“Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, Lord, You know it all.” (Psalm 139:4 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.
Copyright © 2021, by Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Penn Valley, California, USA
Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission
