31 Jan & 1 Feb 2026 (Pastoral Page) I PRAYED FOR AN UMBRELLA, BUT GOD SENT A CAR

by Asst Ps Timothy Lee

The end of the year often brings a mix of emotions. While there is much to be thankful for, uncertainty looms about what the new year may bring. Last year was particularly significant for our family, as my daughter was in Primary 6—the year of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). Questions filled our minds: Would she do well? Which secondary school would she go to? Would it be the “right” place for her?

We were on holiday when her exam results were released, and we had to submit applications for her secondary school. It was meant to be a season of rest, but our emotions were mixed. On one hand, we wanted to relax and enjoy our time together as a family. On the other hand, there was a quiet undercurrent of anxiety.

We prayed for God’s guidance and direction in choosing a secondary school and took the opportunity to speak with other parents as well. While we shared the same desire to do what was best for her, our priorities differed. I preferred a school closer to home, while Tracey preferred a girls’ school. Our first choice met both criteria, but we felt her chances of being accepted were slim. As a result, I found myself slipping into a sense of fatalism: wherever my daughter ended up, that would simply be where she was meant to be. The thought was sobering and, at times, unsettling—especially knowing that soon all three of my children would be attending three different schools.

After returning from our holiday, one afternoon, I was at West Coast Plaza when the rain suddenly began pouring heavily. I needed to return to church, but I was stuck watching the downpour, wondering how I would get back without getting soaked. As I stood there, I hoped someone with an umbrella was heading back to church.

To my surprise, a familiar car pulled into the pick-up area. It was Beng Hwee and the group of admin staff dropping Dexter off before heading back to church. They waved me over to the car, and we shared a laugh about the timing that “I prayed for an umbrella, but God sent a car!”

That small moment reminded me of God’s providence. Though it was a simple incident, it reassured me that God cares even about the little details of our lives. More importantly, it gave me confidence that He would also take care of much bigger matters— including the placement of my daughter’s secondary school.

On the morning the secondary school posting results were released, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement, accompanied by an unexpected sense of peace. Thanks be to God, she was accepted into her first-choice school.

During Orientation Week, parents were invited to attend the finale night. The principal shared about the school’s objectives, culture, and values, and concluded the session with a prayer. As I sat there, my heart was filled with gratitude for the school’s holistic approach that balances strong academic achievement with character development rooted in Christian values. I was sure this was the school for her, thanking God for His guidance and providence.

As parents, it is natural for our hearts to worry about our children. We think ahead, imagine challenges, and feel the weight of responsibility pressing upon us. Yet before we are parents, we are first children of God. Just as we care deeply for our own children, our Heavenly Father cares even more deeply for us. He understands our needs and those of our children better than we ever could.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. When we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths. Likewise, 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. God’s provision may not always come in the way we expect, but He is faithful. By trusting Him and casting our cares upon Him, He is faithful to guide our steps. Therefore, let us keep our eyes and hearts open to recognize His guidance and providence, even when it comes in unexpected and grace-filled ways.