I pulled out this essay from one of my books of years ago because it struck me as a great reminder of divine guidance and it cheered me up as I read it, especially during this challenging time.

Karen’s beloved 1978 Toyota Celica Hatchback

My sporty 1978 Toyota Celica with the convenient hatchback and chrome wheels had taken me up and down the coast of California and in and out of parking lots for fourteen years. We’d become the best of friends. But it was clear my dear auto was telling me it was time for her to go to a better place. So I released her one day after she collapsed in the middle of the boulevard in front of the apartment house where I lived at the time.

I broke the news to my husband when he returned from work that day. Then he broke the news to me that he’d been thinking of replacing his ten-year-old car since it was behaving poorly. We had a good laugh and then sobered up when we realized the bankruptcy we’d endured a few years before would likely prevent us from purchasing one new car, much less two.

Times had been really tough for us the few previous years and though we were climbing back, we still had a hill or two to scale before achieving a sound credit rating. We decided to replace my vehicle first since Charles’s car was still running. This time we’d settle for a used model.

The following Sunday afternoon we made a list of dealerships to visit in our area, but we never got beyond the first one just a mile from our home. We walked into the showroom that day and a friendly salesman greeted us. We quickly discovered he was the sales manager.

I had decided ahead of time that I would be completely aboveboard when the time came to reveal our financial situation. No hedging or pretending––or lying.  Just the facts. Then we’d sit back and pray for mercy!

We talked about pre-owned vehicles but instead of taking us to the used car lot, the manager led us to a fleet of new stick-shift Ford Escorts free of extras except for power steering and radios. The price was right. $10,000 each—out the door.

I stared at the station wagon in light blue. My husband, on the other hand, was enamored with the white sedan. The longer I looked, the more convinced I was that my name was stamped on the driver’s door, invisible to anyone but me (and God). Lord, are you telling me this car is mine?

My heart quickened. My mouth went dry. The salesman spoke up, telling us why cars from the budget fleet would be a much wiser investment than used autos. We agreed, though we were no experts when it came to such matters.

Charles and I looked at each other, smiled, and then nodded as we followed the manager into his cubicle. The moment had come, the moment of truth. I opened my purse, pulled out our bankruptcy papers and plopped them on his desk. “Sir, we have a confession to make and we want to make it before we go any further.” He looked at me with wide eyes. I told him what happened to our finances and how we had no other way out of our trouble. “However,” I continued, “we both have jobs now and a steady monthly income. I feel certain we can make car payments. We just need a little help, someone to take a chance on us.”

“Excuse me,” said the manager. “I’ll be right back.”

My heart lurched as I saw him walk out the door. I was certain he’d return with bad news. But when he returned with a smile on his face, my pulse jumped.

“Follow me,” he said, and we did, right into the finance director’s office. The manager then placed a hand on the desk and said without hesitation. “These fine folks have had some bad luck. They deserve a second chance. Give them the loans they need and I’ll take full responsibility for the decision.”

He shook our hands with vigor. “Enjoy your brand new cars,” he said. “I hope they serve you well for years to come.”

And that’s exactly what happened—for thirteen years.

Once more God showed us that His timing and His plans are always perfect, even when they come to pass in the nick of time.

In any situation, the best thing you can do is the right thing . . .

Theodore Roosevelt

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Is. 41:10 NLT