Garage Sale Blessings: Discovering God's Presence in Unexpected Places

Who knew a garage sale could come with more than just vintage finds? Sometimes, the real treasure is a soul-shifting encounter with Christ.

I still remember the day I felt a shift in my soul. And where did it happen? At a garage sale—yes, a garage sale! Not exactly where you’d expect to have a divine encounter, right? I thought I was just there to hunt for cheap treasures and maybe a funky old lamp. Instead, I found something way more valuable: a small collection of faith-based books covered with dusts. At the time, I had been searching for hope, feeling pretty disconnected from my own worth as a child growing up Deaf in a hearing world. But as I stood there reading, God’s quiet presence surrounded me. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but I felt it deep in my spirit.

Little did I know, that garage sale moment would kickstart my journey toward healing and self-discovery. Apparently, God shows up in the most unexpected places—like between stacks of 90s self-help books and a box of chipped coffee mugs.

The Lost Sheep at the Garage Sale

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home…”. – Luke 15:4-6 NIV

Honestly, it was like God - my Good Shepherd - found me at that garage sale, tucked between dusty shelves, and said, “There you are! Time to carry you home.”  In that moment, I felt seen and held, just like the lost sheep in the parable. It’s a beautiful, transformative image, isn’t it? God didn’t scold the sheep or say, “You really wandered too far this time, didn’t you?”  Nope. He joyfully picked it up and carried it. And I like to think He had a big smile on His face while doing it.

But let’s be real - healing is not all rainbows and choir music. There are highs and lows, moments when you feel like a warrior and moments when you’d rather stay under the covers and binge -watch Netflix. Still, through every up and down, God meets us right where we are. Whether you’re lost at a garage sale or having a crisis in the cereal aisle, His love never fails to find us.

Embracing Your Journey

Your journey might not include garage sale revelations, but trust me, God is guiding you all the same. Healing isn’t about having everything figured out - it’s about letting God take the broken pieces and create something beautiful. It’s about turning pain into wisdom and realizing that your resilience has been there all along (even if it’s been hiding under a layer of self-doubt).

There’s no “perfect” way to walk this path. It’s more like a scenic hike with plenty of detours, snack breaks, and maybe a few blisters. The important part is that you keep moving forward, knowing that God is walking beside you. He’s not impatient with your progress. He delights in every moment of growth, big or small.

Take Time to Reflect

Today, I encourage you to take a moment to connect with God. Find a quiet spot (or even a busy one. He’s good at meeting us anywhere, and reflect on the parable of the lost sheep. What does it mean for you? Consider journaling about it, letting your thoughts flow freely.

Remember, you are a masterpiece in progress. God’s not finished with you yet, and every small step forward is shaping the vibrant, abundant life He has in store for you. And hey, who knows? Your next life-changing moment might be waiting at a garage sale near you. 💕