Anxious Waiting

“‘ … He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.’” (Deuteronomy 31:8b-c)

For months Gail* had wrestled and worried about a debt that had fallen to her. Years ago to help Kevin* (one of their children) her husband had cosigned a loan for graduate school. There had been changes in Kevin’s life including a very hurtful change in attitude. The debt had become delinquent and now Gail was regularly receiving threatening calls from the lender. Then she learned that since the loan was federally insured a significant portion of their monthly social security benefit would be garnished if the debt was not paid.

Should they pay the sum demanded? It would deplete their savings and Kevin would again be relieved of his responsibilities.

Many prayers over many weeks were prayed. Kevin made a few payments – enough to delay the final demand date – but not enough to bring the debt current. The final demand date drew near.

Then one morning as we sat preparing for our weekly prayer time a text came in: Kevin had paid the outstanding debt. The threat of garnished income was suddenly gone. As we sat shocked and stunned a flood of peace inundated Gail’s soul.

How many times have we prayed earnest prayers, hoping, pleading for a miracle, anxiously waiting for the resolution of a problem or concern? In the end You always work things out, faithfully walking with us through the adversity. Sometimes the resolution is not as we hope but whatever the outcome we have Your promise that You “‘will never desert [us] nor will [You] ever forsake [us]’” (Hebrews 13:5). If we can just somehow manage to steadfastly focus on You, trust in You and not in our worst fears You will keep us in perfect peace (see Isaiah 26:3).

*Names changed.