Saved Without Regrets

I know the title of this blog must sound like an oxymoron, an action (waiting) that is combined with an impossible, opposite description of that action (patiently). However, what happens when we don’t? Well first, we are not trusting in God and second, we can cause ourselves unnecessary worry and undue expense. Everything happens for a reason whether we know it, understand it or even like it – it just does.

So, I am going to make my long story as short as I can to share what I have learned about “patiently waiting”. I am deliberately putting the word patiently first because not having that “P” word is what can get us into trouble every time! Now for the story, I have changed mobile phone carriers (which is a tale for another day) and since my sister is on my plan needed to get her a new Sim card from the company that I switched to (yet another story with another lesson). Anyway, since it was around 12:15 p.m. on a Friday, I had to send the package Fed Ex for overnight/next day shipping. I was informed that the package would arrive the next day by 6:10 p.m. “Wonderful!”, I thought. My sister will not have any interruption of phone service which is important to me because I know she likes to be in contact with folks. Who doesn’t?

Now the lesson begins. When my sister did not receive the package the next day, Saturday, July 16th, I thought for sure it would be delivered on the Monday (07/18) figuring, “Well, the Lord rested on the Sabbath, why not Fed Ex too.” Proverbs 3:5 -“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.” Whew, words to live by! Package did not arrive on Monday, but notification stated it would be delivered the next day (07/19). Of course, I had tried to call them and did a few rounds with the automated system and I lost because I got tired of listening to a computer generated voice and pushing buttons. My sister actually spoke to a live person who told her the package was sent ground and would arrive on 07/22/2022. But, I didn’t believe the “live person” because the email stated it would come the “next day”. Next day comes, no package, but an email that states it would be delivered on Thursday (07/21). Guess what, Thursday comes and no package, but an email that states – yes, you know – “Hi. Your package is delayed. It is scheduled to arrive on Fri. 07/22/2022.” So, now I am upset and worried about my sister not having the Sim card and what do I do? Why, of course on Thursday, I go to my new cell service provider and explain that my sister still didn’t get the card. I asked could I be provided with another one (which I was given) and sent to her using United States Postal Service (more money for shipping – $26.95). Again, by the time I reached the post office (after 12:00 p.m.) the only guaranteed delivery was for Saturday, by the end of the day.

So yes, I make the decision to send it once again not trusting in the Lord, but “leaning to my own understanding” that at least she will get it Saturday because the other one isn’t going to get there on Friday anyway – so I thought! Yes, you know what I am going to say next – Fed Ex delivered it on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:23 a.m. No, my sister could not use it because once the new Sim card was issued, the first one was cancelled. So, the next day – Saturday, July 23rd was my birthday and the call that I received with my sister singing her rendition of “Happy Birthday” over her cell with the new Sim card made my day! The following two verses that I did not think about when I was going through this ordeal are ones that support “Patiently” Waiting:

Scriptures: Matthew 6:34 and Hebrews 6:15

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-34.htm

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

https://biblehub.com/hebrews/6-15.htm

Grace & Peace