Psalm 100:4-5 – Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (NIV)

During just two weeks last year, my life suddenly overflowed with problems. My washing machine died for the third time in a few months after $170 in repairs. I was overwhelmingly busy, teaching Bible studies, finishing a pile of charity quilts, and coordinating several events that all seemed to be on the calendar at the same time. I lost a credit card. The tension on my sewing machine went awry, and because I'm a dedicated (some would say obsessive) quilter, this was a major issue. My car quit running in a most spectacular manner far from town in a spot where I had no cell phone signal, eventually leading to the unplanned purchase of a new car.

Now, I look back and see all the ways that the Lord brought blessings that overcame the trials. Friends and family helped me. There was no fraud on the credit card, and a new one came quickly in the mail. The washing machine and sewing machine somehow fixed themselves — really! — they just started working correctly, and I have no idea why. Soon after I coasted the dying car to the side of the road, locked it, and set out on foot for the eight-mile walk into town, a kind local resident and his wife offered me a ride. The staff at the car dealership gave me good advice, and a knowledgeable friend went with me to purchase a new car. I was able to pay the bills, and I made a commitment not to take on so many duties next year.

It was a difficult couple of weeks. Some of it I handled well, some not so much. It certainly helped to "strengthen me with all power according to his glorious might so that I might have great endurance and patience" (my paraphrase of Colossians 1:11).

Lamentations 3:22-23 – Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

I love this verse and the powerful song written from it: Great is Thy faithfulness. There have been many times in my life when God has been faithful, but I'm not always ready to recall those times when trials erupt in the quantity they did in that time period.

Let's all try to remember that problems may derail us for a time, but God is always there, full of compassion and love, ready to provide support and blessings.

Prayer: Lord, help us to depend on You, no matter what the circumstances. Help us to remain calm and trust that You will provide as needed. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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