March 12th, 2018
I had the misfortune of losing my car keys this weekend. Somewhere after the 30-minute commute from one soccer complex to the next, I lost my keys!
To say we checked every nook and cranny of the car would be an understatement- I had 3 adults, 5 teenage boys and 3 children searching. The boys found the stash of snacks, but no keys…
Frustration, anger, despair- these faithful foes visited me in waves during the 2-day episode. Poor St. Anthony was subjected to tantrums and accusations (sorry St. Anthony!). In those waves of doubt and feelings of abandonment, I was reminded firmly that I have yet to endure the pain of the cross, of Calvary, of humiliation and scourging; these temporary trials we face are nothing compared to the love sacrifice of a Savior.
In all the chaos, God provided His own people to offer comfort and support- people to offer solutions, people to search, people to help with transportation, people to check on our needs, a wonderful woman named Virginia to work on making a new key (incidentally, she had family in my hometown); and more people to drive me to a friend when the key could not be made that same day.
The key drama allowed me to see God working on my behalf, orchestrating events for my good. I was allowed to have conversations with new people, even pray for their needs; and conversations with old friends to share the love of God; it also allowed me to witness to my own children- yes, this was a bad situation, but God was so good to us, providing help in ways that only He can!
Virginia truly went above and beyond, trying to locate the fob we needed, and driving several miles in the rain to ensure that I made it back home. I will be eternally grateful to her. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the people who assisted in our two-day key drama, but God knows my heart and the appreciation I have for all concerned.
There are times when we expect solutions to our problems to come in a specific way, but God is not bound by our limited, finite views of things. He has the master plan! And while I may throw my toys, tell Him my frustrations, and even doubt Him for a while, ultimately, my goal is to trust Him; to trust His word that all things work together for my good; to trust His timing and to fix my gaze on Him regardless of how bleak the situation appears. If I allow Him to fight for me, I may even be surprised at the people He sends my way and the opportunities He provides for encounters to tell of His goodness… and He is so amazingly good to us!
Those keys opened the door to many blessings for me…
Lord, may I always be open to the many ways you reveal Your great love for me; may I always believe that You are for me; that I can trust You even when my limited vision cannot see a solution to my problem; may I learn to praise You when the enemy whispers lies; and may I always return to thank You for the people You send my way.
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