Life can be puzzling. Despite setting goals and working toward them, outcomes often surprise us. They aren’t what we expect. Then we have a choice: look for God to reveal the good, or turn away in disappointment because events don’t unfold the way we want.
For weeks, I have recuperated from a painful back injury and depended on others for help. Walking my dog, cooking dinners, and getting the mail have been difficult. I don’t like suffering, nor do I want to lose the ability to be self-sufficient.
Days spent resting and healing give opportunity to reflect. I have been well cared for and lack nothing. However, my body is taking much longer to cooperate than I would like. I have gone from visiting the gym three days a week to celebrating walking outside for a short trip.
The biggest challenge is keeping my heart right. With each painful spasm, I focus on courage and ask God for the faith to keep moving, trusting that better times are ahead.
Have you also suffered? What helps you persevere?
One easy activity I can do is word finds in a pocket book of activities. I examine the block of letters in neat rows, hoping to find patterns. I look for clues pointing out hidden phrases. Where does a W camp out that shows the beginning of what I want to find?
Nestled near the bottom, I might spy a hint of a word camouflaged by busy letters down a column. Reading vertically from right to left uncovers another find I may have otherwise missed. Maybe God interrupts routines to get me to see occurrences in a new way.
The search goes on for how to make the most of this season. I accept the discipline of waiting and pray for God to reveal what I need to see to better connect with Him.
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, I hurt and ask for your mercy to heal my body from pain and my heart from fear. Thank you for the many people you have sent to help.
Bible Verse:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV).
