On March 13 of this year, I wrote in my journal as usual. I began by thanking the Lord for new insight into a situation. I was grateful for this precious gift. I ended the entry acknowledging how much He had blessed me and how humbled I was by it.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
This verse was at the bottom of that day’s page. Yes, I had hope. And I was full of joy, praise and gratitude. God had filled me with His love, and I was excited to put my new awareness into practice. It was a beautifully peaceful, uneventful day. And then it was not.
At 7:48 that evening, a stranger reached out through social media and asked if I had heard from Tom Simpson recently. The inquirer had been trying to reach him for two weeks. She had seen my name in his feed, and since I have the same last name, she hoped I was related. She was desperate for help.
After hearing her story, I contacted the police where my brother lived in South Carolina and asked for information. They would not give me any, but offered to do a welfare check at his home. This would be the fourth done in a week and a half. The stranger who contacted me had asked for two, and a neighbor had asked for one. As was the result with the first three calls, the police received no answer at his door and suggested I contact the hospital where he was taken 3 weeks prior. The night shift could not help and told me to call back in the morning.
On March 14 I wrote in my journal, “I do not know what this day will hold for me, but I know the One who holds this day will hold me up and see me through it. Please Lord, help me find him.”
Exodus 14:14 NLT The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Through the grace of God, I did stay calm that day, and He did fight for me. After several phone calls, the Lord directed me to call a department of the police I would not have considered. Within 3 hours, my brother was found. Unfortunately, he had passed away.
The Lord did not stop fighting for me then, and is still fighting for me in this trial. He has continued to make ways for me in so many areas where I have no knowledge of what to do. The little miracles He has performed on my behalf since have hugged me, held me up and blessed me beyond measure.
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
I had no knowledge or warning of what was to happen on March 13, 2024. Yet, I have found myself equipped for every step I take. From pointing me to items I needed to find in my brother’s house, to showing me how He had been preparing the way for this situation 35 years ago, I can see the Lord’s help and know He is holding onto me.
Proverbs 22:17-19 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge; [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,[19] So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you.
Even me! Even You! Why would God take such care to prepare the way for His children? That is how much He loves all of us. When we keep ourselves focused on His knowledge and store His instruction in our hearts, we will be prepared for our times of need. He holds the answers to all life’s problems and wants so much for us to ask for His help.
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Thank Jesus for His mercy, because He has told us it is new every day.
Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
He has great compassion for us and is always ready to help in our time of need.
Psalms 29:11 The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
And He offers us refuge from the storms of life and protection through His word.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
What does my joy and excitement have to do with the events that began on the evening of March 13? The insight I had received had nothing to do with my unexpected tragedy. But…
God knew what that day would hold, and what I needed to be filled with to carry me through this trial. He had answered a desperate plea for help with a situation that had me baffled. His way had instant positive results. He held me up, rejuvenated me, and poured so much of His love into me that I am still walking through this tragedy with joy and peace.
He loves us all so much. And He wants to be there for all of us through all the trials of life. All we have to do is ask.
Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Psalms 116:7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
He deals bountifully with all of us. His mercies are so much more than we deserve. May you find rest, peace, and joy in Him today.
Shalom,
Janice S.