We lived in Germany when I was in high school. For my junior year, I went to school in the USA. On a trip back home for the summer, I flew to New York and took a taxi to the Port Authority pier where I was to board a troop ship to Germany.
I arrived and saw a massive brick building with only one door, which was locked. I thought I must be at the wrong place because no one was around. When I looked back for the taxi, it was gone. It had been months since I received the original instructions for my trip. Now, I wished I had checked with someone to confirm the time and place. No cell phones existed then, and no pay phone was available.
I did not know what to do. I thought I was alone, and I was afraid. I prayed earnestly. A few minutes later, a family walked up from behind me. I was surprised to see anyone and wondered how they got there because no car, taxi, or bus was in sight. The father said that the authorities expect people to hurry up and wait. I was thankful they were going on the same ship, so we waited. Soon, we entered the building, and it was not long before we boarded the ship.
Our Lord, however, does not expect us to hurry up. Instead, He wants us to be still. We do not need to be anxious or fearful because we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us. While we are still, He is working for our good. Our job during the wait is to pray, praise, trust, and expect His perfect love to surround us and protect us even at an abandoned pier.
Never doubt that God is with you always.
John Schliesser is a writer who is active in the prayer and prison ministries of his church. Since retirement from hospital administration, he has enjoyed helping his daughters with his nine grandchildren. Some of his activities include writing, working out, running, photography, and reading.