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What do
you do when the pantry is empty? You might learn a lesson from Polly and
David Simpchen—who needed a miracle. |
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David and Polly
were expecting their first baby within the week, and times were particularly
hard. David had been working, spraying ceilings for a small dry-wall company.
He had not had any work that week, however, and the two of them were living
hand to mouth. For the first time in their short married life, their food
supply was down to nothing. They had no milk, no bread, no peanut butter. |
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In the
refrigerator was just enough hamburger to make one patty. The cupboard
contained a can of vegetable soup, a little flour, and a bit of sugar--all
they had left. |
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That
Sunday morning David prayed specifically for God to provide money for rent,
food, and gas. They then went to church, grateful they would at least be
eating lunch with friends. In the afternoon as Polly was resting, she heard a
knock at her door. She answered, seeing an unusually tall grey-haired woman.
"I am hungry," she said. That's all--no further explanations. |
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"Come
in and I will fix you a hamburger and some soup," Polly volunteered
eagerly. She had never had such a request, but she wasn't going to let anyone
go hungry! |
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"No,
just give me the hamburger meat," the woman said. "I'll wait
here." |
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Polly went
to the refrigerator, ready to relinquish her last bit of meat. She silently prayed
again her husband's prayer--that God would supply their needs. In faith that
her prayer would be answered, she handed the woman the tiny portion of ground
meat, all she had. The mysterious woman thanked her, turned, and left. Polly
called David quickly to tell him what happened. They both looked out the
window, expecting to see her walking down the sidewalk. |
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But she
was gone. They ran out into the yard. Polly went to the left, David to the
right. They looked everywhere for her. But she had disappeared. They were
puzzled. |
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The next
morning on their front porch they found an envelope with a check and a note
from some neighbors. It was enough to cover their rent, some food, and gas
for the car. |
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Polly saw
a glimpse of God's graceful plan that is often beyond our imagination. He had
given her the gift of faith to believe he would take care of their needs,
even if she gave away their last portion of meat to a stranger. And he had
honored her generosity. |
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Polly's story
reminds me of the story about the generous widow blessed by God through
Elijah. I'll recap that biblical story and many inspiring contemporary true
stories in the next part--"Miracles of Provision." |
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Remember,
miracles happen when we pray--when we seek God, get to know him, and live
lives of faith. |
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From:
Miracles Happen When You Pray by Quin Sherrer, 1997, pag. 29-31, Zondervan
Publishing House, |