I Gave God a Deadline
IZABELLA MCMILLON
Lee en español
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (ESV)
I was only 13 years old and did not fully understand the dangers around me and my people.
Our black-and-white world in communist Romania was marked by the government’s control over all aspects of our lives: food, clothes, work, and even what we could say and believe. God was not welcome, and we were robbed of the freedom to hear His name or openly worship Him.
In the midst of this oppression, I learned God is not bound. I witnessed the power of the gospel as God pierced the spiritual darkness around me. As John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
I saw His light first in a Bible hidden in the floorboards of our government-assigned apartment. Then I saw it in a brave classmate inviting me to an underground church and in a fearless pastor taking me under his wing.
My pastor helped me understand the treasure found in our floorboards. He taught me how to pray and boldly declared that God always answers.
One winter, I decided I would test this bold declaration. Food was scarce, electricity was rarely available, and the only way we could have fun outside was if it snowed. So my heart was set on one prayer. I was just a young girl with a simple request: God, I do not like the cold outside. Will You prove to me that You hear me? Will You give me snow?
I expected Him to answer with fluffy, white snow the next day, but He did not. For two more months, there was no snow in sight. I was so disappointed. Then I told God that He had three weeks, until Christmas Day, to prove that He was real by answering my prayer.
Christmas Day came and went without snow, and I was ready to give up on God. But God is never ready to give up on any of us!
The day after Christmas, there was word on the street of something special at the grocery store. The kids of my town ran as fast as we could, and we saw three small trucks filled with colorful shoeboxes provided by Operation Christmas Child. They were given to the kids unconditionally, with no strings attached — no ration coupons or money needed. As I received my shoebox gift, I also received a clear message that God loved me. I stared at this splash of color in my black-and-white world.
And then, as I opened the box, I found the answer to my prayers: A silver-and-blue snow globe lit up my faith.
God answered my prayer for snow in His timing and in His perfect way. I finally understood His faithfulness and goodness and decided to serve Him for the rest of my life.
If you are waiting on God today, I pray you recognize His answer when it comes. He carefully crafts our waiting to shape our view of Him so we can recognize that there is nothing He cannot overcome!
Lord, thank You for being present even in the darkest times of my life. You always answer prayers. Often Your answers look different than what I imagine, but they're always for my good. You will never give up on me. Help me to trust You in all circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift was a defining moment in Izabella McMillon’s faith journey. Today Izabella shares about the impact of Operation Christmas Child and how God sees each of us no matter our circumstances.
When you participate with Operation Christmas Child, you share God’s love and the gospel message with children around the world. Prayerfully donating to Operation Christmas Child will help bring the eternal hope of Jesus Christ to children, their families, and their communities.
- $6 sends a child through “The Greatest Journey,” Operation Christmas Child’s 12-week discipleship course.
- $10 covers project costs and provides for ministry materials like “The Greatest Gift” Gospel Booklet.
- $30 builds an online shoebox that goes to the ends of the earth to children in some of the hardest-to-reach places.
ENGAGE
We’re just days away from a night you won’t want to miss! On Thursday, November 20, join Lysa TerKeurst and the Operation Christmas Child team at the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, NC, from 4-9 p.m. for “Wonderfully Made: A Night To Celebrate the Season and the Savior.” Together, we’ll slow down, celebrate, and rediscover the heart of Christmas through worship, stories, and a special message from Lysa. Tickets are going fast — and your $15 exclusive, discounted ticket won’t last much longer. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the season with joy and wonder. Get your tickets today!
Keep up with Operation Christmas Child on Facebook, Instagram, and X!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 18:28, “For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness” (ESV).
How have you seen God punch holes in your spiritual darkness? How can you radiate the light of the gospel? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
© 2025 by Izabella McMillon. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 10 November 2025.
SHARE
