Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
“Possible hairline fracture.” With those words, Hawkeye’s AT adventure, which was such an unexpected calling for our family, almost came to a crashing halt. Our trip to our GP gave us, “consistent with possible hairline fracture.” He couldn’t rule it out, but he wanted an orthopedic doc to confirm. Thankfully, the ortho said that while he understood why both docs said “possible,” that was not what he was seeing. He diagnosed a sprain, gave us a brace, and sent us on our way. Thank You, Jesus.
Mark 9:24 … “I believe; help my unbelief!”
My first reaction was to latch on the “possible.” Possible is not definite. I chose hope. After all, this entire adventure was a providential calling. Why would He curtail it now? The GP confirmation of “possible” was a blow. It’s not definitely broken, but it doesn’t look good. That sent me to anger. “Seriously, Lord? We’ve turned our whole lives upside down to make this AT journey happen and THIS is how it’s going to end?!?” That thought was followed quickly by “Somehow, even this is the center of Your kindness. This is NOT what I want, but THY will, not mine.” Help me, Jesus.
Matt 14:31 … “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your presence in our lives. Thank You that on the heels of worry, fear, and anger, You brought me quickly back to Yourself, to hope, to the knowledge that even when life doesn’t go the way I want, I am still in the center of Your kindness. Thank You that Hawkeye’s leg is not broken, that their journey is not over. Thank You for the courage to step out of the boat and Your reassurance when I start to sink. Thank You that I am a work in progress, Lord, and that You aren’t finished with me yet. Draw me closer. Amen.
Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous….”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.