card into my purse, thanked him, and stepped into my friend’s car waving farewell. In my mind, I thought it was a card containing $50 gift card.
Once I was back to the location of my final night in California, I headed to my bedroom to examine the well wishes. To my surprise the card held $1000! Oh my gosh! God had used this precious friend to extravagantly bless my journey and a few months until I had a steady income again.
In my obedience, of returning HOME trusting all would be well God was working behind the scenes. I confidently knew God would be with me no matter was the four day drive would look like. My basic travel plans would have gotten me home, but God’s extravagant provision carried me HOME in style. I was able to stay in nicer hotels, enjoy nicer dinners, and relax knowing that car emergencies were not to be feared.
To this day, as I encounter challenges, I remember this time of extravagant provision of the Lord as a continually reminder of His presence in all things, especially those He commands.
Sandy grew up in Michigan then moved to Northern California in 1983 with her husband and three children. Currently, she resides in Mesa, AZ, living near her youngest daughter and foster granddaughter. She has another daughter, a son, and four grandsons. Sandy is a retired elementary school teacher, retired ordained pastor, the author of Becoming a Living Sanctuary (www.becomingalivingsanctuary.com), online teacher of self-created curriculum on intimacy with God, discovering how you are uniquely created and specially made for a Kingdom Purpose. Her ministry is called Joyful Kingdom Living and includes a mentorship program. For more information: joyfulkingdomliving@ gmail.com.