In response to a developer's proposal to build a sixteen-story condominium on all three sides of my nearly 200-year-old house, I'd made a seven-foot yard sign. His professionally printed sign was three times the size of mine with many references to legalities. As a result, I'd been the focus of a local television interview on the news that evening. It concluded with a shot of me as a helpless old lady with the words, "ALL SHE CAN DO NOW IS WORRY!"

Well, I hadn't said any such thing, nor was I worried now. Someone said, "There is often a seed of fear in every act of faith. When fear knocked on my door, faith answered. No one was there."

I had just finished reading the book of Job, understanding it for the first time. Suddenly, his journey of faith had become real to me. God wasn't punishing him or testing him. God was simply with him through a hard time, as Job followed along, open to whatever came next. So, my sign just answered the "Worry" label with a description of a daily spiritual journey with the Lord of the dance, hand in hand.

Then, I prayed. Just as I was saying "Amen", there was a knock on my door.

That was quick! I thought.

"I've been sent to help you." A smiling woman from a studio down the street stood there.

Sent? For just a moment, I wondered if she had wings.

Then, I told her why her words were so familiar. I told her about all the times in the Bible when God sent an angel to announce something important that the receiver needed to hear.

She said that she understood. Then, we put up my sign, which I could never have done alone, since the wind was making it into a sail.

Her appearance turned everything into a blessing, just in case I had succumbed to worry.

I love how The Message puts the prayer Psalm 89 into everyday language, just in time for me.

Psalm 89:8 – God of the Angel Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? (MSG)

This reminds us that God has uncountable angels to do His work, but sometimes He chooses you and me to receive the privilege of helping.

Psalm 89:11,13 – You own the cosmos. You made everything in it … nobody messes with you. (MSG),

That neighbour's support strengthened my faith that God was in this.

Are we listening when God promises to help, or when He sends someone to us with a message? Are we willing to be sent?

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we are grateful for the hard times that You allow us to experience as we walk through this world, knowing that all is well when we allow You to be in charge. Thank You for the example of Job and for all those of faith, both in Scripture and in our lives, who care for us and support us on the way. We are grateful that worry can never be the response of the believer. Amen.

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About the author:

Rose DeShaw <rise370@gmail.com>
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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