A Bag of Walnuts

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

The Grocery Checkout Line

Just reading this subtitle can set your heart to racing. If you are a Mom, you understand. I was in Wal-Mart the other day picking up groceries. As any Mom knows, by the time you get to the checkout line you are tired. You’re ready to head home and call it a day. But, you must get through the checkout line. One day, in particular, God spoke in a tangible way in the checkout line.

The cashier finished ringing up all my groceries. He told me the total. I was about $4.00 short. At this moment, I had a choice. Put something back and pay for the rest. Or I could put the $4.00 I was short on my credit card and figure it out later. It was a hard choice. I wanted those walnuts. We were going to make some yummy muffins that used walnuts.

You see, I have a certain amount of money I spend each week on groceries. When the money is gone from the grocery envelope, it’s gone. So, I need to choose wisely and prioritize. It’s been a hard discipline for me but also a great one. It’s not our money anyway, it is God’s. And how we use it reveals what we believe about Him.

The Decision

It was a crazy moment as I tried to make the decision. My heart was beating fast and I felt exhausted as I kept track of the kids and made sure they didn’t pull down the aisle displays.  And it is hard for me to make good decisions when I am tired. The cashier was waiting for my payment. I decided to put the walnuts back and pay my bill in cash. As I walked away, I felt a peace and a relief. I knew God was pleased with my choice.

After leaving the checkout lane, my daughter Analiah wanted to put to put coins down one of the coin drops. So we headed over that way and I gave her a few pennies. As we are standing there, a man walked up to me and handed me a grocery bag.

I had no idea who this man was and I was a little baffled. He said “This is what you couldn’t buy. I wanted to get it for you.”  Wow, I was blown away!! I was in shock and replied thank you right away. He hurried off.

God noticed

I gathered my kids and headed to the van in tears of thankfulness. God wanted me to know that He noticed my obedience. He was proud of me for sticking to my boundaries and using His money well. God used the man in line behind me to buy me the bag of walnuts I put back. God is so good!! He is always watching out for us and taking care of us even when we can’t see it.

When I made muffins, later on, you bet I remembered what God did. I know I will always remember God’s care for me any time I see a bag of walnuts.

Heavenly Father, thank You that you meet all my needs. You take care of me so well. Help me to trust You to provide even when it seems impossible. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.