This post was written for Five Minute Friday
Word prompt--PART
Five minutes to free-write about it
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One of the things I pray for during my morning quiet time is that the Lord would increase my inner strength so that I don't cave in when buffeted by the storms of life. But, truth be told, I tend to feel a pang of fear when I pray it, because I know that in order for the Lord to answer that prayer I will be tested.
And tested I was, when I unexpectedly wound up in the ER during the month of May--not once, but twice--and at the beginning of June, had surgery for something unrelated that I had been led to believe I was not a candidate for.
The way the Lord orchestrated all the details was so mind boggling it gave my confidence in Him a much needed boost, driving home the point that He is on the throne and in control. My part is to trust Him whether or not I understand the whys and wherefores. His part is to work out the details.
Though I am feeling stronger, I'm still in recovery mode and do not yet know for sure what the final outcome of the surgery will be, but some of the lessons I'm learning are to stay present in the moment so I don't miss out on today's blessings by letting fear of tomorrow rob me of their joy, and not to let the things I don't know keep me from experiencing the comfort provided by the things that I do. Things like Jesus is my good Shepherd who will never leave me or forsake me, and who is always by my side. Or that God is my father, and I am His beloved child.
I don't need to go down trails of what ifs, because I can be rest assured that He sees things I do not see, and knows things I do not know, and is working all things together for my good and His glory as He weaves the tapestry of my life.
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We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us. and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us. -- 1 John 4:18 (TLB)
Oh, yes and amen. These thoughts resonate with me too.
ReplyDeleteNot very fond of the trials for sure but seeing the Lord work is sometimes quite amazing. I pray that I will be open to His Work in my life.
Sue
YES, life is short and we need to cherish and enjoy every moment. It can be hard to do though, because of worry about the future. We just need to trust that Jesus is always with us. I think what you went through was almost a miracle!
ReplyDeleteDear Sandra, a definitely Amen! Life really is short and it is so important to enjoy and cherish every single moment! We just never know how long we have, and to be able to appreciate who and what we have really makes like enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, dear friend. God bless you! I am so happy to see your post.
Sandra, I'm glad you're on the mend. And I can absolutely relate to the sentiment of being fearful of the future and yet, so desperately wanting to trust God for it all. The greatest testimonies are when we can look back and see that he was there all along, in the midst of the scary circumstance. Those times help us trust him for tomorrow. Keep taking care of yourself and feeling better :) God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your post.
Life is short, and I am learning to let go and lean into God more and more each day. TRUST ME .... that is the message I need to hold on too from our dear God.
Love and prayers,
Carla
Your Faith keeps you strong Sandra, thank you for sharing this. I am so glad you are back home and recovering.
ReplyDeleteThankful that you are slowly recovering and that all of this is behind you. I've been listening to some podcast on Trust and Faith. Talking about how we often believe we are trusting and that our faith is full, but in all honesty, we are holding back on the Trust and Faith that the Lord wants us to have. Has made me think... My prayers for you and you continue to heal..
ReplyDeleteI love that you can see the Lord's hand in it all, Sandra. And it's so hard to stay focused on the now, instead of the what-ifs but we truly don't need to know when He does. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDeleteIt takes immense courage to free-write so vulnerably for Five Minute Friday, especially when navigating the raw, lingering reality of a medical crisis. Waking up in the ER twice in May, followed by a surprise surgery in June, is a whirlwind of a test. Yet, seeing how beautifully the details were orchestrated to give your confidence a boost is a gorgeous testament to your faith. God will keep and protect you. Thank you for sharing such a deeply grounded, beautiful reflection on trusting the Weaver of your life's tapestry, even while the pattern is still unfolding.
ReplyDeleteSandra, your words really touched me. Trusting God with the unknown isn’t easy, but I love how you remind us to stay in the moment and see His blessings today. I’m thankful you’re healing and pray His comfort keeps surrounding you.
ReplyDeleteBom dia, Sandra
ReplyDeleteDesejo uma ótima recuperação. Deus está no controle e cuidando de cada detalhe. Que possamos confiar sempre no Senhor a cada dia. Um forte abraço.