Monday, July 13, 2009

A Surprise Answer

When I was growing up, my grandmother had a little German saying. She couldn't remember what it meant, but her family taught it to her when she was a child. I always wanted to know the translation, but I'd learned a somewhat fractured version. When I encountered someone familiar with the language, they'd look puzzled and shake their heads.

I'd given up finding the answer, and simply treasured a sweet memory of my grandma. Last week, I read a book by Jane Kirkpatrick, "All Together In One Place." I got to page 365, and my heart leaped. Could it be? "Ich bin klein. Mein Herz ist gane rein. Wiemand wohnet darin Jesus allein." A child asks what the words mean, and she says, "I am little. My heart is all pure. Nobody lives there, except Jesus alone."

Often we have questions that seem to lack answers. Even with the Internet, we can't always track down the information we want. No matter what the question, whether it's about life or writing, I pray for the answers. When my research fails to turn up anything, I put it on the back burner. The Lord always brings what I need when I need it.

Last week brought news of a layoff, which sent a wave of discouragement over me. The worry machine tried to kick into high gear, but I turned off the switch. Soon after, the Lord blessed me in several ways...a gift certificate, the translation of my grandma's saying, information for my book, and more.

How grateful I am for His loving concern over such small details. He knows all my needs and my heartfelt desires. I can rest in Him. For the God of the Universe, a job is a piece of cake.

14 comments:

Jody Hedlund said...

Hi Susan,
I'm sorry to hear of your lay off. I can only imagine the worry. How exciting that God is already providing in such neat ways--even giving you the translation to your Grandmother's saying! How cool is that? I'll be praying that God will continue to meet your needs!

Jessica Nelson said...

Wonderful post Susan! He does know how to take care of us. Life is so much less stressful when I remember that. :-)
I was very excited to see you'd won the certificate. What a blessing! :-)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Thanks. I'm kicking my job search into high gear. I'd appreciate your prayers. :)

I've already ordered books from Amazon. I can't wait to read and review them.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jody -

Hey - great new pic!

Thanks for your prayers. I keep reminding myself that I don't need a dozen jobs, only the right job.

When I came across that passage, I couldn't believe my eyes! The Lord knew I needed some encouragement.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Susan,

I am sorry to hear about the job news. I admire you for seeing the good in it all and relying on God nevertheless. He provides for us and is always faithful, including random blessings.

I'll pray for you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

Thanks for your prayers. One of my secrets: I always remember how God met my needs in the past. It gives me the courage and strength to trust Him with the present. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Jeanette Levellie said...

Susan: What a lovely story, and fun answer to prayer after all those years.
As a dear friend of mine told me recently, "Don't you dare give up!"
God has some great plans up His sleeve for you.
Love,
Jen

quietspirit said...

Susan:
You are right when you say God is with you. He directed you to that book. He brought you the gift certificate and the good things you have experienced.

Terri Tiffany said...

Thank you for writing this and sharing again how your faith will get you through. I have had rocky times I am afraid with this unemployment thing--it gets scary, but when I start to fall apart--I do what I should have done at first--pray and God always answers. Our needs are met and that is what counts.
So happy you ordered books!!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

A famous author once said, "the battlefield is in the mind."

Believe me, I have my rough moments. But when they come, I quote God's Word and pray.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've found the same thing to be true. The Lord is faithful to provide.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

The Lord has often brought people, books, a scripture, or some event to help me through a rough patch. Sometimes it's a small thing, but I'm aware, grab onto it, and thank God.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

No giving up here. Hmm, wonder where you heard that line. :)

Grandma's up in heaven, so she knows the meaning of the saying as well. When we meet up again, we can have a grand ol' time talking about the goodness of God.

Blessings,
Susan

Unknown said...

You are so right to put your trust in Jesus. No matter what I've gone through in my life He has never let me down. My mother always reminds me that ALL things work together for the good of those who love Jesus. I'm praying for you, my sweet sister, and I know our Savior will make a way where there is no way for you to find another job.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.

I was out this morning "pounding the pavement." I collected lots of applications, but no job openings. Yet, I know in my heart God has a plan.

Blessings,
Susan :)