The idea of seeing my aunt again was bittersweet, but I knew I didn’t have much time to play with. I hadn’t seen her since I was a child, and now she lived in a group home, suffering with dementia. At least I knew from short conversations on the phone that she remembered me, and I had thought about a few fond and treasured memories of my aunt.
One of these had to do with kids’ Bible stories and children’s adventures. Although I wasn’t a believer then, I listened to those Bible story and Adventures in Odyssey tapes for hours. Through the tapes, my aunt planted the seed of God’s Word in my heart.
Now I was faced with a dilemma. I wanted my wife to meet this wonderful person before it was too late, but how were we to get from our Arizona home to California?
I pulled my hair out in frustration as I considered my options. The bus fare was too expensive, and the train ticket prices were even worse. But only looking to my own devices, the idea of relying on the God of miracles seemed absurd at first. But shortly thereafter, God used a family member to point out the omission of the Lord from my plans.
In what I thought was just a casual conversation with my wife’s stepfather, I brought up my favorite aunt. I told him about the details of her situation, and how I now found myself in a quandary. His reply caught me off guard.
Believe it or not, he and his friends had planned to go to a conference in the same part of California months before. It was at a retreat center, which could also provide a room for us at a phenomenal discount.
The thought of seeing my aunt for the last time–and my meditations on God’s goodness–left me speechless, and we all know how hard that is. But thanks to God and my wife’s stepfather, Stephanie and I got to see my aunt before she passed away.
Sometimes we are all faced with situations that seem impossible, but in spite of this, we attempt what I call the “how principle”. We wonder how we can achieve the best results, apart from relying upon God’s wisdom. You may find what you think is a solution to what you are facing, but since life is constantly changing, you’ll find that sooner or later the pieces of the puzzle don’t fit together correctly.
Unlike us, the Bible says that God knows the beginning and the end. If that weren’t enough, He knows what we need better than we do, because He created each of us.
Psalm 139:1-4 tells us, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” (NIV)
Because of these factors, it is essential to look to the One who is soverign. Ask Him to guide you in His ways, and let His Word be a light on the path which you travel. As you let Him navigate the road ahead, you will be more apt to experience His fullness in your life.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.