“Reflections”
 

                As I sit and think about everything that happened in 2009, I can truly say, “God answers prayers in His time.”

                Among many others in our country, I was unemployed (or working only part time) through most of last year.  Although there was a reduction in income, that did not reduce the amount that was going out.  So, while seeking counsel about my home loan that fell into arrears, and speaking with others who were in the same situation, we began to pray earnestly for each other’s situations.

                As a part of the mortgage company’s hardship package, they wanted to know the amount that a person might give away to religious organizations.  Last year the Lord also taught me about being a faithful giver; something I was not good at before.  The mortgage company did not ask to change that giving; they only wanted a total of expenditures.

                “Where is all of this going?” you may ask.  On December 10^th I went for a job interview; I got the job!  When I got back home there was a foreclosure sale notice posted on our house.

                Calling my counselor and speaking to someone at the mortgage company, I was told, “They are reviewing your file.”  There’s not much hope there, but we continued to give and to be in prayer for both our situation and for others.

                On December 15^th I received a call letting me know that my loan modification was approved and that the foreclosure sale date had been cancelled.

                What did I learn?  Never cease to pray…in good times or bad.  Continue to give…even when on a limited income.  God does answer prayers…all in His time.

                He allowed my family and me to have a very joyous Christmas and to look forward to a better new year.  May you, too, enjoy a bright 2010 as you grow each day in your awareness of His daily presence in your life.

Mitch Barber