God's Favorite Word is Through

You don't have to correct me, but I still feel pretty young! It is a blessing to have good health which I am extremely thankful for as I also do my part with exercise and nutrition. The age number may be in the 50s, but my mind feels like the 30s!  Until the reminders of truth hit....

This week I was out on a run and decided to take a different route. My eyes drifted to the different sights and my foot hit a gap in the pavement. My ankle turned and gravity propelled me downward...ouch! Here I was sprawled out on the ground, hardly believing what just happened!  Upon rising, the ankle indeed turned and was hurting. It was 2 miles to my house on a country road as I reviewed my options.   No one was at home and pride kept me from calling anyone else, so I tentatively began hobbling homeward. "Old" people fall, not lively, energetic ones like me! (Reality check!). 

Setting my mind on making it home, step by step I kept going. The pain lessened the more steps were taken. Arriving home and examining it, then researching Dr. Google it was probably just bruised.  The area stayed swollen and a bit sore, but seemed to respond well to movement. Another day brought more improvement and then, it handled a long run successfully.  In this case - a minor injury, movement was just what was needed. They say motion is lotion for your body. I did notice the ankle was most sore when it had been still for a long time, but always felt better after moving. 

Along the path of life, we encounter all types of bruises, batterings and injuries. Some indeed cripple us and cause us to need immediate intervention. Bruises in life are more common. Things that if we let them can cause deep pain and keep us back from life. But life is a journey, it is made to be moved through. The best news is that God is moving right along beside us THROUGH it.

Here is a portion of a devotion found in my inbox today from Max Lucado...

Did you know that through is a favorite word of God’s?

Isaiah 43:2 reads, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”  

How do we get through? We can’t logic our way past the problems. Or yell our way out. And we certainly can’t drink our way to an exit ramp. 

Let’s be honest. Life can be pretty rough, and sometimes it gets worse before it gets better.  

How did he flourish in the midst of tragedy and difficulty? Joseph knew that in God’s hands intended evil becomes eventual good. He worked a plan and he trusted God. He knew that, with God’s help, he would get through. This is still true today. 

To be sure, the times are difficult. Just as Joseph did, we face governmental uncertainty, family dysfunction and personal suffering. But just like Joseph, we can trust God to trump evil. It may not be painless, or quick. But God will use this mess for good. Don’t give in to despair. 

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.