“So, you’ve reserved a van for your trip, right?” my boss asked, in a teasing tone.

My company was generous enough to rent vehicles for me whenever I had to go out of town for training or other business. It certainly was a blessing, since I didn’t want to drive my very old Thunderbird that had only kept going by the grace of God and the excellent Christian mechanic who often worked on it and didn’t charge me any labor. The time wasn’t right for a new car, but I always looked forward to riding in a later model when I could.

“A van, definitely!” I answered, and grinned. “That’s what I requested, anyway. I want as much space as I can get around me while driving in that Dallas traffic. As much of a tank as I can get!”

"I know the owner of the rental place," said my boss. "So if you have a problem getting one, let me know and I'll make a call."

"Thanks, I will," I said, but didn't plan on asking him for a favor.

I really wasn’t looking forward to the trip. It meant yet another night away from my precious five-year-old daughter, and several hours’ driving time getting there, after a long work day, then several hours coming back, after a full day of less-than-exciting training for Department of Transportation regulations. But, I needed the knowledge for this new job. And at least the van would have a smooth, quiet ride and a nice sound system.

My Thunderbird had developed squeaks and rattles throughout the years, and, since the stereo had stopped working, I could no longer drown out the noise with music.

I said a silent prayer that the van would have a CD player, so I could enjoy my praise and worship music on the road. The silence in the Thunderbird had been filled with the sound of my singing a capella to the Lord, but I was really looking forward to just being a background singer on this trip!

I called the rental place early, and they agreed to send a van. I asked to have the driver fuel the vehicle and pick me up just before lunch. I sat down to do a couple more hours work. Just before time to go, my boss told me I’d have to postpone leaving for another few hours, because of an emergency safety meeting. I was a little frustrated as I called to change the pick-up hour, but comforted myself with the fact that God always had my best interest in mind.

At the appointed time, the driver from the rental place met me at the door, and as we walked to the parking lot, I looked for a van. There was no rental van in sight, and I was disappointed. I really wanted a truck-type vehicle to take .

“I appreciate you picking me up,” I said to the driver, trying to sound cheerful. “So which car did you bring me?”

“Car?” he said, and motioned to a huge black suburban. “I brought you this! Think it’ll do?”

As I walked up to the suburban, I couldn’t help but notice how big and long it was, how very much like a tank. I opened the door, and noticed not only a CD player, but leather lumbar seats, power everything, the works. And it was only three months old!

My first thought was that my boss had called the owner anyway, and requested a "tank" for me. He did know a lot of people in the business.

I ran into his office with a big smile on my face. "Thanks for the favor," I said. "That's a tank, all right--just like I wanted! Much better than a van!"

He looked at me, puzzled. "But I didn't call," he said. He and I often joked, and I studied his face to make sure he wasn't picking at me. "No, really, I didn't!" he said. "But good for you!"

I started to smile, a big smile. "I know!" I said, "It was God! He's done it again! Isn't that cool?!"

God had not only answered my prayers, but even the deeper desires of my heart. He had arranged for me to have this, to show His personal love-and His great sense of humor--and to give me the chance to brag on the personal care of my Daddy God, my Abba Father, to a man who didn't know the Lord. Once again, my sweet Lord reminded me that He always hides--and rides--in the details!

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.