To have this testimony make sense to a general population who does not know me and keep it under 350 pages, allow me to simply state two quick facts without all the background details. Then I will get on with it
#1. About 18 years ago I was in a very frightening situation and needed to cling so tightly to God that I asked him to show up in all sorts of places [and He did] one place in particular was when I said “Lord, every time I see “GLY”_ _ _ on a license plate I’ll know it is you saying to me “God Loves You”.” I was amazed and encouraged at the timing and frequency of those license plates.
#2. Ever since I can remember I have always loved and wanted an late model car…maybe 1940’s-mid 50’s…pretty color…
Fast forward to 2009. My husband and I have not been getting along for quite some time now. It has been devastating to say the least and regardless of my efforts, it all seems so hopeless at times. The loneliness and heartbreak can be so incredibly heavy that sometimes I find it hard to even breathe normally. I have prayed and prayed for healing for my marriage but God has yet to move so the wait has been a long and arduous one.
After yet another dreadful and heart-shattering exchange between us, I was trying to drive to a client consultation I had already scheduled earlier in the week. I should have cancelled the appointment because I was literally sobbing while trying to drive. I could not hold back the flood of tears and cries to God. I was uncontrollably pouring out feelings how I felt so unloved and uncared for. I’m sure anyone who saw me must have thought I was Thelma without Louise and heading for a cliff. Just as I was at the end of an on-ramp that merged onto a major highway, this car, seemingly out of no where, pulls in front of me, then proceeds to slow down to almost a crawl when he should have been going about 65mph! Now, I know it’s not so smart to drive while experiencing uncontrollable tears, but 30mph on a highway is CRAZIER. So now, not only am I wiping away tears trying to see, but I’m getting a bit annoyed with this car in front of me. Being behind a “challenged” driver was the last thing I needed, so putting on my blinker, I attempt to go around him. Can you guess it? He blocks. Yeah, the guy actually blocked me like he’s Kyle Petty or something. I was a bit stunned he did this to be honest, but after a moment behind him, I realized that his license plate read “GLY-1ST”. Instantly my heart melted. I whispered to myself “God loves you…first.” It took only a fraction of a second to soothe my aching heart. How I needed that; how I needed Him to show up.
My tears of heartache turned to those of wonder, gratitude and joy about what He had just done. Still, I thought, “I shouldn’t be driving”, but laughed because now it was God’s fault. In that moment I believe we shared that laugh. As awesome as that is alone, that’s not all He did that day. Still behind that car, I slowly notice the actual “car” itself…it was a 1952 Buick, a beautiful, apple green, shiney, pampered and well cared for car, with the big, thick, white wall tires. It was a gorgeous car, just like the car I have dreamed of owning for so long now…
We may have to wait for God to move in our present situations, but we can always be certain He is there waiting with us. He knows our dreams and what we desire. He loves us first and the best and the most and simply as we are. Take all your hurt, anguish and pain to Him, even if you think He’s to blame, don’t let it stop you. Pour all of it out to God. He binds up the broken hearted because He cares for you.
GLY-1ST
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I wasn’t going to say nothing, but your testimony has been on my mind literally all day. It blessed me to see God bless you – how He lets you know that He loves you. This is incredible. It amazes me how God goes about doing this and how he’ll do “little” things just to let us know he’s near. I pray this blesses many as it blessed me.
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Barbara Reply:
July 21st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
May God Almighty bless you and turn up in unexpected ways for you. Our Lord can do anything, He is all powerful and nothing is beyond His reach, so be creative! Look for Him expectantly; ask Him to speak to you in ways you will recognize Him. The gifts of His presence are ones that make life worth living. Expect God to speak to you…Jesus promises to never leave us, therefore,faith and trust blend and become one when we fully anticipate or expect His nearness and companionship. Practice the presence of God everyday.
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Thank you so much for sharing this it really blessed me.
I am currently seperated from an adulterous and abusive husband. Yet GOD has told me he will restore. I cry out to GOD everyday for him to confirm to me what he has said. I want to move on but I don’t want to miss the blessing that GOD has planned that will come from this situation. I am hurt and in pain but GOD keeps me going. Would love to know how things are in your marriage….there is a testimony in this, bless you.
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I’m touched! God is truly on our side. He always takes care of His own.
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