Daily Miracles

"Wherever you are- be all there."

-Jim Elliot, 1927-1956

Isn't that a difficult task at times- being completely where we are? It seems I have to make a conscious choice not to be divided from my family even when we're all together. Laptops, smart phones and the busyness of life tempt us to be half available, half aware and over-booked.

I really do value a slow paced life, filled with quality time with my family and being at home. And so, often when I think about pulling the laptop out to write or to be inspired, I think of Jim Elliot's quote and I keep the technology tucked away for a little while longer.

Of course, some busyness is out of our hands.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways," says the Lord. ~Isaiah 55:8

I love that verse. In context it is speaking about God's mercy- if the wicked will forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts and will turn to the Lord, God will have mercy and freely pardon him- for His thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:7-8). And yet that truth relates to so many circumstances in life, doesn't it? His thoughts and ways are not ours.

We have spent much time lately bringing our little red-headed six year old to the doctor for various tests and observations. MRI's, EEG's, EKG's... I've learned the ins and outs of more medical acronyms recently than a Mama ever hopes to!

Everyone is seeking to get to the bottom of Lydia's seizures- and all the while God is in control.

The amazing thing to me is the peace that we experience just as we need it. And the wonder- the continual wonder and awe- that I sense as I see trials and know that God is at work, causing all things to work together for our good.

And we know that God causes ALL THINGS

to work together for good, to those who love God,

to those who are called according to His purpose.

~Romans 8:28

His thoughts and ways are not like mine.




Our God is a God of miracles! The very truth that He has the ability and will to transform the circumstances I would label negative into good- is a daily miracle He does in the lives of His children. I know that I have often taken this for granted. But as I wait on Him- I am awed.

Awed by the remembrance of too many times when I would have chosen an easier path- certainly one that involved less sweat and trouble- only to see in hindsight that He used these pressing times to teach our hearts to trust Him more. There are so many occasions that I would not have chosen, but even now on this side of eternity can see His hand was working something for our good.





Barnes notes on the Bible says of the ALL THINGS working in Romans 8:28:

"They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good.

They take off our affections from this world;

they teach us truth about our frail, transitory, and lying condition,

they lead us to look to God for support;

and to heaven for a final home...

this has been the experience of all saints;

and at the end of life they have been able to say

it was good for them to be afflicted.

Praying you are rejoicing in God's daily miracles. He is so good!

With joy,

___________________
Photos: The girls at an Air Field in their Navy outfits.