Wow, what a difference a year makes. Here is a sinner among you, who over the course of time has found every way not to participate in any body of Christ. He has found every way in the last 35 years to figure out how not to participate in spiritual growth. There were good works done over the course of that time, but usually for all the wrong reasons. What a wonderful feeling to joyfully cast away the doubt and replace it with Faith.
As we move through a time of reflection, the words “we are a Party People not Party Poopers” flashes through my head. We as people do not revel in the glory enough. “The Life You Always Wanted” series left a lasting impression on me. I went out and bought a bottle of bubbles and started blowing them out the window when stuck in traffic. What crazy looks I received, and what awesome feelings went through my heart. I only wished that I could jump out of the car and tell folks what the bubbles symbolized for me. Writing this devotional is going to have me out buying another bottle for future use.
The signs of God’s Blessings and Love are everywhere. We can try to ignore them, but they will jump up and grab you no matter what. When you least expect it, expect it. When you need a shoulder it is there. In the darkness of despair, the light of God will shine through. The story below was in the newspaper several weeks ago, and it touched me.
When Wismond Exantus was pulled from the rubble of a hotel grocery store on Saturday, January the 23rd in Haiti, he said he was hungry. He had survived by eating cookies and drinking beer and cola. He explained that he thought every night about how he would survive. Here is the quote that brought tears to my eyes, “It was God who was tucking me away in his arms. It gave me strength.” Wow!
Dear God, please grant me the strength to never let doubt rule my behavior. Grant me the wisdom to use all of the many blessings that you have bestowed on me, and my family, in your service. Grant me the strength to choose Faith over Fear at each of life’s crossroads. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
