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Listen while you read: "Christ For The World We Sing"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 139:4 – Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, Lord, You know it all. (NASB)
Dee, our 56-year-old daughter, entered the COVID-19 situation already in crisis because her husband of 31 years had died in September 2019, just before the virus began to spread devastation around the world. When COVID-19 lockdowns began, she took a medical leave from work because of pre-existing conditions. While raising her family and working part-time, she had just spent almost ten years attending classes at our local junior college to earn her Associative Arts Degree in Business, followed by university courses to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In the spring of 2020, she was among the many other students around the world who were unable to enjoy graduation ceremonies and celebrations.
When restrictions were lifted, she, like so many others, was excited to begin work, only to find that all positions in her new field required two years' experience. Because her unemployment was about to expire, she accepted a part-time job, but had to leave after a month because it was too physically demanding for her strength.
For twenty years prior to enrolling at the college, Dee had worked for a company, and she had kept in touch with her former employer throughout the years. A few days ago, she went in just to chat, not yet revealing that she was in dire straits. She knew that God was at work when, within a few minutes, the owner asked if she would like to return to work. The company couldn't find people to do the specialized job that Dee had previously filled. They agreed that she would begin work the following week, with a pay increase and hours that would sustain her needs until a job in the business world became available.
Our mighty, precious, and loving God knows everything about us, even before we do. He knew her needs ahead of time, and He provided according to His grace and how it fit within His purpose for her. What a comfort that knowledge brings to us, in times of life events or crumbling societies. He knows our needs before we even express them.
Each of us enjoys an individual personal relationship with our Lord, and He responds to our needs and prayers in specific ways, according to His purpose and plan. That can bring us some disappointment as we wait on the Lord, but it is also encouraging to know that He will answer, but in His own way. We can be heartened that He knows our future and the outcome before we do, so the help that He provides moves us to exactly where He wants us to be.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, we thank You for praying for us when we don't know what to pray. We ask that Your will may be done for all who are suffering. Amen.
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Thursday, January 23, 2025 – In Europe — Pray for the Jewish community to be encouraged and feel the love of their non-Jewish Christian friends. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts and minds of these secular Jews, and for God's leadership in my work.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
So true, Karen.
Thank you for your encouragement from the writing of this devotional, Karen. Helps me.
Thanks, Karen. This reminds me of the song “In His Time…He makes all things beautiful in His time”
Thank you, Karen, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
What a heartwarming story, Karen! Isn’t it wonderful that God knows our needs even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8)
Blessings!
You’ve hit it once again, Karen! Thanks for your encouragement to keep on going, even when we can’t see how things are going.
Blessings on you and your family.
Hello Karen
What a fantastic testimony of God’s grace and provisions!!!! Trusting all is going great for your daughter and you.
God bless.
Dear Karen,
This was such a good reminder to me tonight. When I hope things will be different in my future, I have to remember everything is already planned.
Thank you,
(BC, Canada)
Dear Karen,
Many thanks for another of your special devotionals and I feel the stresses your daughter has been dealing with. Our heavenly Father will always work things out for the best in His timing and is always ready to serve us. There are times for sure when we just don’t know how to express our prayers and concerns, but our loving Lord figures it out and thankfully is there for us. Lord’s blessings to you for your expressive and thoughtful writing and blessings to your daughter for her perseverance and faith.
Good morning, Karen,
How grateful we are for God’s help. How wonderful it is for you to share how God helped your daughter, Dee. How stressful Dee’s life has been for 2 years, but her faith sustained her. How wonderful that she found work somewhere that she was truly needed and could do a good job until the one she has been working hard for appears in God’s time.
May you continue to encourage others with your thoughtful devotionals. May God continue to know what we need even if we don’t pray with the right words. May you continue to sing God’s praises and share with others. Thank you. May God bless you today and always.
Hello Karen,
Yes, I truly believe God knows everything before we do. It is His plan for us to discover in our journey of life. From experiences when I was devastated in university, a friend walked across the field at our campus just at the right time. It was much later when I reflected back to that moment that I realized, God put her in my path because she delivered a message to me that lifted my spirit. Since 2014 when my husband fell very ill, I do believe that God conducted my life’s journey so that I would be in his path.
Take care and keep writing.
Good evening, Karen, I just read your words of encouragement.
I’m nearing 97 and I’m always ready for new thoughts. I’m in a position of “what’s next?”
I had a fall recently and what a blessing is that I had no broken bones. I talk with the Lord often though and it’s amazing how my needs so quickly!!! My prayer need now has to do with whether or not I will be able to stay here. I have to depend on others and so far, so good.
God bless you and thank you for sharing your daughter’s story.
(Ca.)
Dear Sister Karen,
God was ever so Perfect in dealing with your Daughter, Dee. No matter what anyone’s situation is, I trust God cares and He is able.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder!
Thank you for this. What a poignant story filled with grief, loss, perseverance, and an experience of God’s tender provision in the midst of it all. May we all be moved closer to who God intends us to be through our own stories and be encouraged by the stories of others. God bless.
(BC, Canada)