Deal!

We all know people who go through unspeakable circumstances and lose everything, but somehow their attitude and words remain kind and reassuring.

Yesterday started out with circumstances that were unexpected and schedules that were upended. August 8th: this a red-letter day in our home, and we have been looking forward to this day the entire summer. Our boys started school and I started a new job. We were up very early with excitement and nervousness of the unexpected. I was preparing for a preschool teacher luncheon and excited to set up the “perfect” atmosphere that would show the teachers how much they are loved and appreciated.

Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash

When I woke up, I knew something was very different. You know the drill: achy, cough, sore throat, fever and zero energy. I DO NOT have time for this! I knew I had to make the calls that I did not want to make today. I felt horrible and then to be the object of everyone else’s frustration just added to the misery. As a Christian, I prayed and searched my heart for answers on why this red-letter day had turned into a disaster. My thoughts rushed in, and my words were sad. The more upset I got, the more I worked myself into a “hissy fit”. Mrs. “Take Charge and Get it Done” was now dependent on the mercy and charity of others to fill in my place.

With everyone gone to their respective destinations, I sat in silence praying for the people that had to carry on without me. Life got real. I could sit in solitude and stew into a slurry of despair, or I could begin speaking life over the situations that I could not be a part of.

We all know people who go through unspeakable circumstances and lose everything, but somehow their attitude and words remain kind and reassuring. What has taken place in their heart that has made them see things in such a positive way in spite of their loss? There is a principle that applies to everyone, not just Christians, but people in every walk of life. God’s word states in Deuteronomy 30:19:

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” NLT

Our Creator God has set forth a promise that cannot be revoked. When we speak life over our circumstances, we are showing that we choose God’s will over negative thoughts and words. It feels very unnatural, but starting to speak life over a situation opens up a magnificent view: God is the boss of it and it’s up to Him to prove that he is greater than our doubts and fears. There is no circumstance too big for God to handle, and things that seem upside down and senseless can actually be turned into good – if we allow it. We can hold onto our broken object instead of releasing it to “Daddy God”, or we can let him “fix it.”

There are times of desperation when there are no words, when devastation sets in for the loss of a dream or a loved one. Out of that desperation come the words that the Father never ignores:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 57:17 KJV.

It’s in that broken, sad moment that the Lord hears our cry for help and sends divine aid. These are the times when our life gets re-prioritized. When what was urgent is suddenly mundane. We receive course correction in our lives that seems like a wrong turn, but sometimes it could be God turning us in the right direction for his plan for our lives. Our words of surrender bring a peace and solace that makes no sense but gives strength for the task ahead.

So, instead of Steve writing his article Monday, I made a deal with him that if he would deliver my luncheon items to the preschool, I would write an article for him. I’m very blessed to have this opportunity to share with you and I hope that this has encouraged you in a small way to begin speaking life over every situation, even when it seems hopeless. Please know that God’s ear is only one whisper away from your lips and he is patiently waiting for you to call on him at any time.

[Ed – From Steve: deal!]