HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,"
Ephesians 3:20a NASB

A senior at Bible college...with spring banquet only a couple of months away! Thoughts of a new and beautiful dress motivated me to start saving. You know how it is in college...money is tight and there wasn't a lot of time for extra jobs. I managed to save a few dollars each week. My savings grew as did my excitement.

Then one ordinary night, tragedy struck. The somber news spread throughout the dorm: our classmate's mother had just died. Amidst the tears and quietness, a pool of money was collected to help our classmate get back home. It was my turn. How much could I give? Immediately my dress savings came to mind. But I REALLY wanted a new dress. Should I give it all? Yes, I knew God was asking for all of it. I put my savings into the ball cap being passed around and thought to myself, "It's okay; I'll just wear one of my old dresses."

I didn't think about a new dress again until one day a girl who had been staying with me got asked to banquet by one of the guys at school. She needed a dress and wanted me to go shopping with her. I had been asked to keep an eye on this young girl, hence she had become my shadow in the previous months. Yes, I would go. The day arrived, and she informed me that her aunt would be joining us.

Upon arriving at the mall, my friend's aunt generously stated that I was expected to choose a dress also and that I wasn't allowed to turn the offer down. I hadn't told anyone that I wanted a new dress but wasn't able to purchase one now. How did she know my desire? How could she know? Hardly believing my ears, I drifted toward the dresses I would have previously been able to afford, but this generous woman steered me toward the more expensive ones.

The three of us had a wonderful time, and would you believe it? I ended up with the most beautiful and exquisite dress-- much nicer than I had dreamt of! My friend's aunt said that it was a thank you gift for befriending her niece, but I knew that ultimately it was a gift from the Lord.

That day, God taught me a spiritual truth in a tangible way. I learned that my Heavenly Father's arrangements accomplish significantly more than anything I can ever conjure up on my own. He provided "exceeding abundantly beyond" what I had EVER imagined.

Father in Heaven,
I thank You and praise You for being the caring Provider that You are. Please help me to be in tune with Your voice and to follow Your leading, moment-by-moment. Amen

Written by
Jodeen Erickson