A medical thing

Real life.  Unexpected things.  On Saturday night, I noticed a skin discoloration.  I looked at it again and again, almost in disbelief.  The color had darkened, the size had extended, and it was itchy.  And my mind began to spin.  The word cancer had entered my brain.  I remember my hands thrusting to the sides of my head.  Panic shook my head side to side. . . Now I look back to realize how quickly and unexpectedly the mind can be overtaken with fear.  On Saturday, a first thought was to want to see a doctor immediately.  But the Lord blessed me with presence of mind.  More than a doctor, I needed the Lord.  The Lord is our ultimate healer.  He may choose to use a human doctor to bring about healing, but ultimately the Lord is in charge. . . I find peace now in knowing He was with me Saturday night.  In my panic, He gently bent my knees to pray.  And as I wait to see a doctor tomorrow, I want to rest in the Lord first.

Not too many Christians

“I need work,” she said.  One morning last week, bundled in layers from head to toe to keep warm, a lady commented as we waited for our buses.  I responded, “I’ve been in your spot.  When I have a problem, I ask God to provide.  He has supplied our family with money.”  She added, “You don’t meet too many Christians these days.” . . . Right there.  That comment.  There’s a person in this world who hasn’t recognized too many Christians lately. . . Ephesians 6:19-20 reminds me.  Ask the Lord to keep us alert to open windows for conversation.  With the lady last week, the Lord gave opportunity to talk about Him and His church.  And when the Lord orchestrates people, it’s exciting.

Money

Sometimes I’d rather not think about money.  My mind can wander when I think of recent layoffs.  I wonder if our workplaces will close their doors and how the Lord might provide us income.  Will the Lord change my part-time work into full-time somewhere new?  Will some of our volunteering connections lead to paid work?  Don’t know.  Yet I smile to remember when the Lord has amazed us financially.  Once He spoke through a friend to quickly lead me to a new teaching job.  Another time, He provided a lump sum suddenly for unused sick leave.  He has increased college scholarships for our family.  He has mailed us an unexpected check for an overage in our escrow account.  Remembering the blessings gives me a boost.  The Lord never leaves us alone.  And, really, money is not a bad subject.  It has been at the center of some of my favorite stories of God.