Tuna instead of a table

I ordered a new table for our Treasure Talks studio a few weeks ago. It was perfect for our recording set, and I couldn’t wait for it to arrive. I had prayed over the decision to find the best deal and the perfect table for our talks; I wanted it to be attractive but not break the bank. When the doorbell rang on the day it was scheduled to arrive, I practically fell over myself to reach the front door. The giant box waiting on my porch looked like it had been through a rough trip to get there, but I was already imagining the decorating I could do around the table inside. I opened the box and swam through mounds of bubble wrap before I realized there was not a table in the box. Instead, six huge cans of tuna fish were at the bottom, and when I say “huge,” I mean it. I’ve never seen cans this big. Upon further inspection, I noticed the box label showed it contained a table inside. It was my box, minus my beautiful table. My heart sank. Lord, I prayed over this table purchase. It had already been a hectic, stressful week, and now this. The moment I hoped would bring a bright spot to my week only brought tuna fish.

I decided to take a walk and vent. I talked to the Lord, admitting that so many little things had caused me so much frustration—and now this. However, I had this feeling God knew what He was doing and that my prayers hadn’t been met with silence. I stopped complaining and thanked God that we were now well-stocked with tuna fish.

Soon after I returned home, I was contacted about some care requests. It’s been a month of many requests, from home losses to illness and people experiencing heavy crises. One specific need in that care request caught my eye: canned food. Specifically, canned meat, if possible. The needs included canned ham, soup, and canned tuna. I laughed and screamed, “I have tuna!” These cans would feed a crowd or last months. I could definitely meet that need.

It turns out I needed that tuna fish more than I needed a table. Those cans now have a home and are a blessing to many. But God didn’t leave it there. Because of the mix-up, we are going to receive another table! The supplier was so accommodating, and we had a good laugh over the tuna fish cans at the bottom of the box. When I saw a table, God saw much more. He saw us receiving a need and immediately being able to fulfill it. He is good at that.

It makes me wonder why I question His timing and His ways. Will I ever learn? I’m thankful for His patience with me and for always having the perfect solution before I even pray about the problem. His ways are not my ways—they are better, even when it’s tuna fish in a box!