I’m scared. Yes, Covid 19…. self-employed, how to pay for, well, anything, scared for relatives who are in the hospital, scared for friends who have needs that can’t be paid for… But my cat is sick. And it makes me sick. I have no control.
But. My. God.
But: Interjectory as it may be, that is often times how our Lord works. Paul was thrust into real faith at the road to Damascus; blinded. Moses saw a burning bush after he fled to another land for 40 years. Balaam’s donkey was the one to set him straight. A woman going to get her daily water met a man who told her everything she had ever done. During the mourning period, Lazarus was told to “get up”, AND HE DID! Interjections are part of our faith. Don’t get confused though; so is discipline.
My: Possessive pretense – ownership of something. Resistance may not be futile; however, control is. Ahh… But God is on my side. Really? Did you ever play kickball in PE? Picking teams came down to every social injustice. Do you really think God would pick you for His team? I don’t. But yet, He did! The point isn’t what contributions you think you have… its about Him. He chose you. And He will, again and again, and again. That should bring every ounce of humility that you can squeeze. Plus, make you want to say, “what can I do for the glory of our team”? Because it now belongs to you – He’s yours, and you are His. Covenant style.
God: Maker of heaven and earth. Redeemer. King. These are all 100% true, and intimidating. However, God is the Gardener; He prunes those he knows will branch further. And like any gardener, he doesn’t do it from a distance. He comes up close – where maybe the presence is felt- and clips off a branch. Pain! Not to create death, but to encourage new growth. Trust that the gardener knows a plan and the truth for real growth. You never see the buds when the plant is clipped. Only in due season do new signs of life show.
In this season, even though I am saddened by so, so many things. Especially that which is unknown. I cannot. Will not. Choose to forget all the life situations… But. My God. He has done so much for me, for other friends, for those in history; and none of us deserved it.
I am told He will do it again.
Isaiah 41: 13-16
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.
You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.”
I know, it says “worm”. Offended? Well, I was. But the bigger point isn’t where we are, it’s where we will be. If we only take His hand. But that means holding it… crossing the road, going to somewhere familiar, someplace new, or even whilst he gives you new “teeth”. The stuff we are longing for might blow away, but our Savior isn’t a lightweight. He remains. Purposefully. Ready for us to rejoice in Him.
Hallelujah!
Prayers and Petition 