A few months ago, my husband Ken and I decided to apply for passports even though we presently don't have travel plans.
Completing the application, we brought our original birth certificates to the Post Office as required; though it unnerved me to put this document in the mail.
Things got complicated causing delays and extra expense when we discovered we needed new state-issued birth certificates. A few weeks later, Ken had his necessary documents.
After receiving my new birth certificate, I sent it certified mail to the Passport Center in their specially stamped envelope, but my return receipt never came back. Phone calls and inquiries did not help to solve the mystery.
My worst fear had been realized. My birth certificate was lost.
I asked the Lord who sees to please unearth it wherever it might be and thanked him in advance. The tension released and I went about my day.
One question nibbled at my peace ... "Is there something I should be doing to thwart fraudulent activity?
Then the Lord sent a new acquaintance into my path. She shared about God's amazing work in her life. I asked her to pray about my situation. She inquired, "Have you prayed about it?" "Yes," I replied. "Have you thanked God for what he's doing?" I said yes. She replied, "Then it's taken care of."
I mentioned the one question chipping away at my peace. But she simply took hold of my arms and looked me in the eyes and repeated, "It's taken care of."
I knew God had spoken through her over me. The concern left my mind.
Later that day, Ken brought the mail in.
"Jan, you have a certified!" It was the one I'd sent to the Passport Center returned as undeliverable. None of that made sense, of course. But God had acted and, in the process, had given me a new passport to peace.
With my documents now in hand, I can't stop praising God for his miraculous intervention.
In Psalm 37: 5 it says, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." And, in Philippians 4:6 & 7, we are told not to be anxious, to bring everything to God in prayer, "with thanksgiving,"... "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
My passport to peace came when I gave my problem to God, thanked him for his intervention, and trusted him knowing, "It's taken care of." Selah
Sunday, January 27, 2013 - www.newssun.com/012713-pause