Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, 'For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
Yesterday, I learned my bill for Medicare this quarter is $2,108. I went into shock! At first I was angry and thought there must be a mistake. Then I calmed down and started seeking an explanation.
I first chatted with John at Medicare who told me to contact the Social Security Administration. So, I found my letter from the SSA explaining how I would be assessed an adjusted amount based on my salary from a previous year.
I then called the number on the letter and connected with Victoria at the SSA. I know she must get numerous irate callers during the day so I was intentional and determined to be different. I was polite and cordial and told her I was just seeking an explanation for the charges on my Medicare statement.
It turns out that the adjusted amount described in my letter is in addition to the base amount. And, since I was not charged the adjusted amount last quarter when I started Medicare, it was being added to this quarter’s statement. I got my explanation! I don’t think Victoria was expecting me to tell her how much of a blessing she was when we were ending the call. But she was a very big blessing to me in that moment.
My next task was to pray. An image of God’s hand with a pillow in it appeared to me. I crawled into His hand and laid my head down and rested in His comfort and presence. The peace I had afterwards was amazing. I knew everything was going to work out. I “learned” I just need to ask for my “daily” bread. So, I’ll rearrange my budget, get the bill paid, and move on.
This probably won’t be the last surprise bill in my life. But, I have faith God will provide. I just need to lean into His love and stay connected to Him each and every day!
