Yesterday, Chase Bank (second mortgage) called my work phone while I was at lunch. When I got the message, I called Tom, and he helped me get my heart and attitude in the right place before I returned the call. I struggle with being a people pleaser—I hate disappointing others or making them upset. After taking a deep breath, I called them back.
I spoke with a woman named Betty, who was kind and understanding. She shared that she was a Christian and understood the importance of prayer and testing of faith, though she also explained that she had a job to do and needed to ask about our efforts to resolve the situation. Despite the difficult topic, I felt God’s grace in our conversation.
When I got home, Tom had been reflecting on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He said, “They can threaten us with all kinds of things that would harm us, but our God can save us. And even if He doesn’t, we will not bow down and worship any other God.” We agreed: we’ll have to go through the fire, and it may get hotter before it’s over.
Scriptures for Strength
This morning, I felt led to spend more time memorizing and meditating on the scriptures God has given us recently. I asked Tom to email the scripture document to both my work and home accounts so I could review it. I spent time reflecting on the verses and journaling my thoughts.
Here are the scriptures that encouraged me today:
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
1 John 3:1-3
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure."
God, you are so good. Please forgive me for the times I struggle, doubt, and fear. I long to trust you with my whole heart, but I often fall short. I know there’s a purpose in going through the fire. Help me, Lord, to one day “consider it pure joy.” Be my strength in my weakness. Amen.
Another Call from Chase Bank
Later, Chase Bank called again, and I spoke with a different person. After explaining everything again, she stressed the seriousness of the situation and asked about immediate resolutions. I assured her I understood and wished I could fix it, but there’s nothing I can do right now.
She transferred me to her supervisor, Anthony. He explained that if a broker is sent to our home, there’s no turning back. He offered to extend the timeframe until the end of the month and even reduced the amount we needed to pay, but he asked for a promise that we’d have the money. I told him I couldn’t promise something I wasn’t sure I could fulfill, as I don’t know what God will do.
While on hold for over 35 minutes (before my phone died), I felt emotionally drained. But in that moment, God reminded me, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” My heart was calmed, and I thought about the scriptures I had reviewed earlier.
A Lesson in Trust
Yesterday morning, while making breakfast, God asked me if I trusted Him. I said, “Yes, Lord, I trust you.” He asked again, “Do you trust me?” I replied, “Yes, Lord, I trust you.” Then He asked a third time, “Do you trust me?” I couldn’t help but laugh and think of when Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times.
But it made me reflect—do I really trust God? I realized that my trust has often been tied to expecting Him to do what I want, in the way and timing that I think makes sense. True trust means trusting Him no matter what, even if His plans differ from mine. It’s like the scene in Facing the Giants when the woman is asked if she would still love God if He didn’t give her a baby.
Yes, Lord, I will trust You, even if You don’t save our house.
A Divine Opportunity
I asked my coworker for a ride home today so Tom wouldn’t have to drive all the way to pick me up. This opened the door for me to share what’s going on in my life. My coworker seemed supportive and understanding, though I can’t help but wonder if he went home and told his wife I was crazy. 😊
God, you are so faithful. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you, and I trust you.
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