by Linda Veath
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see, the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. ~ Exodus 1:13 NIV
Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear. [says the Lord] ~ Isaiah 65:24 NIV
Several months ago, my small town went through a series of deaths. Four men in their 60’s lost their wives to cancer. I knew all of them, and I grieved with them. I also hoped I could find a way to help them help each other.
I mentioned my thoughts to my pastor, and his suggestion was to leave it in God’s hands, trusting Him to open the right doors to bring these men together. As I prayed about it one night, I suddenly “saw it” and knew what God was doing. All I had to do was sit back, relax… And squeal, Really, God? Really?
I had been so worried, trying to figure out how God was going to work I had missed His answer. And it had been, quite honestly, dangling in front of my face like a flopping fish.
We had just welcomed a new pastor into our small town. A pastor who had lost his wife two years ago to cancer. Really, God? I shook my head and muttered over and over.
What a wonderful God we serve. He serves us in our pain. He rejoices with us in our joy. And He always has a plan. I grabbed my Bible and thumbed through it.
We are told to stand still and watch God work. Whether it’s before, after, or in the midst of our crisis, we can know that He has everything in control. Whether our problems are long term or short term, He is there. He is our God in all times. He is the God of our Creation, our God in the face of death, and our God during everything in between.
He is the God and Savior of us all. We never need worry, cry or complain when we put our trust in Him and rest in His arms for eternity. When we rest in the presence of Jesus Christ and His love, we can celebrate joyfully in the silence of our night. And that includes tonight.
Sleep well, my friend.
As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given … ~ Daniel 9:21 NIV