WAKING THOUGHTS

That punk devil and all of the imps he has spawned are are still liars. The sifting, devouring, seek-kill-and-destroy missions, though threatening and intent on inspiring fear and doubt, will not succeed. Every time he tries to rain on your picnic AND parade, you hate him just a little bit more.
People say timing is everything, and sometimes you can literally see how deliberately things occur with the expressed purpose of knocking the wind out of you, making you quit, or begin questioning God.
You know how you're supposed to feel, but you feel just the opposite. You're supposed to be losing your mind, but you're perfectly calm. You're supposed to be crying, but you're genuinely smiling. You're supposed to be angry and hurt, but you're gracious and forgiving. You're supposed to be in mourning, but you have great peace. You're supposed to be confused, but you are quite clearheaded. You're supposed to be worried, but you don't have a care in the world. No. You haven't become callous, cold and unsympathetic. You haven't become selfish and lacking in empathy. You know God. You have seen him work out the matters in your life and in the lives of others, over and over again. You have come to the place that reconciles what you sing and say with what you do and believe. God will fix it. God is not asleep. God sees all and knows all. God doesn't make mistakes. God is fully aware of the end of the matter. God is trustworthy and faithful. THAT'S why you can look situations in the face and dare your emotions to go haywire. That's why you can remain strong.

My best friend's husband died yesterday. She is one of the most faithful, hard-working, dedicated, people I know. Her relationship with God is to be admired. She has had her share of suffering in this life and God has been consistent in showing her his love and might. We went to comfort her and she was the one to encourage us. Seeing her smile before we left let me know that she will be okay. Was she supposed to be smiling? She could and can, because she doesn't just know about God--she is a friend of his. Knowing that he has a matter under control--even something as seemingly final as the death of a loved one-- is beyond reassuring, and sparks a peace that really is beyond understanding. Hopelessness fades in the face of God who so loves you.