Who is among you who fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust and be confident in the name of the Lord and let him rely on his God. (Isaiah 50:10 Amplified)

            Mail came to my husband and me stating that rent for our assisted living apartment would increase a drastic percentage for 2024. We discussed what such an increase would mean to our budget. Our daughter took me to look for other places, but each had its disadvantages and the cost wasn’t much less. One place did seem favorable, but it was further away from our children. Worse, all hall spaces were exterior, meaning we’d be under only a patio cover going to get meals or anywhere else. Only our apartment would be enclosed. We quickly decided against that one.

            A couple of days later, our daughter asked, “What if you move in with me? I have room, and you can help pay for the extra expenses.”

             “Are you sure about this?” I queried.

            “Yes, I’ve prayed about it and am sure. Besides, I’ve talked with my friend whose mother lived with her, and she thought it was a great idea.” 

We’d been at the assisted living facility for almost two years. We could see no future problems with this arrangement, and the idea delighted me. One problem did concern me, however; my husband was able to get more exercise in his wheel chair at the large facility than he could in any normal home. The three of us got along well together, so that wasn’t an issue. I debated within myself as I asked his opinion. Knowing my preference, he refused to comment. I prayed. I debated. And changed my mind. Changed my mind again. Wondered about it when I was awake in the middle of the night. Prayed more. Debated more. The two-week move crept closer, but I had the option of cancelling shortly beforehand if needed. Hedging my choices as much as possible, I continued praying.

            Finally! I felt I knew God’s will in the decision. What a relief! But I remained concerned about my husband’s lack of good exercise space during the winter as we moved. One thing convinced me totally: I know God’s love and concern for my husband is greater than my own. Therefore, I could trust that moving in with our daughter would bring us all added joy as well as being in my husband’s best interest.

            Waiting times demand patience and depending on God’s answer when he’s ready to give it. And he usually doesn’t answer as soon as we want. None of us like them, probably because we don’t like to exercise the trust and patience needed. Regretting decisions I’ve made in the past when I didn’t wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me, now I try to wait. And still sometimes rush ahead.  Isaiah 50:10 warns us of unpleasant circumstances when we don’t wait on God’s answer.