A Perfectly Timed Phone Call

Sometimes we have disappointments, and our feelings are hurt by family, friends, or loved ones. When this happens, it usually cuts us deeply.

I have a loved one whom I have not seen in many years, but we were very close when we were younger. I frequently thought about her and longed for an opportunity to see her again. I had a speaking engagement that was only two and a half hours from my friend’s home, and I thought it would be a great idea to visit her after the engagement.

I called her and left a message, saying I would be coming sometime in September. I did not tell her a specific day, suggesting she call me to determine the date and time. I planned to be in the area for a week, so I was hopeful we could work it out.

The next day, early in the morning, I received a text from her, saying, basically, that she was busy the entire month and would not be able to see me.

She did congratulate me on the speaking engagement, but she left it at that. My heart sank. I was so hurt that I cried to God, and I also talked about it with my husband. Then I let it go since it was no longer under my control. Later that same day, I received a call from a young woman who used to be our Bible worker and a student when my husband and I worked at the Mission College of Evangelism in Oregon, United States of America.

We have a great relationship, even though we might not see each other for years at a time. Her call was unexpected, but we talked for more than an hour and said how much we missed each other. I then told her about my speaking engagement, and she asked me where it was. It turned out that it was four hours from where she lived.

She then said that she was willing to drive that long distance to see me. It was late at night, so we prayed together and then hung up, and I went to bed.

The next morning when I awoke, I realized what God had done. He had shown me that He cares about our disappointments and makes a way to reveal how much He loves us. It was His perfect timing for that phone call. He turned my hurt and pain into joy.

Elaine Buchanan