When it rains, it pours

On the first night of my family’s homelessness, it rained. It rained so hard that the roof of the old car we were sleeping in leaked. This was one of the best nights of my life because that was the night we found God.

The concept of a new business was born. We decided that I needed to go to law school. I have since graduated law school, become a published author, and am a motivational speaker. Life is good. 

You’d think I was immune from depression and had all the answers. This week, the problems rolled in like a hurricane.

One of my best friends was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I had columns to write, and every bill seemed to be due at once. I had two friends going through difficult times and worked overtime helping to assist in gathering evidence to ensure that the court system didn’t swallow them up. Another friend was weighing heavy on my mind. To make matters worse, my landlord wanted a month’s rent in advance before he left town.

I panicked and instead of handing the problems to God, I decided to take them on myself. 

I needed God’s shoulders to lean on, but I chose to take it on alone. I fell apart.

My best friend bailed me out once again, just as he has done for years. What’s funny is, God had provided me the help, but I didn’t see it. I went to my mailbox and found that people who owed me money paid over a week early. My friend with cancer is handling her treatments for now, and my bills are all paid.

My point is God “had this” the whole time, but I chose not to check my mail. 

Check your mailbox when things get rough. God has most likely sent you the delivery you need, and it’s always “special delivery.”

Rick Stanfield is a syndicated columnist, motivational speaker and author. His latest book is “I Can and I Will.” For more information, visit his website at www.rickstanfield.com.