Trusting God for the Ride

My prayer journal entry for July 29, 2008, one month after our unemployment roller coaster ride began:

Genesis 18:1 -- "The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day."

It's strange, Lord. You show up at the most unexpected times...in the heat of the day at Abrahams' tent...in the midst of a storm on the Sea of Galilee...beside a well at noontime in Samaria...in a stable during a census in Bethlehem...in a fiery furnace in Babylon...in an upper room after three days to calm the fears of some terrified disciples...on a rocky, dry trail at midnight to wrestle with a deceiver and put his hip out of joint....

Unexpected encounters, every one; and at unexpected times. But both in the Old and New Testaments you are the God who comes. And when you come, life changes, people and situations change, and blessing ultimately follows.

In a way, Lord, it seems like during this joblessness we're on your "Candid Camera" and that "somehow, some way, when we least expect it, someone may walk up to us and say" ...Smile--for this is the way, this is the job, the path, the answer, the surety, the direction, the whatever. For you, Lord, are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You don't change even though our circumstances do. If you came for all those who needed you in Bible times, you'll come for us, too.

So now, please come, Lord Jesus. In the midst of our circumstances and joblessness, please come. And I thank you in advance, dear Lord, for I know you will--in your unexpected time, in your unexpected way, and maybe even in the unexpected heat of the day.

(So, too, for you, dear one. The words may be a year old, but the thought is always timely. He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps the Psalmist says. He's aware of your needs. Keep trusting Him--and He will come.)