Waiting, Trusting and Knowing

For whatever reason, the last few days have been somewhat discouraging. I can see God's hand in my circumstances and know in my head that He has got me covered. My heart still feels the pain though. A friend of mine used the a great metaphor to describe what I'm going through right now. He said "It's kind of like fish hooks are in your skin. Sin, when removed, still hurts but God will come in and clean it all up." I'm glad for that and know it's true. Still, I can seem my 5 year old sister with a fish hook in her little leg and know that this is going to hurt.

On that same note, I vividly remembered our company chaplain saying to me nearly a year after my divorce, "Why do you continue to allow this joy-killer to steal your happiness? God has blessed you and done so much! I encourage you - no, I admonish you to stop allowing him to do that - in the name of Jesus." I definitely got the message but I have found that old habits are hard to break. It appears as though it is easier for us to return to our old ways than to create new ways and enjoy the hope that comes from knowing and trusting Jesus - despite what He has done for us.

After many years of being hurt and disappointed, learning how to be glad no matter what my circumstances is actually a lot of hard work. One can say it's a decision but the truth is it's a decision that requires real muscle

Malcolm MacPhail is the senior pastor of New Hope Community Church in Gilroy, California. I read his story of victory over Leukemia with Christ this morning. He was a young man at the time, with four small children and a wife. It took 5 years for God's plan to be complete but they were amazingly faithful through the process. This is what he said he learned from the experience. I hope these four steps bless you as they have blessed me.