God reminds us we worry too much and must rely on Him

by Tina Y. Gerber-McCurley

As we gathered for Church service, it was wonderful to see and talk to so many friends, after such a long absence away. I was able to share our challenges, and the circumstances we had been facing with two of my favourite people, among others: John and Joan. We so appreciated and, not to mention, needed those prayers of hope and encouragement sent up by all these supportive people.

Among the concerns expressed were: my vehicle broke down and was diagnosed as not repairable, my laptop died, my cell phone died (well, actually broke down as it was never really alive), the yard tractor needed $1000 worth of repairs, the lawnmower was broken, and to top the list the water pressure tank was leaking on the kitchen floor, and needed to be replaced! At the same time, areas of our health were suffering.

All this had occurred within a few weeks. Not to mention we were facing a lawsuit, and Martin had his ODSP benefits were cut off, once again. Wow!

I was at my wits ends, so was my hubby. Unfortunately, every three months, we were required to produce all the same financial records and paperwork they requested. I will admit, I had tantrums and screaming fits of rage, while attempting to gather information, photocopies, and run back and forth to Oshawa, so many times. This added extra stress on me, so my blood pressure sky rocketed. How were we to find $1500 for his needed medications, let alone dollars necessary for his ileostomy supplies, diabetic supplies, and his CPAC supplies? We struggled with doctor's appointments, travelling to Oshawa Hospital, and Markham Stouffville Hospital, paying for gas, and parking fees. This is a challenge on a senior's fixed income. I knew I could no longer continue on this path!

My hubby and I continue praying. We didn't pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. I knew I could no longer fight; I had no fight left within me. In due course, after spending time in seeking God, I was finally able to tell Martin I had heard God in prayer, saying “You can't lay with the devil and Praise the Lord.” Martin was experiencing the same type of thoughts. At that moment, we both let our worries go and handed them to God, entirely. Consequently, we can see God at work through those who actively seek him out. My blood pressure is down, not perfect but much, much better. I have my strength back and my knee has healed from the total knee replacement. Martin's energy has returned and he is back making home repairs, slow like a turtle but he is improving. I am not sure where I'd be today, if our Pastor, Elders, our PPBC Family, along with our Families had not been praying for us. Praying for others is a way of keeping God first in our hearts and lives, enabling us to better yield to his working. We love people best by loving Him most, and cyclically, loving Him most inspires us to love others best.