“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” James 1:2 (ESV)

My friend Janis called me today, eager to share God’s glory as He worked in the life of a friend of hers, Nadine.  As she shared the most recent miracle that she had witnessed, I knew I had to share it with you.

Due to the recent downfall in our economy, Chris and Nadine’s thriving business on Hilton Head Island failed, and they had no choice but to close.  Eventually their home went into foreclosure.  Their home was scheduled to go into auction this past Monday.  Chris and Nadine were extremely sad, overwhelmed with embarrassment that their family had to endure during this terrible hardship.

As a new believer, Nadine wanted to be a godly example, so she chose to walk joyfully, trusting in the Lord, sharing her peace with everyone, no matter what the outcome.  Her husband was not a believer, and had a difficult time with the reality of losing their home.

Sunday evening Nadine turned to her church family for prayer.  Sharing their journey, she asked for specific prayer that the house would not be sold at auction the next day, but no matter what happened, she would have peace.  She asked for prayer for her husband, and her two children; and that God would provide a home for them quickly.  She announced she would be baptized the following Tuesday and invited everyone to come to celebrate her public profession of faith.

On Monday, at the auction, the house sold.  They had 10 days to vacate the property.  Once again, she turned to her church family for prayer.  She was very sad, but she was determined to be joyful even in the midst of this trial.

The day of her baptism arrived and they woke up to torrential rainstorms.  Nadine and her friends prayed for a window of opportunity so that she could get baptized.  She spent most of the day packing up their belongings.  With sorrowful tears flowing down her face as she packed, she heard a knock on the door.  The man who had purchased their home from auction the day before was so moved by her story and faith, he felt led to come by to offer them the chance to buy the house back.  In addition, he was willing to work with them on the terms of the loan.  If they couldn’t get a loan due to foreclosure, then he would give them more time, rather than 10 days the bank had given them to move out.  Sadness turned to joy as she realized God had sent this man to encourage them.  She shared the wonderful news with her husband.  The veil was lifted from his eyes and he could see God’s miraculous hand working in their lives.

Notice the circle of light surrounding this family.

On Tuesday, when Chris, Nadine and their two daughters arrived at Alljoy Beach, God parted the clouds as the entire family walked out into thewater; sunlight illuminating His glorious majesty; their lives forever changed.   After the baptism, the clouds came back together and it rained for the rest of the night.

Nadine shared the irony of being baptized at Alljoy Beach, remembering her choice to consider it all joy as she persevered during this trial in her life.  God showed up, even after they thought everything was finished.  It’s never the end of the story with God.

Peace be with you.

~Julia