God Never Puts Us On Hold
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Floyd has had some days this past week of not doing well. As I have all along our journey, I prayed for healing or heaven. His condition stabilized in the last few days. I continue to trust God for Floyd's future but I'm glad he's doing better and is resting peacefully.
I have been trying to call a traffic office about a fine I received. The fine is from another province, it's not my car, it's not my license plate number, and the fine was issued on the day I was in surgery. So, obviously, it's not for me! But I have to deal with it. As soon as I received the notice, I tried to call the office. I waited endlessly "on hold" while I was told that "all agents are busy - please stay on the line." I waited and waited and waited. Finally I sent an email.
I repeated this process a couple days later, only to be "on hold" endlessly again. I sent another email. This happened over and over.
Finally I spoke to someone which then meant I had to send in pages and pages of information. I was told that what I sent might be lost, so I should keep copies in case I needed to send it again - not very confidence building about the process! Everything has been done - and I still feel "on hold" as I've had no response. It's beyond frustrating.
I was thinking about all this.....and the most wonderful thought went through my mind. God never ever puts us "on hold!" He is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and we never have to wait because He's busy! He is only a whisper away as we call on Him. He hears us right away when we call. We may not always get the answer we want - His ways and wisdom are higher than ours, but He will always, always listen and bring comfort to our hearts. He strengthens us, encourages us, and gives sufficient grace to us. He never leaves us all alone. We never have to fear being put "on hold" when we call on His name.
"For He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
"The Lord of hosts is with us." Psalm 46:7
"Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.' " Isaiah 30:21
The Lord "takes our calls" for any need we have. Big or small. Anytime. Anywhere. He never puts us "on hold." I am so grateful for this. I couldn't have survived this unexpected journey if I hadn't been able to call on Him at every point of need. Thank you Lord!
Someone reminded me recently of a sweet memory. It was in the early weeks of Floyd's illness. A dear pastor friend came to visit at the hospital. He stood by Floyd's bed, holding both my hand and Floyd's, and said "Floyd will not live a day longer or shorter than God intends." I had forgotten about this, and found it lovely to be reminded of that sweet visit.
I realize it touches on a big theology issue. I've heard so many viewpoints and opinions, and I don't want to start a discussion about the topic.....but what it did for me is remind me that God is 100% involved in our lives. Whether we live or die is in His hands, and He is so, so trustworthy! If I didn't have the assurance of this, I don't think I could keep going day by day. I have seen God at work in our lives, I've seen Him intervene on so many occasions, and I trust Him to fulfil every plan and purpose He has for us.
And on the hard days I trust in His sufficient grace! God has never failed us. He is so good, so faithful, so loving and kind.
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
"You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer." Job 14:4 NLT
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"My times are in your hands." Psalm 31:15