A Timely Word

Last week were we speaking about speech. One of the verses I read played a large role in my life this last week.

Last Saturday night (7/13/13) my father called to tell me that my grandmother’s home in Olympia had burned down. She is 88 years old. My father had been living there helping to take care of her. The home was totally destroyed, they both lost everything. The days that followed were incredibly stressful. For 2 days we didn’t even think they had home owners insurance! And when we found out they did we discovered that they were only insured for 4,000$ of personal property. They lost more than that in clothing!

My mother was out of town, so it was just me and my dad in the immediate days that followed. My grandmother came to stay in my home. But it is difficult for her because I have a 3 level home and she can’t do stairs. To make matters worse, my husband had to work long hours this week at work. I’m trying to get college work done as I take 3 classes this summer and my children (probably sensing the stress) have acted out.

Through it all God has spoken to me more this week than I’ve experienced in over a year. I know there are things I am to learn in this trial. On Tuesday I called my mother crying, I just wasn’t coping well with all of the changes and new requirements being placed on me. She emailed me later with words that I know came from the Lord, because He had told me almost the same thing the day before. This brings to mind a Proverb….

“A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23)

I so desperately needed a “timely word” and I have been so blessed this week to get multiple ‘timely words’. For example, I also received a newsletter from a ministry I follow. In it were inspiring words that I needed to hear in that very moment.

I have had to lean on God’s strength this week in a way I never have before. There have been days where He gives me only the strength and patience to get through another 5 minutes, and then He gives me more. I’ve been completely dependent upon Him for His mercies and strength. But I also know God has used ‘timely words’ to get me through this difficult week. They have truly been a delight!