published: Sunday, March 22, 2009

Remembering faithfulness

March used to be just the month that followed February. Now it commemorates the beginning of retirement.

Last year at this time, Ken climbed out of his postal truck and stepped into the world of retirement. We had talked about its approach for several years.

We made plans. We consulted with advisors and friends. We developed a home-based business to supplement our income and provide purposeful activity for each day.

Most of all we prayed.

Then the day came to fill out the paperwork and begin the process. As I was looking back in my journal, I relived the see-saw emotions accompanying that process.

However, what really stood out was seeing how God was there every step of the way - guiding, confirming and making straight the paths that sometimes seemed serpentine. It reminded me of a favorite verse of Scripture found in Proverbs 3: 5 & 6, NIV, which reads,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

I wanted to plan every dollar or possibility, but we weren't always able to see around the next bend. We wondered if we were having pre-retirement jitters or red flags of warning.

But God could see. As we acknowledged him in our motivations, decisions and goals, doors opened; or, understanding came where there had been uncertainty.

One particular entry reminded me how God responds to our heart's cry - even in unexpected rebuke. As we mulled over the reality of the changing financial picture retirement would bring, uncertainty hung like a cloud.

Then the phone rang and it was a friend experienced in financial matters with whom we'd counseled. He patiently listened to my concerns and God spoke through his gentle rebuke.

"If you could understand and figure everything out, you wouldn't rely upon God as you should," he said. "You've been praying that God would stop you in your tracks if you weren't following his lead in this. That is a prayer he will answer. Move forward in faith," he said with confidence.

His confidence was contagious and I knew God was answering. But, being the good God that he is, he also led me to a verse of Scripture that is our life's mission found in Matthew 6: 33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Several other confirmations followed until awestruck, the tears rolled down my face as I basked in his presence.

Remember his faithfulness. Selah

Jan Merop of Sebring is a News-Sun correspondent.