The Perfect Equation

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6 KJV

Thou shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood anymore. For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name. Isaiah 54:4b-5a KJV

For most of my adult life, I've had difficulty solving problems which fall under a category I jokingly call the "Three M's": mathematics, mechanics, and manual labor. Perhaps it is one of those problems psychologists refer to as right-brain versus left-brain dominance.

Luckily, my husband of nearly forty years excelled in "Three M" problems. So, for the better part of my life, our division of labor regarding household chores worked well, and things went along quite smoothly. Now, however, as a widow, I find myself needing to solve lots of "Three M" problems: dealing with finances, learning to operate lawn care equipment, and doing chores that require a certain amount of physical strength. Finding the right solution when things go wrong can be both difficult and frustrating.

Just at the peak of a very frustrating problem, I received a list of "Christian One-Liners" via e-mail. The "one-liner" that seemed to catch my attention was entitled, "The Perfect Equation": 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given. Reading that equation made finding solutions to all the "Three M" problems I've been struggling with pale in comparison.

A few days after turning my problem over to the Lord in prayer, I was having lunch with a friend, who gave me the name of someone to consult, and, shortly thereafter, the situation was resolved. What I discovered is that I was the main obstacle to solving the problem. When we need help, we can find it — just a prayer away.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for putting our lives into perspective, and for being there as we struggle. Most especially, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, the perfect solution in every equation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Judy Welch (reprinted from 2003 PresbyCan Daily Devotional)