Click here to listen to today’s new podcast episode.
It’s three years since I had my misguided fall and cut my eye 4 layers deep in my cornea. Twelve weeks to the eye hospital in London ensued. We were not sure if I would keep any vision in my eye at all or if it would “look” normal.
Joel and Joy took me to the fields of flowers blooming in the parks in London. Dancing in the breeze, hundreds of golden blooms spoke to my heart. And they held my arm and lovingly guided me through all the loveliness.
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Matthew 6: 25-32
As I saw them, (with my working eye), it became a soul reminder that God saw me, that He was lovingly watching over me. That He would guide me through this difficult time and I had no need of worry. We are all tempted to worry, to control our own lives. And yet, if we really understand that Jesus is on His throne, watching over us, we can put aside our fears and anxiety and live in peace. And so, I did find His peace every day of my painful journey.
I have told this story before. Another encouragement about choosing not to quit when we are tempted to give up. But I thought of it today and I think it is relevant to our current circumstances. A sweet young couple had decided to kayak from Maine down to Florida. They planned their trip, got sponsors to support them, and blogged and wrote about their trip. With all of the seasons and storms, it took them a year to finish their trip.
Storms of great magnitude arose amidst their journey, and would send the waves crashing all around them. Often the rain would pelt continuously on their weary bodies and soak them to the bone. Discouragement would overwhelm them and they would think, "Why did we undertake this? We will never finish. It is too difficult. No one can do it!"
One time, however, in the midst of one such storm, they made a pact with each other. "We will never make a decision to quit when we are in the midst of a rain storm."
A simple, but profound commitment. I decided that this was a statement worth following.
If you are like me, there are many issues to worry about, to feel bad about, to cause anxiety.
At times, I would think thoughts like, "I cannot go on. My circumstances will turn out for the worst. There is no hope. Where has God gone."
And yet, it is in the midst of the storms of life, that our faith is most precious. It is in these times when we can say to Satan, "You would have me fear, but I choose to believe in the goodness of God and in His provision."
This time, filled with anxiety and fear, could from God's eyes of history, be one of the finest hours for Christians to stay true, to be faithful until the end, to endure hardship, to rejoice in His reality, to live by faith, "assurance of things hoped for, convictions of things not seen."
May the God of peace take you to a place of calm, and deliver you from all that would burden your heart. He is capable. He is with us.
Today, two of my friends and I shared our own stories of fears, anxiety, and dark feelings. I hope that this week when we remember the cross, you will find peace and rest for your souls.
Printable:
FOR MORE
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.
Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.
Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!