When my husband, Joe, and I were told by our township that our neighborhood would be getting a new sewer system, we had mixed feelings about the matter. On the one hand, we wouldn't miss having a septic system. But on the other hand, we suspected that our new sewers might come with a heavy price tag. We had hoped that we would have a choice in the matter, but we were told that we would be forced to hook up to the new sewers as soon as they were installed.

The more information we received from our township, the more distressed we became. New sewers were going to cost each homeowner many thousands of dollars. Joe and I had just gotten ourselves out of debt, after decades of having large bills and mortgages to pay. And now, both of us were retired. We attended a town meeting to voice our concerns and complaints about being forced to pay for new sewers. But the people in charge made it clear that they would have the final say in the matter.

All this time, Joe and I were praying and seeking God for His wisdom and intervention, and we were trusting the Lord to have the last word in our situation. Then, our township informed us that they were going to give us and our neighbors a tidy sum of money to offset the expense of the new sewers. Joe and I breathed a sigh of relief, and we gave thanks to God for rescuing us from what surely would have been burdensome debt in our retirement.

The Bible says: "The one who maintains his faith will not panic." (Isaiah 28:16 NET) The Lord made it very clear to me that how I responded to this ordeal from the very beginning could have a major impact on my outcome. And He impressed upon me that I should resist becoming fearful or fretful. Just as faith invites the miracle-working power of God into our lives and circumstances, fear can give the devil an open door to bring confusion and defeat. How do we "maintain our faith" so that we don't panic in troubling times? We make a deliberate effort to pray and stand on God's promises of deliverance, victory, and assistance. And we absolutely refuse to doubt our God. Let me leave you with a precious promise from His Word today: "Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want Him to do for you all that He has promised!" (Hebrews 10:35-36 TLB)

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to maintain my faith in tense situations so that I won't panic. Show me how to develop a working knowledge of Your Word, so that I can pray it and declare it in faith at a moment's notice. Thank You that as I focus on You and Your promises - instead of my circumstances - I will reap the blessed rewards You have in store for Your most faithful ones!