The Bakery

The Bakery

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.

Matthew 7:7

Alex thought God had really blessed him when he bought the run-down bakery on Fourth Street. Mr. Bonner—the delightful old baker who had made the shop famous—had died and the business had closed. Evidently no one else in the family could carry on the old man’s work.

After weeks of renovating, Alex excitedly announced the reopening of Bonner’s Bakery in the Sunday paper—an announcement he knew the town would cheer. The only remaining problem was how to provide baked goods that even came close to Mr. Bonner’s mouthwatering, secret-recipe cinnamon rolls and delectable red velvet cakes. Alex had searched extensively, but none of the bakers he had interviewed seemed right for the beloved old shop. God, I really need your help, please.

Suddenly, a young woman knocked on the door. She wore a nostalgic smile, as if enjoying a fond memory.

“May I help you?” Alex asked.

“I was hoping I might help you,” she said, smiling. “I’m Tina Bonner. Mr. Bonner was my grandfather.”

“Really! Come in.”

“You’ve made some wonderful improvements,” Tina said. “Have you found a baker yet?”

“No. Your grandfather’s a hard act to follow. Why do you ask?”

“My husband recently died of cancer, and I need a job to support my two little girls. I worked here for several years as Pop’s apprentice; he taught me how to make all his recipes.”

“Even the secret-recipe cinnamon rolls?”

“Yes!” she laughed. “Even Pop said I was almost as good as he was.”

“Hallelujah!” shouted Alex, dancing around the bakery. “If you can be here in the morning at six o’clock, you’re hired!”

“Oh, I’ll be here. You can count on it.”

Local residents flocked to the bakery the next day, perhaps because a Bonner was still the baker. Alex got the help he had asked God for at just the right time.

Dear God, thank you for always answering when we call out to you for help. Amen.