The Flex

There are times in life when there can be no doubt that God is at work. We would like to share one of those times with you. As you have seen in our previous updates, we have been asking for prayer that God would replace our current vehicle. The following story is a testimony of God’s answer to prayer!

For the last six to eight months we have been in prayer over the need for another vehicle. We had come to the conclusion that when God knew we needed another vehicle, He would not only provide the finances, but would direct us to the vehicle that fit whatever budget He gave us. About four weeks ago, God began to do just that! Finances began to come in from several different sources, including God’s people. We were set to begin shopping within the budget  God had supplied… off to Michigan we went!

On Monday, March 27, my father and I started looking for cars. A Ford Flex was our primary target because it can get high mileage and would fit our family and luggage. We searched the internet, visited car dealers, test drove numerous vehicles and talked with dealers who “were on our side.” Most of the cars we looked at were dirty, damaged or just too expensive. There was one that caught our attention. It was a 2012 Ford Flex with 82,000 miles. When we drove it, we quickly discovered that the brakes were horrible. The saleslady told me they would call us after they fixed them, but the price (which was already above our [God’s] budget) may need to go up depending on the extent of the brake repair.

By the end of the week, all options, but that Flex, had been exhausted and discouragement threatened to rear its ugly head. The call came on Thursday. We were told that the brakes had been repaired and the price was not going to rise! Beth had not yet seen the vehicle, so we decided that we should look at it again and talk about a trade-in. We had determined that if God gave us a certain amount of money, He was going to provide a vehicle in that price range. Little did we know what that meant. After a brief “negotiation” over price (“This is our trade-in and our budget… yes or no?”) God saw fit to allow us to purchase that Flex!

Here is “the rest of the story…” (thank you, Paul Harvey!)

1. The Flex went on sale 5 weeks ago. God provided the finances 4 weeks ago. (God’s timing)

2. The Flex had a blue book value about $2,000 above the amount God gave us to work with.

3. When the dealer went to drive our old van for a trade, the “check engine” light turned on!

4. The final price came in at $126 under budget. (God’s guidance)

5. After title and plate transfer in Pennsylvania, we were left with $6.27! (God’s provision)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How

 unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 Romans 11:33