Words of Faith: God's Faithfulness

God’s Faithfulness
A Words of Faith story written by Pat Jeanne Davis

My husband had a long commute five days a week to our church. His work there was mentally exhausting, but Joseph was happy. Then circumstances changed—he lost his job. His disappointment was keen and his spirit crushed. Joseph felt that God was displeased with him. This became a nagging and recurring thought.

Friends and co-workers from our church called to express their disappointment. He assisted them with their questions as they learned their new responsibilities in a changed environment.

Joseph needed encouragement. My husband’s emotional and spiritual well-being were of more concern than how we were going to manage financially, especially when he asked questions like, “What did I do wrong?” or “Now What?”

To get us through this crisis, I knew I needed God’s help. In my heart I believed that, "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord" (Romans 8:28). Again, I would experience the reality of this promise in these circumstances.

“Have you talked to God about it?” I asked him.

“I can’t,” he replied.

I prayed for him and myself as I waited on the Lord for His direction. Then I began to see the hand of God in our experience.

We discovered that under the pension plan Joseph was enrolled in with a former employer, he could apply for early retirement benefits. This was our first indication that God was working on our behalf.

I’ve been a full-time homemaker since our sons were born fifteen years ago. I decided to claim Social Security benefits this year when I reached age sixty-two. I learned at the time I applied that our boys were eligible for children’s benefits as well. The Lord is faithful. He was providing for us.

A major concern was our children’s education. It was re-enrollment time once again at their school. Would we be able to continue to provide them with the Christ-centered schooling we had committed to giving them? After applying for financial assistance, we were given a 40% reduction on the following year’s tuition. We were overjoyed!

And then there was the matter of health insurance coverage for us all.

After some inquiries and searching the Internet, I learned that my husband and I were eligible for low cost health insurance coverage. Our boys have free coverage under our state’s children health insurance program. God continued to meet our needs.

During these hard times, we learned how to live more frugally on a lower, fixed income. Fortunately, our home is mortgage free. But the high cost of utilities was another concern. I applied for financial help with those costs and received discounts on our electric and heating bills. We experienced God’s goodness once more.

Since my husband’s unemployment, the blessings have been many. Johnny and Tim only got to see their dad a short time each day when he worked full time at our church. Now he sees them off to school in the morning and picks them up later. He is free to go on field trips and youth group outings. But most important, my husband has the time to sit and talk with our boys. This is a witness to God’s faithfulness to our family during a time of crisis.

Until his employment ended, I was concerned about Joseph’s long hours and how they were affecting his health. Now we spend time together during the day, and he seems more relaxed. I’ve seen my husband’s disappointment gradually vanish. Joseph has more time also for personal Bible study. Only this morning he was singing a favorite hymn.

“Maybe I could help at the school. Do they still need volunteers for grounds work?” Joseph asked our son recently. Many projects left unfinished at home are getting completed as well.

We walk by faith and not by sight. It's during times of uncertainty that God reveals Himself. You too can experience God's faithfulness. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). 

Look to Him in changed situations and see new mercies.

~*~
Author bio:

Pat’s short stories appeared in Harpstring Magazine, Splickety Love, Splickety Prime, Horizon Magazine, TWJ Magazine and Take-A-Break (UK). Her articles and inspirational pieces appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Guideposts,The Lookout, GRIT Magazine, Bible Advocate and Woman Alive (UK). 

She writes Christian historical novels set in the early 20th century. She loves to hear from other writers and readers. Visit her at www.patjeannedavis.com.