The situation is complicated by the fact that sometimes I can stay at the home of friends of my brother’s, and sometimes I need to stay in a hotel. The date for surgery is coming ever closer when I should be there. Yet every time I thought to book the accommodation in the hotel, there was a sense that I should not.
Although this seemed quite strange and illogical, I remembered how the surgery date had been moved and how it had been to my advantage. I trusted Father God, and so the accommodation still was not booked.
I sent an e.mail more than two weeks ago, only to find out several days after I had sent it, that the friends were away on a cruise. I had to be patient to get a reply. Last week I decided to ring as it was several days since they had arrived home and I still had to tell them that the dates had been changed. Our friend replied in a voice that was so sick, and I understood when she said, “I am really sick.” I prayed for her over the phone and said I would call back the following week, like four days later.
It was now less than a week to going and I did need to know what was happening, and yet, each time I thought of the hotel there was this sense that I should not book it. When I rang, our friend asked the new dates and told me that that would be fine. They can actually put me up for the whole week that I will be there to help my brother while in hospital.
From the bible we learn these words: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) My understanding was that I should have accommodation arranged so that I could help my brother. Father God kept nudging me to leave it. I had no idea what he had in mind. I just know that I can trust him. That discipline to be patient meant that the most beneficial result has come to pass.
I would have missed all that had I taken the “more sensible” way and booked my accommodation ‘just in case.’ The advantages are not just that the trip will not be such a financial strain, it also means that I will be closer to the hospital, and I will have people to share with when I get home in the evening.
God’s word is not a story, it is firm instructions which make our life more secure.
Not Just Writing 