By: Marcy Barthelette
For I know the plans I have for you….plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased)
Last week’s message illustrated the constant promise of God’s presence in our everyday lives, and I’ve felt so many instances in recent weeks when tiny everyday miracles have taught me lessons in humility. I just thought a little more focus on God’s perfect timing was in order, especially following Pastor Dennis’ message on Sunday which had a lot to do with the timing as well. So, bear with me as I share a few more reminders of who is in control in every situation.
Take for instance the story I shared during Ken’s hospitalization about his overwhelming need to vote in this past election. Had our daughter not been there, no one would have called to find out if there was any way to facilitate this wish. We were too traumatized at that point to consider what action might be taken. And what made her think to call Christian County Court House? I believe that certainly had to be a God thing. When they told us they would try but couldn’t promise that someone would come, our spirits tried to remain hopeful but, as Election Day progressed and no one knocked on the door, we almost lost heart. But God knew that three other people in that hospital besides Ken really wanted to vote. So, he cleared the way for two selfless volunteers to make the rounds at Mercy Hospital and make it happen. God is so good and so are daughters and volunteers!
Think of a situation in which you can’t do anything and give it to Jesus. Know He has it covered. Then sit back and watch the miracle unfold. Jeanette Levellie, Mornings with Jesus 2025
One of Ken’s biggest worries as he lay in that hospital bed going through test after test was that leaves were piling up in our yard. He even planned to get out into the yard the day after his discharge and do the work. Of course, his doctors didn’t OK that plan, so he worried. He takes great pride in keeping the yard looking just right. When he was home, all he could do was look out the window and shake his head in dismay at the sheer volume of leaves covering every inch of lawn. Then one day our neighbors were running their big cyclone mulcher, and the next thing we knew there was a loud noise approaching our house. You guessed it…one was blowing leaves into piles and the other was driving the cyclone. I went out with our blower to help and soon another neighbor joined the leaf removal party. As I glanced at the door, Ken had tears flowing down his cheeks in gratitude for this wonderful favor that came our way from caring neighbors. God knew just when to send these angels of mercy to someone who needed a hand. They did a repeat performance a few weeks later to remove the remainder of fall’s bounty of leaves. God is good and so are neighbors!
Many times as we’ve continued a medical journey that we hadn’t anticipated, we’ve become temporarily discouraged and it seems someone sends a text, an email, a card or makes a call and we are reminded that we are not in this alone. You’ll never know what those words have meant to us. Once again, God is so good and so is our church family!
Our kids were here for Thanksgiving and the guys worked on a faulty switch for our gas fireplace. A few days later, I flipped the switch, and it fell from the wall because the original installation had been
incorrect. Another worry for Ken because going to the store to buy what he needed and do the repair was still a little more than he was up to. When the kids came for Christmas, our son-in-law walked in the door with an extra gift, the new electrical box. Together they installed it, and another small miracle of good timing removed another worry. God is good and so are sons-in-law!
And one more thing that has been a constant for me personally is the presence of music. Whenever I feel a little down or can’t fall asleep in the middle of the night, my favorite songs come to mind and everything feels better. On Sunday morning, following a difficult week for us, our wonderful praise band sang two of those favorites and I sang with gusto from my recliner, wishing that I were there to worship with everyone, but all the while knowing that God heard my praise clearly. God is good and so are His singing angels!
Timing is everything and He, in His infinite wisdom, certainly does have everything under control. Sometimes I wonder why we can’t be totally confident in His ability to bring goodness into our lives—then I remember….it’s because we are human, we make mistakes. He is God and He is perfect. I’m trying to remember to trust His good timing…..always.
I cling to you; Your strong right hand holds me securely. Psalm 63:8 (And Your timing is perfect).
