I have control issues. Major control issues. I like my world well-planned and orderly. Unlike my husband who is fluid and flexible in his mindset, I don’t change gears quickly. A line in the movie Captain Ron that makes me laugh whenever I see the film (sheepishly because it hits too close to home) is Katherine Harvey’s comment, “We’ll be spontaneous when we have time.”
As a Christian, I know I’m to turn over control of my life to God, so He can work out my best for His glory. Until last summer, I thought I was making good progress in that area of my life. Then I got furloughed from my job.
“No problem,” I thought. “I’ll apply for unemployment, and we’ll be fine.”
So, I applied and waited for my checks to come in each week. And waited. And waited. A lump sum check finally appeared eight weeks later, the day I started back to work. I’d like to tell you I rested confidently in God’s arms knowing He’d provide for us. In reality, I was often fearful and cranky. Then I would remember to take my burden to the Lord: my anger and embarrassment at being let go, even if only temporarily; my worry that we’d get behind in our bills or I might not get recalled to work; and my frustration that there was nothing I could do about the situation.
God took care of us for the entire period, like when the electric bill was a fraction of its typical amount, or the time we received an unexpected rebate on our insurance premium, or when my book royalties were higher than usual. It took hindsight for me to recognize God’s providence and appreciate the lessons learned.
Are you dealing with a difficult situation? Something out of your control such as health issues, family problems, or unemployment? God wants you to bring Him your problems. He wants to give you His peace that passes all understanding.
Music always speaks to me, and one of the songs that touched me the most last summer was Joseph Scriven’s What a Friend We Have in Jesus in which he wrote, “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” A good reminder for all of us.
In my recent novel, Gold Rush Bride Hannah, the heroine’s world is turned upside down with the death of her husband. Then attempts on her life are made. It takes the arrival of a friend from her husband’s past to teach her that God is in control.
A brand-new widow, she doesn’t need another man in her life. He’s not looking for a wife. But when danger thrusts them together, will they change their minds…and hearts?
Hannah Lauman’s husband has been murdered, but rather than grief, she feels…relief. She decides to remain in Georgia to work their gold claim, but a series of incidents makes it clear someone wants her gone…dead or alive. Is a chance at being a woman of means and independence worth risking her life?
Jess Vogel never breaks a promise, so when he receives a letter from a former platoon mate about being in danger, he drops everything to help his old friend. Unfortunately, he arrives just in time for the funeral. Can he convince the man’s widow he’s there for her protection not for her money?
Gold Rush Bride: Hannah is the first book in the exciting new series Gold Rush Brides. Steeped in romance, intrigue, and history, the story will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
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