Shrimp chips

One day at Bible study, we were sharing ways in which God watches over us and takes care of our needs.

One of the women in the study shared her story with us.  She told us about how God had watched over her in an extraordinary way - with shrimp chips.

It was January and her husband had been out of work.  Although, he did have a new job, there were zero dollars in the checking account until he got paid from the new job.

Zero, zilch, nada, nothing.  Don't judge, we've all been there.  If you haven't, just wait.

Her pantry was stocked but she didn't have extra money.

One of her friends called and invited her to a party for the Chinese New Year.  She asked what she could bring.  Remember, the pantry was full.  She thought about different cookies she could make or other types of party food that she could whip up with what she had on hand.

Her friend told her, "I need shrimp chips and 21 fortune cookies."

Now, I don't even know what a shrimp chip is.  If you could name two things that would almost never be in a stocked American cabinet, it would be shrimp chips and fortune cookies.

She said, "ok," hung up and started praying.  Alright, I know what you are thinking.  She could have just said no.  But, she wanted to honor the commitment to her friend and be a gracious guest.

Each day she prayed that God would grant this unusual request.

Each day - no shrimp chips.

Finally, the day of the party arrived and her husband came home from work.  He said, "You won't believe this, there was a Chinese New Year party at work and I won the raffle!"

Ka-chunk, he slammed a box of shrimp chips on the counter.  "What are these things anyway?  Hold on, there is more stuff in the car."

My friend just started to cry, jump for joy and be amazed all at the same time.

He walked back in from the car, "I helped clean up after the party and the secretary gave me the left over fortune cookies."

"How many are in there?" she asked.

But, she knew the answer and you know, too, don't you?

21.

This amazing story shows us God's grace and is a reminder that He answers our prayers, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

Do you need any shrimp chips in your life?  How can God pour His blessings of shrimp chips on you this Christmas season?

Just ask, you may be surprised.