When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:2 (NASB)
There are days I handle my stress best by scrubbing down bathrooms, dusting furniture, vacuuming, and singing silly as I work. It’s amazing what I can accomplish when my panic mode is in full throttle. The next moment I’m escaping to my porch, and resting in the tranquility of rattan. My window chimes provide soothing calm as I drink another cup of coffee in my garden of rejuvenation. These days the caffeine jitters seem less harmful than the weight of worry. And when all else fails, I run lonely miles as my thoughts circle with me. Somehow, I feel I’m making strides the more I sweat…and it kicks the endorphins into high gear. I at least think, “I’m feeling good,” as I sing it!
Still, there are days when God is silent and nothing seems to help. There are no easy answers to quiet my concerns. The voices in my head often hinder more than the anger spewed in malice. I trip over doubt and fear, and question the path I’m on. And I waste precious time with friends and family as I cycle trying to defend my decisions. Only time will tell how to resolve the great divide. In the meantime, I look to Christ and His example, and find a way to keep going. When He wasn’t wanted in His hometown, He chose humility… spoke truth… loved….and forgave! And that is just for starters…I could at least do one of the four!
When we pass through the deep… and we will…God will be will us! We may tire as we tread water…flail about in fear…cling to our noodle in desperation…but we will do more than survive. We will reach the other side! And when we walk through fire, it will not consume us! God is doing a refining work…burning away impurities…the initiation before the ministry. He breaks the old vessel, making our lives an offering poured out for His glory. And He forms us into new pieces of pottery that have purpose and value. He wants our undivided heart and allegiance. Remember, Abraham climbed the steep mountain knowing what God required! An exhausting three day journey to contemplate the cost, but he trusted God and obeyed. And in the end God provided the sacrifice. Faithful to His promises, He does the same for us!
But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4 (NASB)
When the way seems confusing, don’t look to the left or to the right. Keep walking and set your feet straight ahead! Don’t look down at how far you could fall. You may stumble, but God is there to steady your hand. There are lessons that can only be learned on the path of humility. Stay close to Him, and He will protect you and your endeavors.
Whatever this day brings, lift your eyes to the heavens and move forward!
Lily Mae
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