The past couple weeks brought unwelcome news into my little world. I took my car into the garage and told the mechanic how it was acting; he checked it out, and told me all indications are the car needs a rebuilt transmission. My heart sank; even though I was thinking the transmission might be the problem, I hoped I was wrong. We do not have public transportation in this area, so having a reliable way to get from Point A to Point B is a definite need. I asked friends and a prayer group to pray for my transportation needs.
Things are rather bleak on the job front, too. Despite sending applications out and going on some interviews, I don’t have a job—yet.
While thinking about all this, I heard the Lord say, “Praise Me in the bitter and the sweet.”
When I practice this, my circumstances don’t overwhelm my life. They are still there, but praising God means I’m giving attention to Him, lifting Him up and downplaying my circumstances, whether bad or good. I’m not sunk by despair nor puffed up by pride. Praising God—putting my eyes on Him—allows me to live on a more even keel.
“Praise Me in the bitter and the sweet.”
Some Scriptures: Acts 16:22-27; I Thessalonians 5:18
Update: I had the car towed to a transmission shop; it does not need a rebuilt transmission. Instead, diagnostic equipment showed a cylinder misfiring badly. The shop suggested a nearby auto repair service; that place found the car needs the valve cover gasket and spark plugs replaced. What a relief! What could have been a $2,000+repair melted into a $295 repair! Thank God!
Lessons learned:
- God can squash mountains into molehills.
- Things are not always what they first seem!
Scripture: Ephesians 3:20
©P. Booher
Country Ripples 
Prise the Lord! What a wonderful testimony
The Lord “had my back” for sure (as He kept telling me)! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Amen! I’m glad the second mechanic was able to help you for a much better price. God’s favor brings use what we need for pennies on the dollar!
It was such a relief! The transmission shop did not charge for the diagnostic work to see whether it was the transmission or not. The man spent the time to do that, and at my request, check the transmission fluid, but did not charge anything. Out of the whole “car drama”, the only charge was from the repair shop for replacing the plugs and valve cover gasket, and that shop gave me a discount!