Praise
be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who
daily bears our burdens.
Psalm
68:19
I have often
found our local Christian bookstore a place of refuge—quiet calm to which I can
retreat. Friday was no different. After a week of spiritual assault from satan
over the diagnosis of reoccurring cancer in my baby sister’s life, I declared
myself ready to wage war on the enemy. So, after time spent in communion with
my Heavenly Father, I journeyed to town and the bookstore.
As I browsed
the stacks, Jennifer approached and asked if I had found everything I needed.
After explaining my needs, she directed me to an end stack of devotional books
and together we discovered 50 Days of
Hope—Daily Inspiration for Your Journey through Cancer by Lynn Eib.
Perfect! I knew immediately that I had to mail the book to my sister.
Standing at
the check-out counter, Jennifer and I continued to talk. I explained to
Jennifer that I know I have hope, but I just need something to remind me.
Suddenly, she put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Listen!” We stood
silent as we heard these words coming from the soothing voice of Shannon
Wexelberg:
Here in the desert, so thirsty and
parched
I’ll
remind my soul
Put your hope in God
Put your hope in God your Savior
Put your trust in the name of the Lord
Yet, I will praise
Yet, I will praise His name
My tears spilled as Jennifer
spoke, “This is a God-ordained encounter!” I knew it was true. God is good. He
cares when I hurt. He wraps His arms around me at just the right moment to
bring hope. When I walk through the desert thirsty and parched, He walks with
me. Nothing surprises God! Even the darkness is as light to Him—even the valley
of the shadow of death.
So I left the bookstore with 50 Days of Hope for my sister and the
reminder that the tough days ahead of us are subservient to the Power behind
us. God remains able to bring total healing. I hope for that. If, in His
sovereign will, He chooses a different path—“Yet I will praise, yet I will
praise His Name!”
You too may be facing life’s greatest
dilemma. Whether it is with a loved one or a battle of your own, put your hope
in God! He will bear your burden, day by day, hour by hour, and moment by
moment. He will send you reminders to put your hope in God.
©JP
2013
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