Perceptions and sensory input are at a high level this morning I guess.  My heart aches for those who are experiencing various sorts of this world’s troubles.  Like that wave of pain when an injury is fresh and movement reminds the whole body there is something amiss,  I am feeling pain for those who are not resting well in God’s care in the trials they find themselves.  I’m not at that point in my spiritual maturity that that won’t be me in the next challenge that befalls us.  Just for now, it’s my place to pray for those who are.  And if you are one of them reading this, please know, I care … a lot, and I am praying.

I am praying that God will give you His special insight, to see that while it’s not comfortable where you are at the moment, it IS profitable for the place to which He is directing for you to go.  I am praying that His comfort will be so very real to you, that even through tears, you will smile and know His joy in your heart.  It is possible.  I am praying that in your challenge, the disappointment, the difficulties, the trials, you will know His very real presence with you, to calm your rattled brain, to soothe the ragged edges of your nerves, to give you peace in chaos, to even diminish physical pain as you focus on Him.  I am praying that your testimony will be steady, and show to the unregenerated world it is possible to trust without seeing the end in view because God is big enough, powerful enough to save those who call upon Him, and able to work out all the smallest details of life on this planet … for His honor and glory, because in the big picture, that’s what it’s about.  Not for our comfort, and ease.  I’m praying that your perspective is one that sees Kingdom value rather than earthly resolution, that your faith is made stronger, your confidence in Him more sure.  I am praying you will be encouraged in your heart to just do the next right thing.  Baby steps.  Go there, with Him.  And I’m praying that in the circumstance that is giving you such heartache, you will learn the value of applying the instruction we are given …

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

…and are able through your heaviness to know even if we only have His grace and mercy, it is more than we deserve.  He is to be honored and praised for that above all.

Sometimes our goals are shortsighted and our attention is focused on the problem rather than the Problem Solver.  I’m impressed today that beyond the clouds, above the fog of the early morning hours, the Son is shining, ready to make the way plain and clear as soon as we are ready to hold tighter to His hand and follow Him over the bumps along the way.