God is Good

Have you looked at things that happen, wonderously, and think it was just luck? Me too....until I understood some of how caring and creative God can be. He arranges "luck" to happen just when we need it, nudging us to make a call, request at just the perfect moment for blessings to be shared, healing to happen, or growth to occur.

My friend, Melody, called me Monday to ask me to take some money to Emmanuel as her car was broken and he needed rent money. I agreed, since I was already out and about and had some cash. It was to be, in British terms, a one-off. When I found him, I reminded him of that. But an hour later, he called Melody saying he needed a bit more, as his landlord would not accept what he had. I then sent my boda driver to meet him and top up the amount.

The next day, Emmanuel called Melody again, requesting more money. Melody and I agreed that she would send all his messages to me and not return his calls. I asked our church charity committee if we might be of some help to him in his need. They agreed to a short term loan.

In prayer, I and others were given the discernment that Emmanuel was not to be trusted and we did not need to help him. He continued to pester Melody by message and calls, using different cell phone numbers, seeking more funds. When I finally met with him at his home, going with my boda driver, he introduced me to his friend, said his family had had to go to the village and that he still needed money for food. He was willing to sign for the loan as he has a good job. I went over the terms and conditions with him.

When we left the place, the boda driver told me he had talked with the children in the area. None of them knew Emmanuel, had not seen a wife or kids, but they knew the friend, who lived in that place.

Good enough, God's wisdom from prayer was proven out. Good enough, because her car didn't work, Melody was able to not be the one dealing with Emmanuel and was able to hand over this problem without giving away all of her funds. Good enough, my emerging skills in discernment are being used and verified.

God is good all the time. Just have to keep talking and listening to the One who knows what is the best next step to take.