A Journey of Trust Beyond Human Logic
There are moments in life when God allows situations that feel strange, illogical, or even unreasonable to our human understanding. When viewed through our own logic, they simply do not make sense. And yet, when we look back later, we often realize that God was working quietly, lovingly, and with perfect precision—far beyond what we could see or comprehend at the time.
This is one of those stories.
It unfolded during a season marked by uncertainty, fear, and financial lack. At that time, we were living in France, and both my husband and I had lost our jobs. Our savings were very limited. Every expense mattered. Every decision carried weight. We applied for jobs whenever we saw an opening, but nothing happened. Doors remained closed no matter how much effort we put in.
It was a season in which we were forced to learn what it truly meant to wait on God—without understanding His timing or His plans.
The Temptation to Depend on Human Solutions
During that difficult period, a friend and a member of my husband’s family shared what sounded like very good news. They were earning money by investing in a company, and according to them, their investment had doubled within just a few months. They spoke with excitement and confidence and strongly encouraged us to do the same.
I listened carefully. I checked the company. I tried to understand whether it was stable, reliable, and safe. On the surface, everything appeared acceptable. Still, deep inside, something felt uneasy. Doubling money in such a short time did not seem realistic to me. It felt too good to be true.
Yet I was tempted.
We had very little savings left—money we might need simply to survive until the end of the month. In moments of desperation, even risky opportunities can appear attractive. I discussed it with my husband, assuming he would see it as a solution.
But he did not.
A Direction That Did Not Make Sense
Instead of supporting the idea of investing, my husband said something completely unexpected. He told me he felt convinced that we should use that money to go on vacation.
I was shocked.
We had no jobs. We had very little money. And he was suggesting that we spend what little we had on a holiday?
He explained that this conviction was strong and clear—that he believed it came from the Lord. At that time, he was deeply concerned about our children, who were adolescents. Like many teenagers, they were spending too much time on computers and mobile phones, disconnected from one another and from us. He felt they needed a break—a reset—a chance to step away from the pressures of daily life.
He believed God wanted to give us rest.
My first reaction was frustration. My mind immediately shifted into calculation mode. This money could be invested. This money could help us later. This was not the right time for a vacation.
But my husband remained calm and peaceful. He was not someone who spent money carelessly or acted impulsively. I knew his relationship with the Lord, and I knew he would not make such a decision lightly.
Even though I did not fully understand, I chose to trust.
Choosing Obedience Over Logic
We informed our friend that we would not invest the money. Instead, we told them we planned to use it for a vacation.
They were shocked.
From their expressions, I could see what they were thinking. We appeared unreasonable, irresponsible—perhaps even foolish. They told us it was a shame, that we were missing an excellent opportunity to make money.
I felt uncomfortable. I questioned our decision. But deep inside, I chose to trust my husband’s discernment—and more importantly, God’s leading.
We decided to take a road trip to Norway.
A Long Road and Unexpected Trouble
We left France and drove through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and finally reached Norway. The journey took three to four days.
When we entered Norway, it was early in the morning—around 6 a.m. The road climbed steeply, and my husband had to accelerate to reach the top. When we finally arrived at the summit, a police officer was waiting.
We were stopped.
We received a ticket.
The fine was very high—about 800 euros.
The officer explained that we had to pay it online before the deadline. That amount was exactly what we had planned to use for camping.
In that moment, my heart sank.
I could no longer smile. I spent the entire day replaying the same thoughts over and over again. How would we manage? How would we pay for camping? How could we afford five weeks with even less money?
My husband, however, remained calm.
He explained that accelerating was necessary to climb the road and trusted that God knew his intention was not reckless. For him, the situation was already placed in God’s hands. He refused to let worry steal our joy or ruin the vacation.
Looking back now, I regret how I responded that day. While my husband rested in peace, I allowed anxiety to consume me. I missed the beauty around me. I missed the quiet. I missed the rest God had intended for us. I let fear steal a day that was meant for grace.
Living Simply, Living Fully
Despite my worries, we continued our journey.
We traveled for nearly five weeks. Life became simple. We camped. We cooked our meals. We had brought most of our groceries from France, since everything in Norway was nearly three times more expensive.
There was no internet. No constant phone use. No screens controlling our time.
Instead, there was nature.
Mountains. Lakes. Long hikes. Quiet evenings. Shared meals. Laughter.
Occasionally, after a long hike, we treated ourselves to an ice cream. Those small joys felt incredibly precious.
As my husband had hoped, we stepped away from the endless cycle of pressure and digital distraction. We were truly present with one another. Even today, our children still talk about that trip with joy.
Those five weeks became one of our most treasured family memories.
God’s Grace Revealed After the Journey
When we returned home, the first thing I did was try to pay the fine. I went online and entered the ticket number—but the system said the number did not exist.
I tried again.
And again.
Still nothing.
Eventually, I stopped trying. I cannot explain what happened. I only know that it was the grace of God.
Not long after, my husband found a job. And when we checked our bank account, the money was still there—unchanged.
The money we feared losing had never left us.
Seeing God’s Protection in Hindsight
Later, we learned that the investment opportunity we had been encouraged to join had failed. Those who invested lost everything.
My heart overflowed with gratitude.
God had protected us—not by increasing our money, but by redirecting our steps. What looked like a missed opportunity was actually divine protection.
Trusting Beyond Understanding
This experience taught me a lesson I will never forget.
Sometimes God gives us directions that look foolish to the world. Sometimes obedience does not look practical. Sometimes trust does not follow logic.
But God sees what we cannot see.
He protects us not only through provision, but through redirection. He blesses us not only with finances, but with rest, unity, memories, and peace.
That trip was not just a vacation. It was a gift. A protection. A preparation.
And whenever I struggle to understand God’s ways, I remember this journey—and I choose to trust Him again.
Because God’s faithfulness does not depend on the strength of my faith, but on the unchanging nature of who He is.