The Five-Dollar Bike

By Donna McMorrow

For many summers, our family went camping with two other families. We brought along a variety of children, tents, trailers, chairs, firewood, and marshmallows mixed together with lots of activity, stories, laughter, some friendly competition, and a few assorted tantrums—not all of which were the children’s.

One year, in the midst of my frenetic packing, a very important item did not make it into the truck: my son’s bike. Anthony, who was eight at the time, was crushed to learn that his bike had been forgotten. A bike for Anthony was not a convenience, it was a necessity. I humbly begged the master of tag sales, Mary, to take me with her the next day so I could try to find a bike.

Mary leaned over to comfort Anthony and decided to pray. Her prayer went something like this. “Lord, Anthony needs a bike. Please let us find him the perfect bike tomorrow morning for five dollars. In Jesus’ name, Amen!” Mary, apparently satisfied with her prayer, sat back and told Anthony not to worry; he would have his bike tomorrow. Smiling, Anthony went off to roast marshmallows. The bike was practically his.

Meanwhile, I was in a state of panic. I would never pray like that. I wouldn't have the nerve. But now, I had been backed into a corner—by SOMEONE ELSE’S PRAYER. The pressure was on. I had to find the perfect bike, the next day, FOR FIVE DOLLARS! I couldn't even buy a bike at Walmart, because Mary had prayed so specifically.

I felt incredible pressure. Anthony’s faith for a lifetime was going to be trashed if I didn't find a five-dollar bike! I needed to help God make this miracle happen.

The day arrived bright and sunny. I hustled Mary into the car. We were on a mission. I asked her for directions to the nearest tag sale. "I guess we could just head into town and look for signs,” she said.

My heart rate tripled! GUESS LOOK for signs! I thought she KNEW! The plan was to drive around and hope to stumble on signs! I mumbled some things that ought not to be repeated. Sure enough, there were signs. We found seven tag sales in a one-mile radius. Mary bought toys for her grandchildren. I found but did not buy, a whole fleet of exercise bikes. I was pretty sure that Anthony would not want a stationary bicycle. I began to chew my nails. I never chew my nails. Completely discouraged, I decided to try the nearest thrift store.

As we pulled into the parking lot, I could see a bright green boys trail bike in wonderful condition. I searched for a price tag. None. I wheeled it right into the store and up to the manager. The manager pursed her lips and said, “How about five dollars?”

Mary and I loaded the bike into the car and drove off in triumph. Anthony was thrilled to have the God-given bike. But he wasn't as impressed as I was because he had never had any doubts.

God taught me with a five-dollar bicycle. God is God, and I will trust Him. God loves my children because they are His. He loves them much more than I ever could. God does not need my help. He is perfectly capable of performing a miracle all on His own. He even wants to. Our God is a mighty God. There is nothing that He cannot do. He will even provide a boy with a bicycle. For FIVE DOLLARS!

Donna McMorrow and her husband have been married for 41 years. She is a retired special education teacher, adoptive parent, cancer survivor and child of the King. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography and painting.