BY HIS OUTRAGEOUS PROVIDENCE | KAIROS GLOBAL | JANUARY 2024

Author: Aleesha Wilson

Intro: Aleesha Wilson writes about Elsa Tom and her family, whose lives are a testament to the amazing providence of God.

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with you above the storm

Father, you are king over the flood

I will be still and know you are God

Sometimes it is really hard to live the song that we sing or live the prayer that we pray. It is easy to encourage others through our words until the moment we enter a difficult and helpless phase. It is then that we enter that crucial test of our faith. As in the song, are we able to soar with God even during those turbulent storms that hit our life’s journey? Do we have a blind, childlike trust in Providence, confident that we will never be alone at any cost? 

Despite our complete awareness that God is almighty and able to discern our thoughts even before we think, and above all, he cares for us even when the whole world seems totally against us, there are moments when we feel like giving up. However, there is beauty if we hold on to our faith rather than bringing those challenging experiences to a full stop. 

Listening to the harsh realities and the challenges of Elsa and her family, who recently migrated to Australia, I could literally feel the abundant providence and the endless mercy of our loving God. The story of how God led them through various ways is indeed a living testimony to all who question their faith as they encounter bitter experiences in life.

Elsa, her husband, Ben, and their five children had been living a simple life trusting in Providence, not too ambitious about their future. When the idea of migrating to Australia was put to them by their parents, they began to think about it. They had, however, several challenges to overcome from the moment they applied for their visa. The criticisms that came their way for accepting children without a stable income was severe. The waiting period was indeed a time filled with mixed emotions – they had to wait for almost three years for the visa approval. 

It was also the time when Elsa was patiently looking after Ben’s grandmother, who was not willing to let them go, being particularly fond of them. Elsa had an ardent desire to be with her during her final days. Elsa says, ‘By God's grace, we could look after our grandmother during her last days, preparing her well to attain eternal peace.’ 

Their later days were filled with abundant blessings, which further opened the door towards Australia. Ben’s maternal relatives greatly appreciated them for nursing their mother, with none of them in India to care for her. Some of his relatives began to financially support them, foreseeing the expenses that would come once they received their visa. When they actually came to it, the financial obligation turned out to be huge, and their relatives’ help turned out to be a great blessing in their move to Australia. Elsa reminisces, ‘God’s plans are amazing and he turns everything beautiful in his time.’ 

After they reached Australia, things did not get any better. Being new migrants they were in dire need of a house, which began to look impossible because of their large family; moreover they were unemployed. Elsa recollects helping hands which came from far and near during those hard times to be none other than God’s unending mercy. She is reminded of Uncle James who played a great role in arranging a temporary residence for them even before they reached Australia. This made them feel safe and secure in His mighty hands as the hospitality and welcome they experienced from their host family was beyond words. In Elsa’s words, it was extraordinary kindness which they did not deserve, being total strangers to them. 

However, things did not run smoothly after, as they were forced to shift from there after a month. They were rejected from everywhere, and numerous agents declined to give them a house citing their large family and unemployment. Amidst all these uncertainties, they believed that God would prepare a way even when all doors seemed shut before them. 

Around that time, an agent offered them a house that was way over their budget and asked them to confirm in a day’s time. It was impossible to afford and they were left totally confused. Elsa says, ‘Ben was steadfast in his faith that God would provide us with a house at the right time, even when I told him to take up that offer. Eventually we decided not to call the agent back. Within three days, surprisingly, another agent called about a house that was affordable and based on some terms and conditions. To top it, help began to pour in with everything else required – furniture and household appliances from random people we met at church, Facebook Marketplace and even through the Jesus Youth contacts.’

Elsa specifically quotes certain people, who were like God’s eyes, hands and feet. Paul and Celly, who though lived far away, showered them with parental care and affection and were a great support, making them feel they weren’t alone. The motherly care and concern of Sr Jincy, from the very first day they met her at church to the day she returned to India, is something they cannot forget. It was as if Sister knew in advance what they were in need of without being told. ‘There wasn’t a single day she came to church empty-handed,’ Elsa recounts.  

Uncle Peter and Aunt Eva, real missionaries, became a source of strength during those days of constant trials. Sheeba, their primary host, was kind and ever concerned, helping them in several ways. The constant support from a Jesus Youth family from Australia was a tremendous relief on numerous occasions. Despite their struggles, they were always ready to help even at odd hours. Their generous nature revealed its best when the family were willing to lend them a huge amount that had been kept aside for an investment. Elsa describes this as a ‘shocking God experience,’ as she was filled with the unconditional love of God during that moment. 

A Sri Lankan family, whom they met through Facebook Marketplace, became an irreplaceable pillar in their lives, filling their house with everything they lacked by way of a free give-away. Elsa is also reminded of her cousin whose presence was invaluable during an emotionally stressed house shifting. Ben had been injured at the time, and her cousin’s willingness to help was a huge grace.

Journeying through the experiences of Elsa and Ben remind us of the beauty of waiting and the ultimate faith in God’s Providence. Wait patiently! Certain things might be delayed, but they are not denied. Yes, God’s delays are not his denials. He is preparing us, moulding us as we sit it out in God’s waiting room. 

As it is rightly said in Habakkuk 2:3, But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. 

Trust in his Providence! Every moment and every breath we breathe is none other than His Providence.

Aleesha Wilson is an English language trainer, running an online English teaching platform. She lives in Palakkad, India with her parents and three siblings.