I fought back tears as I talked with the insurance agent. She was very kind. My tears didn't reflect our conversation. My tears reflected my raw emotional day. Extreme juggling of finances is very stressful. Fear of dropping a ball - a bill - torments me day in and day out.
This phone call concerned our life insurance. David and I are trying desperately to hold onto this policy for our children's sakes. But it ain't easy.
I prayed before I made the phone call, asking God to go before me and give me favor. My spirit was and is strong. It's this darn flesh that keeps getting in the way. Imagine someone scraping their fingernails across a blackboard s-l-o-w-l-y. That's how my insides felt.
A sweet voice answered. "This is Cara. May I help you?"
I began searching for words. My brain was rattled. "Let's see what we can do," she said.
As I waited for her to review our policy my eyes began to well up. When I heard her voice again I couldn't hold back my emotions. "You okay?" she asked.
"Yes. I feel the Spirit of God coming through you. You're a Christian, aren't you?"
"Yes, ma'am, I am. Things are going to get better for you. I promise."
"I know they are. God has never failed us. I just let the stress get to me. I prayed before I called and asked God to go before me. Then I heard your kind voice. You're an answer to my prayers. Thank you for helping me."
As I talked with Cara I shared the lesson God has been teaching me. I relived His lesson as I recalled it for her: "Nan," the Lord whispered. "Do you have enough for today?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Then why are you worrying about tomorrow? Tomorrow will be the new 'today'. I've already got it covered."
My faith began to rise while I shared my story. The tears began to flow, but this time they were thankful tears.
Isn't that just like the Lord? He knew I needed a sister on the other end to comfort me and restore my hope.
I can't help but think about the power of the Cross as I reflect on what God did for me today. Maybe my radar is sharper because my thoughts are on Easter, but still...the Cross made the difference for me today.
It's because of the Cross that I have hope.
It's because of the Cross that I have all I need for today.
It's because of the Cross that I will never walk alone.
And it's because of the Cross that an unknown sister gave me strength for the journey.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" ~ Hebrews 12:1,2.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page to worship with Kathryn Scott and she sings, "At the Foot of the Cross". May we never take for granted what Jesus has done for us.
Oh Nan, I love seeing God at work in our real, day-to-day lives! Thank you for sharing your story of His provision, even through a phone call. He truly does care about every detail of our lives!
ReplyDeleteI know Vonda. What a sweet Savior we have. He never ceases to amaze me.
DeleteOh Nan, I loved this! I can relate...all to well, my friend. You're right-sometimes only a sister will do! I've come to you more times than either of us can count needing love, prayer, affirmation and just the nerturing of a sister! You've provided it all. Love you, my precious friend!
ReplyDeleteJamie girl, I'm so thankful you're my sister :) You are a beautiful gift to me. I love you.
DeleteThat's just like Him! He does it to me all the time. Brothers and sisters who pop up, to say just the right thing. A devotional you read. A picture with a Bible verse. A tweet. Or the breeze in the trees, the promise in a yet green lemon, a budding flower.
ReplyDeleteIt's there. Grace. Always inviting. Always lifting us up. Drawing us near. Calling us to a heavenly perspective.
I understand you so well because I'm going through the same.
Last Friday I got a short translation assignment. Only Grace and Ibuprofen got me through, because my eyes began to scream their pain ten minutes after I sat in front of the computer. I kept asking, Why? If you're calling me to be a WRITER, how come I can't look at the computer screen for TEN minutes? Why does it hurt so much and doctors can't find what's wrong? I had to phone my pastor for urgent prayer. I managed... but the problem is far from solved. I feel the pain as I type this message. And the devil says to me, You wanted to be like Paul? Now you'll go blind and you'll need a writing assistant like he did. I'm pressing on in faith, trusting the Lord won't allow that, and even if He does, it will be for the best and glorious. And I will NOT back down!
Bless you Carina! I didn't realize your eye problem is on-going. May I pray for you?
DeleteFather God, Blessed be Your Holy Name! You, Lord, are the Creator of the Universe, Maker of heaven and earth and yet You know each of us by name. What an amazing God You are. We love You, Lord. I bring my sister before Your throne of grace and ask that You touch her eyes by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Please use Your mighty hand to massage her eyes and bring healing. Cause them to function in the way You have created them. I plead the Blood of Jesus over Carina and I remind you Satan that where the Blood is, you have no dominion nor authority. Release her now in Jesus' Name. Holy Spirit, I ask that You send the healing Balm of Gilead over and through Carina's eyes and make them whole once again. Lord, surround her with Your mighty shield of faith and ward off the fiery darts of the enemy that would steal her victory. Thank You Lord. We give You praise!
Love you girlfriend. I'm standing with you in prayer.
Thank you Nan!
DeleteI'm spending my time listening to worship music (mostly Messianic through this Pesaj week) and trusting something good will surely come out of this.
I'm still rather stressed (that must be one of the reasons for this ongoing problem) but increasingly finding peace in the long devotionals I'm having because of the gift of time alone with Him. I'm so glad to get that!
Things will be sorted out, I'm sure. I've been told by the Holy Spirit that the key is to set my life in order (I'm SLOWLY getting that through His help) and under the government of our King. So well, patience...
I guess I'm developing skills that will come in handy in my future ministry. Hoping and waiting. Even if the healing doesn't come and life falls apart... You know how it goes!
I know your heart honors our Father. Resting in His Presence, I'm learning, is a key to the Kingdom. Without a doubt...
DeleteCarina, I know, I mean, I KNOW, exactly how you feel. My question recently to God was: "Why did you give me the desire and gift to sing and to share my voice with others if all You were going to do is make me deaf?" He gave the answer eventually. One I never expected to hear. So I pray that even if you do not find the help you need for your eyes and even if you do go blind, that God will enable you to see what all of us cannot. Because I know that God is working wonders through you even now and will continue to do so no matter what. You are so special and precious and I love your heart for God.
DeleteMarcie, thank you for encouraging our precious sister. You're right, Carina is very special to the Body of Christ. Love you!
DeleteThank you both for being such special friends.
DeleteI think the answer to my problem is simply that my eyes are tired! After two months of not going to work, my mind feels very well rested. But I guess I've been reading a bit too much (didn't have any time for that before!) and even printed books get your eyes tired. So I guess I should ALMOST forget the computer for around a month, read less (that will be difficult!), write on paper instead of here (!) and listen to a lot of music and my audio Bible until this gets sorted out.
You are so precious to me, Nan! EVERY SINGLE TIME I read your devotionals,I find myself in tears just praising my Jesus! I love you, and I too, KNOW that our Savior will, NO, He HAS already, met your every need.
ReplyDeleteLoving you,in Him,
Lisa
Awww...Lisa! Could you get any sweeter? Thank you for your kind words. I'm learning alot, that's for sure. I'm thankful God has given me a platform to share my lessons learned. Thank you so much for stopping by. You made my day. Love you!
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