It’s easy to lose the awe that comes when we experience direct answers to specific prayers. We think we’ll remember, but the mundane and the busy redirect our brains, and those amazing moments can be lost. Some years ago, I began recording each of those treasured times, those times when I just knew it was God’s yes in a very specific way. I call it my Little Book of Miracles—and I’m now on book four. In the month of March, I’m excited to share a few of these precious stories with you. Some are profound. Some are almost silly. Yet all of them remind me of the ways God has met my needs and often my wants … miraculously. I hope you enjoy celebrating these moments with me, and I urge you to start your own Little Book of Miracles.

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” —Jeremiah 32:27 ESV

It was my daughter’s birthday. Her husband was overseas for the year and unable to celebrate with her. I decided to help my grandchildren, ages seven, five, and three, buy little presents for their mama—teaching them the joy of giving and, at the same time, blessing their mom during a hard year in her life. Off we trotted to the van, where three little bodies were strapped in safe and sound, full of chatter and excitement about the Big Adventure of shopping at the mall with me, their Nina.

I had set a $10 limit for each of them, so they would have to choose carefully what special present they wanted their beloved mama to have. We hadn’t even made it out of the driveway before it became apparent they had no idea how much $10 would buy. The excitement was building as they discussed what they would purchase. “Diamonds!” shouted one. “I want to buy her many jewels, Nina. And gold,” said another. “Oh dear,” thought I, trying to prepare them by suggesting we shop at a little costume jewelry store and chip in all the money together to get one pretty necklace with “jewels.” They were not having it. “Oh, no, Nina. We want to buy her earrings and necklaces. Each of us our own.” I tried to explain that $10 could not possibly buy both earrings and a necklace, but they were so excited that my gentle attempts at reining them in fell on deaf ears.

This was quite the situation for a Nina who has a very hard time saying no to her grandchildren. (See Nina Lost Her “No” Button for further information on this sad fact.) I broke through the chatter and did the only thing I could do when facing the impossible, I said, “Let’s pray for God’s help, okay?” They seriously bowed their little heads as I pleaded with God for some help here please. Suddenly this adventure didn’t seem quite as grand as I had imagined. I pictured very disappointed little ones trudging home with something much less than they had envisioned. I loved their desire to give their mother something big, but I really couldn’t spend more than the allotted amount. So I prayed. With a very little bit of faith. In a mess of desperation.

When we arrived at the mall, we headed toward the costume jewelry store. On our way, we passed a much finer store—actually their mom’s favorite store. I saw a “sale” sign in the display window and suggested we go in and look. Sure enough, the beautiful necklaces with gold and “jewels” were $24.95 on sale. Great! But certainly not cheap enough for each grandchild to buy their very own to give their mom … let alone earrings as well. I started to explain this to them, but the lady behind the counter overheard our conversation and came over to help. She smiled and said, “Follow me.” She led us to another section of the store, where their extreme sale was going on. Buy earrings for $9.95 and choose a necklace for free! I kid you not.

Each child, happily unaware of this little miracle, chose with glee the necklace and earrings he or she thought were the prettiest for their mom. The kind clerk wrapped them all individually with each child’s name affixed to their package, so their mom could see what each had chosen especially for her.

I walked out of that store just stunned. I have to confess I hadn’t really expected that God would actually do what I had asked. I was more hoping He’d help me stem their disappointment. As we celebrated with pretzels, the oldest grandson led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s help. I felt like doing a victory dance. It was so much fun to see how God had orchestrated our morning and taught the children (and Nina!) a valuable lesson in giving and in asking.

Oh, you should have seen the joy as each child presented their “gold and jewels” to their mother on her birthday. She loved seeing their happiness and their desire to give—perhaps even more than the “jewels.” But she liked those, too. After all, we had shopped at her favorite place. It was a sweet birthday celebration despite the absence of the father and husband they all loved and missed.

I tucked away the memory. A sweet time when a crazy little desperate prayer was answered with a resounding yes by a God who says, “Is anything too hard for Me?” Sometimes, we just need to ask. Like a child. Trusting that God will answer us as He knows best. I’m so glad I did that day. We would have missed out on a “little miracle” that turned into a big reminder that our God cares about us—in the little and the big things of life.

Father, I’m still smiling over Your amazing provision. Such a crazy little wish not to disappoint my grandchildren, answered beyond my imagination. Thank You. Help us come to You whenever we have a trouble, big or small. Nothing is too hard for You, Lord, and You welcome Your children to come and ask. Help us to trust Your answers, knowing You are good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Originally written by Sharon Gamble of Sweet Selah Ministries. Used with permission.