I call most of my devotions and radio spots “Whit’s End” as an attempt to play off of moments of being at your wit’s end in situations and use my own encouraging ‘end’ on an issue to bring a little hope. A few nights ago there was a few instances of being at our wit’s end. Here’s what happened.
My sweet family FINALLY had the opportunity to get a Christmas tree. We had made several attempts, but either the prices were too high for our taste or the selection was poor. We had a chance to visit a place about 35 minutes south of us, but it was cold, rainy, foggy, and dark. It was bleak. Then a friend suggested a place about 15 minutes from us to the north. This made much more sense.
We drove slow, dodging deer, following the GPS to a place we’ve never been. But the place closed early because of the weather. With a car full of “hangry” kids (and parents) we were at a loss. Bless their hearts, though, the family held it together, and I knew there was only one thing that could make it all better: french fries. Just around the corner was Dari Spot, one of my favorite restaurants. As tensions were high and stomachs were growling we approached the old fashion burger joint, only to see an unexpected sight for sore eyes. Just before the restaurant was that nostalgic string of bulbed lights that surrounds a roadside Christmas tree lot!
Out of a darkened shop was the owner, putting on his jacket and turning out the lights when he spotted this pitiful band of hopeful tree shoppers. He was wonderful, listening intently to us describe our night, and he smiled at the opportunity to bring some joy. But I got to smile, too, and not because I found what my family needed.
The owner of the shop and tree lot had a tough day and had gotten even more bad news that night. As I listened to his story and the financial needs that were piling up for him and his family, I started an internal prayer. In the pouring rain, with umbrellas and smiles, we chose a wonderful tree. He secured it to the top of our car, offered us a graceful price, and we compensated his grace with some added generosity. He couldn’t believe it, and this would help his evening out more than we first understood. All is well and God is good.
Our tree outside the Dari Spot
“In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.” —Ephesians 1.7-10 (ESV)
God’s favor toward us is found in God’s generous gift of Jesus Christ. He has LAVISHED His grace upon us. Only in His wise timing do we see what is impossible to see on our own. God brings us and the things around us together if we will look with faith instead of our weak understanding.
God took care of a small hope for a simple family, and He took care of a desperate prayer of a hardworking shop owner. Out of both men’s frustrations was a grace that only God could orchestrate. Even at our wit’s end, God brought all things together for His glory (Romans 8.28). God sure is good.
—Pastor Whit