My Winning Formula
Jan 20, 2021
Reflecting this week in the midst of national and global uncertainty. Ive walked through lots of situations that didn't look good. Actually, when your 16 year old daughter is writhing on the floor in pain and silently screaming, it IS TERRIBLE. But through all of the ups and downs and uncertainty and pain... we have ALWAYS come out stronger. Not just some token, emotional benefit, but stronger physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually. HOW? Good question. Here's some stories of what happened, what we did and how through it all, He has strengthened our soul....
1. Childs health disaster. Two years. Hospitals in Redding, Sacramento and a two month family separation in New Zealand. Out of it He has strengthened our soul. Check out Hannah's poetry on Amazon: Imagine This - From Pain to Possibility
2. House delay and disappointment. Years! Then when we found the house our funding disappeared. Yet through it all He has strengthened my soul.
3. Wildfire disaster. Six weeks after moving into the home a wildfire devastated over 200,000 acres including 270 degrees around our house. (It destroyed houses around us). Thanks to fire crews our house was saved but the landscaping and smoke damage was heart breaking. But through it all He has strengthened my soul!
In all of this God has been faithful to redeem, restore, replenish, renew. We are living in a dream home (with a dream fridge!) and a financial situation that has gone from impossible to possible. My daughter's health remains a challenge but she is stronger relationally, emotionally, mentally and spiritually to the point of pursuing leadership roles in youth work.
Through it all He has strengthened my soul. It's not a secret. It's not easy. It is an invitation. What will you choose to do? You can focus on the loss, the pain, the difficulty... OR you can lean into Him, spill out your heart and frustration and find a strength that you never knew possible.
Read Psalm 13 - see TPT version below.
Grab a copy of Finding Hope in Crazy Times: Daily stories of hearing God and get the audio book for free (link inside ebook or print copy).
Prayer Turns Depression into Delight[a]
13 For the Pure and Shining One, by King David
1 I’m hurting, Lord—will you forget me forever?[b]
How much longer, Lord?
Will you look the other way when I’m in need?[c]
2 How much longer must I cling to this constant grief?
I’ve endured this shaking of my soul.
So how much longer will my enemy have the upper hand?
It’s been long enough!
3 Take a good look at me, God, and answer me!
Breathe your life into my spirit.
Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness
or I will sleep the sleep of death.
4 Don’t let my enemy proclaim, “I’ve prevailed over him.”
For all my adversaries will celebrate when I fall.
5 Lord, I have always trusted in your kindness, so answer me.
I will yet celebrate with passion and joy
when your salvation[d] lifts me up.
6 I will sing my song of joy to you, the Most High,
for in all of this you have strengthened my soul.
My enemies say that I have no Savior,
but I know that I have one in you!
