No temptation
has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not
let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also
provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians
10:13 (ESV)
Today I learned a lesson in prayer and praise.
Yesterday, I started re-reading Tommy Tenney’s Finding Favor with the King, a retelling of the story of Esther. I’m needing to give
context to all the upheaval I’m living through lately. Not to understand
it-that’s not my job, but to be prepared for it (studied, prayed up, fixed
in faith).
Another person living in my skin about 8:45
this morning would’ve cashed it in and gone back to bed. I am not that girl. I
am the girl who will tell you in the midst of crisis, “I should be crying, but
I won’t. But I could, and would be completely justified.” Quoting Precious Ramotswe
in “The #1 Ladies Detective Agency” series, “I am made of strong stuff.”
Let
me give you the reader’s digest version of my day. I had a plan. God had a
bigger plan. I started early. I arrived late. I kept cool, taking my time,
praising God. I needed to get something done, make that several things. I had a
plan (God had a bigger plan). I had 4 minutes to travel 4 miles across town in
traffic. I couldn’t make it without Grace but I tried anyway. Someone who didn’t
have to wait for me (and let me know so) was still there 15 or so minutes later
when I arrived. What was I praying?
I will bless the Lord at all times:
his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast
in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify
the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought
the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:1-4
(KJV)
I
never pleaded for Grace. I never pled for a break. I offered only Praise, and I
honestly didn’t concern myself with the outcome (though a part of me was
rehearsing my thank you, if one was necessary). When I made it across town in
traffic, what I needed was there, comfortably. I was bathed in Grace, but also
fully fixed in faith. That was today’s lesson.
Today I got through what for me at another time
would have been a thoroughly crappy day. Only one thing was different-me. No uncommon
temptation overtook me. God is indeed faithful, and on this day, I did my part.
Yesterday I was fierce and fragile, and today I can add to that fully fixed in
faith (at least this time, Praise God). I am preparing to walk in the favor for which You made me. Every test makes me
stronger. Every test suggests that my latter will be greater than my past (so
says Martha Munizzi). Today’s evidence that God is good.
On Thursdays, I pray and and play with friends
here...
