From Genesis to Revelation, pages of my beloved leather-bound Bible fell to the floor every time I opened it. The once camel-colored leather was worn and faded. It broke my heart to see it in such sad shape. The NIV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, red-letter edition, was a gift from my husband, Rick. It had lasted through his teen years and Bible College, where we’d met and he’d given it to me. I used it for Bible study, teaching Sunday school and reading daily devotions. I didn’t want to replace it, but 17 years of wear and tear had taken their toll.
Unfortunately, that Bible had cost $100.00. Now we had three kids and more bills than our paychecks could stretch. A Bible would have to be practically free for me to afford it. I often prayed to God about all needs, big or small, but I pushed the thought of buying a new Bible out of my mind, figuring I’d save up for it eventually.
A few weeks later I was browsing a garage sale searching for back-to-school stuff for the kids. One of the tables was overflowing with bedding and pillows. I don’t need anything here, I thought walking by. But something pulled me back. I’d learned from experience to check under piles, so I peeled back layers of sheets and quilts. Nothing. Then I picked up a fluffy down comforter. Underneath it was a square, black zippered case. Maybe a notebook? I quickly opened it. Inside was a brand-new Bible! And not just any Bible. A black, leather-bound, NIV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, red-letter edition, with exquisite gold-trimmed pages. My heart raced. This can’t be cheap, I thought, flipping it over to see the price tag. Five dollars, for the case and the Bible.
Back home, Rick and I went over nightly devotions with the kids. I was admiring my new Bible when suddenly I spotted an inscription on the zipper tab. “I can’t believe it!” I said, holding it up for them to see. The letters R-O-B-I-N. My name.
