"Even If You Don't"

   So, it's been a couple of months since I last updated... hope things are going well for all of y'all!  We are as busy as ever with all the things!  I think that's just the season we are in right now, so we just throw the balls up and hope to catch them as they come back down! 

     Something's been on my mind lately.  Several weeks in a row recently, I attended a Bible study on the passage in Ephesians about the armor of God. (Priscilla Shirer, "Armor of God" study... definitely a recommend!!)  This is a passage I have known and studied before, but I learned a lot in this particular study group.  Well, let's just say, when the enemy finds out you might be moving closer to God, that's when he decides to see if you really mean it. 

    So, about halfway through this study... right between the "shoes of peace" and the "shield of faith" he decided to make his move.  A situation came up that really stressed me out.  No details... just suffice it to say that it really disturbed my normal, mostly peaceful inner self. 

    And did I immediately turn to God and say, "Well, I know You've got this, so here You go?"  Nope.  I started pondering.  Planning.  Stressing.  I mean, come on... I'm right in the middle of this Bible study, and whoops... down the rabbit hole I go!  Awake at night... distracted during the day... no appetite.  (Well, maybe that one was not so terrible!)  The worst part (for me!) was the fact that there was nothing I could do.  I literally had not one thing that I could do about any of it. 

     Eventually, the time I spent in Bible study and prayer started to help.  I was able to move past the initial panic mode and back to my more laid-back mode.  So, while I wasn't immediately quick to squash those doubts and fears, after a few days I was back on track. 

     And that's when I started thinking a little more about this idea: but what if He didn't?  I don't mean what if God wasn't there or what if He didn't hear my prayers. but what if He didn't smooth the way?  What if He left it bumpy? Or rocky?  Or even a valley of shadow?  Would I get that inner peace back as quickly? 

      How many times do we hear of people going through some sort of tragedy?  Do we think they're not praying?  What about Job?  Pretty sure he prayed.  But God didn't immediately restore him.  How would I have responded if my stressful situation had gone a different direction?  I would like to believe that I would still trust...but maybe not.  I need to keep practicing.

     So, this is my encouragement to you: some day God may not open that door, or relieve that burden, or fix that problem.  We may just have to be in it.  And the way we respond to the things He sets before us today will get us in the habit of turning and trusting.  So, if God moves your mountain, be thankful!  If He doesn't, be thankful.   Keep practicing.  We may not always get it right...but each time we get stronger.  And, like these lyrics say... our hope is Him alone.  I pray I remember that.  I pray you remember that.  Our hope is Him alone. :)

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone.