More sickness. More surgeries. More hospital stays. So begins 2012.
I have so many wonders, so many unanswered questions. I place one foot in front of the other and take the next step. I cannot see what is beyond this minute. So I do what is necessary right now.
I read the Bible and hope for a “word” from the Lord. I search my favorite Bible for those underlined or highlighted Scriptures that have helped sustain me before.
My eyes fall upon Psalm 46.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [You, O God, have been so before] Therefore we will not fear [I confess that sometimes I am afraid of what is ahead] though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [It feels just like this]
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall [does that mean me, Father?]; God will help her at break of day . . . [Can I hold onto this promise?]
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
And so I learn that trusting is all there is. That it is an ongoing lesson. Some days it is easy. Some days it is not.
And I learn that giving thanks reminds me of God’s goodness when the clouds gather.
I count my blessings. I look for the graces that fall all around me.
- A beautiful full moon early this morning
- Faithful little Buddy, our Maltese, who sticks by my wherever I go
- Prayers going up for us from family, friends, and even people I don’t know
- Offers to help and being able to call for it when I need it
- Praise music on the CD player that invites me to join in the song
- Health professionals who do their job diligently and with kindness
- Sweet William’s sweetness in spite of his pain
- The familiar things around me that bring comfort
- The little black Honda that gets me where I need to go
- The necklace I wear constantly that reads “by grace alone” and witnesses to eyes that see
I count graces because I must. It is where I stand (Romans 5:2).
I count graces because it gives me strength (Hebrews 13:9).
I count graces because the Father has lavished it upon me (Ephesians 1:7).
Grace. Amazing. How sweet the sound.
Thru it all I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God. I too have learned to depend up on his word.The message of Gods grace was right on time. The verses above what Bro Rodney read this am…V:2 says we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God…V:3 we rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character HOPE. I have a Praise even before I see the end results. I do question where this is going, just as you do, but God has a plan for our good.When you done everything you can do God says to STAND and watch his Grace and Mercy unfold. I love you sweet sister Peggy. My Mom and I agreed in prayer for Gods perfect will be done for his Glory in both our situations. Gods Grace is amazing. Bless You Peggy.Praying for Bill and your strength to put one foot in front of the other.
I always appreciate your comments, friend Elaine. We sing the same song.
Pingback: What to do with Valentine’s Day | strengthened by grace