This last weekend, our family suffered a tragedy. To some it may seem small, but to us it was anything but. Our dog Rose, who frequently would run under our cars while we drove up the driveway, got herself run over. Chris and I feared this would eventually happen, but we both knew there was nothing we could do to stop her from this terrible habit. The worst part of it all was that my 11 year old was at his upstairs bedroom window waving at his dad, who was driving up the driveway, and witnessed the whole thing.
So tragic. So many tears from everyone.
But something beautiful emerged from this time, as is always God’s plan…..
I was able to walk my kids through grief without being consumed.
You see, I want to raise resilient kids. I don’t want them to faint at the slightest hint of danger. I want them to be warriors, both for the kingdom of God and here on earth. I don’t do well interacting with people who want to be a victim as a lifestyle. God did not raise me up to be a victim. On the contrary, He IS victory and as I am a part of His family now, I too carry victory.
The truth is, if we never had these sorrows and challenges on earth, then we wouldn’t mature and learn how to cope. I, as a parent, am charged with allowing my kids to walk out this discomfort, not help them avoid it. True parenting is teaching how to live out real life.
And suddenly, I’m preaching to myself, as I realize that while I hate what our family is walking through right now, with lack of work, it is what it takes for us to grow and mature. To be complete and lacking nothing. To let perseverance run its course.
So, I pick myself up and dust myself off and face another day, and I know that the God who created the universe, the One Who was and is and is to come, will always be there for me preparing the way…..I only need to trust Him.
Today, I needed this message. Today, I am tired and weary, but still holding onto hope. No, this isn’t one of those, “I’m so full of hope” days. Today is more like, “I am holding onto hope by the skin of my teeth.” And guess what? That’s totally ok. What matters is that I’m holding on.
Prayer Moment: Take a minute and look at your life. Are you holding onto hope, even slightly, or have you given up and thought, “It’s always going to be this way?”. I’m here today to tell you, “It will NOT always be this way, especially if you can learn how to break up with the victim spirit and embrace HOPE. If you are struggling to feel hopeful, then take a minute and be honest before God. Tell Him your struggle (He knows anyways) and ask Him to restore your hope. Don’t forget He is where our hope originates from.
I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—He Who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121
365 Days in the Presence 