Book of Mormon: Day 155: He Did Deliver Me

Today’s Reading: Mosiah 29: 1-25

20 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him.

I want to tell you a story. I would start by saying “Once upon a time,” but that phrase is typically reserved for fairy tales and this is a true story that happened to me. I have experienced many miracles over the course of my life, however this event stands out as something special that I still stand in awe about. It was the day that I saw the hand of God reach down and deliver me, just like He delivered the people of wicked king Noah after they repented.

Our family had experienced several financial setbacks and my husband (our sole provider at that time) had received unexpected news that he would not be able to work for 2 weeks in December. Two weeks before Christmas. Two weeks when money was already in short supply. Saving for Christmas hadn’t been a possibility that year and we were struggling with necessities, not just the ability to put presents under the tree.

I carefully went over our budget and found that to cover basic living expenses we would need $400. Oh sure, we could ask family… again, but they had been so generous with us. Was there no other way?

I remember standing in my kitchen praying. I was discouraged, but not without faith. I silently talked to my Heavenly Father about the situation. During countless previous prayers, I had told Him about the frustrations with finances. I had cried to Him about my darling little children and how providing for them had been a genuine distress. I had pleaded with Him, for countless hours, about my failed business attempts. I told Him what He already knew; that I was trying. For this prayer, I stood in my kitchen with my little children nearby, and told Him about the $400.

Thirty minutes later, my husband received a phone call from a man he worked with that was a bishop. He asked if he could drop by. My husband was surprised but welcomed him. After some small talk, this good man slipped my husband a thick envelope and with tears in his eyes, said it was from his ward, then quietly left.

Guessing that there was money in the envelope, my husband shook with relief and brought the envelope into me. We counted, but I already knew how much was there. I let my husband know about our budget shortage, which I had determined while he had been working outside, and my specific prayer, now answered. Our $400 miracle stood as a testimony that prayers are answered, we are loved and that He really does deliver His people.

The Savior’s great mercy did extend even further that Christmas, as more than necessities were met by my generous family, but I will forever remember it as our $400 miracle Christmas. The Christmas where He reached down and in great mercy, did deliver me.

Jeni Brockbank

Jeni Brockbank and her husband Bart are parents to 6 amazing children. She finds great joy in being a wife and mother and feels that both callings are sacred privileges. Jeni is a continual student of the scriptures and loves to share her testimony with anyone who will listen. She teaches choir, is crafty and is grateful on a daily basis to live a few blocks from the Brigham City, UT temple.