Dose Of Reality

I had one of those days yesterday... one of which I haven't had for quite some time. Interestingly enough, it was a subject matter in which I've had passing reflections over recent weeks, thinking "what a blessing... this and that and over here, and the other thing; they've remained at bay." Various issues and problems haven't arisen or reared their ugly head, Certain experiences haven't happened.

Enter yesterday morning. Seriously?

Oddly enough, a woman was sharing her story in an interview of an incredibly traumatic and life-changing event that happened to her husband and that they as a family had to endure. And what stood out was her response and that of her husband in the day or two that followed.

We're gonna be okay.

As we've talked previously, it's not that we are okay with the situation. It's still powerful, it still affects us and throws us off; it's bothersome and uncertain and everything else. But you are okay with what happens, because you are okay with God and His sovereignty.

It's a foundational element of one's faith. It's an essential lesson of life. It matters not if you are young or old in either. It matters not if you are in the early years of ministry or a tenured pastor or seasoned leader.

Whatever today's reality presents to us, we can and will endure... not by shear will, but because of the decisive steps of faith that we took yesterday.

The daily practice and discipline of placing our trust in God and recognizing His hand, even in the smallest and most routine of circumstances are the building blocks of faith. God is faithful and proves so, in the incidentals and that which we take for granted the most.

Consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. Does not God provide for them?

Having those building blocks of faith in place when little to nothing seems to be going on, means that we have a spiritual shelter so when the storm hits, whatever form and severity it takes on, we have an active, protecting shield of faith.

Storms are still scary even from inside the house; you still hear the elements and the wind and everything else. Nobody's denying what you're facing. But faith is the reassurance; that despite whatever dose of reality your day holds and whenever it arrives, you've got this because God has you.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday for those pastors whose realities are dealing them some heavy and fatal blows, both literal and figuratively-speaking. May God give them strength to endure and wisdom as to how to proceed. Pray their faith would stand firm and be the shield God intended and designed it operate. Pray for a tangible sense of peace, that would indeed surpass understanding. May they not pray for God has not promised, but trust in what God has already provided.

For in Him we live, move and have our being
He never leaves nor forsakes us.
There is nothing that we face that He has not already endured and overcome.
Therefore, whatever our reality, remember this...
Eternity awaits.
To God be the glory; even when life is less than glorious.

- PNC

---