Judy

“LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.” – Psalm 38:15

When I first met Judy, I didn’t realize that she was the answer to my 20-year prayer for a spiritual mentor and someone who would soon become one of my dearest friends. Since college, I had asked God to bring an older Christian woman into my life who could help me grow in godliness. I kept praying and waiting, and waiting and praying. Eventually, after several years of repeating this request, I assumed God wasn’t going to provide.

Judy and I seemed so different. She was in her late 60s, and I in my late 30s. I was a health and fitness freak. She didn’t even like to exercise. She had several grandchildren. I was trying to raise two preschoolers. I thought she was a little crazy. She was convinced I didn’t understand her at all.

We both chuckle now at how the enemy tried to keep us from connecting. But, God had a hand in leading her to my First Place class – there’s no doubt about it. Turns out, the Lord had heard my prayers all along! He hadn’t ignored me, as Satan wanted me to believe. Instead, our Sovereign God was weaving the events of our lives as only He can, to bring us together at the perfect time.

My friend, Judy, certainly fulfills the role that Titus 2:3-5 outlines for older women. She lives in a way that honors God. She teaches me how to love my husband and children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in my home, and to do good. She shows me unconditional love and hugs me every chance she gets. She calls just to see how I’m doing. Her smile is contagious and brightens my day. She prays for me and with me. She buys little gifts for my girls as if they’re her own grandchildren. Most of all, she encourages me to be all that I can be for the Lord. I thank God for Judy.

Perhaps you have been praying about something for a long time and wonder why God is silent. Let me assure you that He hears your prayers. Just because you haven’t seen an answer yet doesn’t mean that God is idle. Keep waiting. Keep trusting. Keep praying. The Lord is working all things out for your good (Romans 8:28). He give you what you need at just the time you need it most, just like He did for me.