This summer is quite different than I imagined. At the beginning of the year, I planned a restorative time, sitting on my back porch. The high point would be a two-week missions trip to Thailand. How this has panned out is quite the opposite (except I do have my back porch). My plans came to nothing. In March, my application was denied for the Thailand trip. The same month, I managed to fall backwards against a concrete block wall. I was gifted with a compound fracture of the T-2 vertebrae in my back. My attitude plummeted with both the application denial and the fractured back. What was God thinking?
WHERE IS THE GOODNESS OF GOD?
Then my vision went wonky, and I discovered I have severe edema (swelling) against the macula in my left eye. That same week I was diagnosed with a sinus infection. Down for the count. How does this all fit with the goodness of God? I planned a summer of service and renewal. What is God thinking?
GOD’S CHARACTER
What brings me comfort during this summer? God’s character. “I will feed My flock and I will let them lie down [to rest],” says the Lord God. “I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bandage the crippled, and strengthen the weak and the sick (Ezekiel 34:15-16).
THE BIG ASK
I’ve spent a great deal of time sitting on my back porch, reading (days when my vision is not wonky), and praying. God chooses to make me lie down. Why? In His wisdom, it could all be related to the “Big Ask” I made in the Spring. I asked God for 10 women to build relationships with this summer which would glorify Him and bring mutual spiritual growth.
Did God give me the excitement of a trip to Thailand? How about a body that has felt terrific? No. What He has given me is a body which is not 100% and must totally rely on Him to function. But best of all (as of the count today), God’s given me 14 women to enrich my life. Whether our conversations are by text, phone, or in person – God drives the conversations every time. It is beautiful to see how this plays out. He feeds me, makes me lie down, bandages me, and gives me the strength to continue. Every conversation after conversation, God is present.
What a delightful God we have. My January plans have not worked out, but His plans are so much better!
