In the midst of a pandemic most of us hesitate to keep our doctor appointments, dentist visits, eye exams and other important appointments. Well, at least I have. But, I’ve been working harder to make them happen. Recently, I had my yearly cardiology appointment, and to my delight, I found the silver lining amidst yet another visit. It wasn’t the first time a nurse’s words have comforted and encouraged me. Through many hospital stays over the years, I don’t believe I would’ve survived without the wisdom and care of the many nurses God placed in my life. And this divine meeting recently was no different. We began the initial conversation like any other appointment, “How are you and what brings you in today?” After some small talk, we began to discuss what normal in our day looks like. Here was the silver lining—her perspective was extremely refreshing. Although, she had no idea how her words would fall like fresh morning dew on my ears. Her response was not the common reply of loss, disunity or distress. It was an attitude of lets move forward the best we can and be careful doing it. What a great perspective to embrace change instead of being caught up in what once was. Staying put, refusing to move forward, will deter us from experiencing the hope God calls us to.
While reading through the book of Job, Job 2:10 questioned my perspective and brought the sentiment of this unnamed nurse’s attitude to light in my early morning devotion, “Should we only accept the good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”
Wow, as I look back over my life and even this past year, what I have learned is what the world deems as bad, God uses it for the good of our growth.
God’s Word encourages us to keep our gaze on Jesus, remaining in His steadfast love:
- In the darkness of our days He reveals who He is and whose we are. (Isaiah 45:3)
- He shines His light on our path. (Psalm 119:105)
- He gives His strength if we accept our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11)
- He softens a humble heart. (Ezekiel 36:26)
- He gives fresh eyes to those who fix their gaze on Him. (Hebrews 12:2)
- He increases wisdom to those who ask for wiser days. (James 1:5)
- He gives more of the Holy Spirit to those who ask for it. (Luke 11:13)
There are things you and I will never learn without a broken spirit or going to a hard place with God. He wants to be your dayspring. He wants to be the silver lining breakthrough in your dark long days. There is always something good to be found if we look hard enough and don’t lose faith.
So if you’re experiencing hardship, tough days or a tired spirit, look to Him for renewal and know He is for you and walks beside you. His mercies are new every single day!
Oh, that you and I would not be like Lot’s wife, looking back to what we once had (Genesis 19:26), but holding fast to what lies ahead, walking in the light of His goodness and grace.
Journeying with Him,