“Remind me each morning of Your constant love, for I put my trust in You." ~ Psalm 143:8
The day began with a subtle, graceful ease. Monique packed
up her three children, all under six, and headed for the park. It was a
spectacular fall day, with perfect weather and changing leaves she didn’t want
them to miss. Who knew what Mother Nature had planned for the coming weeks?
There were the browns
that formed a comforting quilt for the earth, yet the rest were the brilliant
colors of firework sparks and exuberant revelry. It was as if nature was
calling towering blossoms of foliage to dance into the skies before tumbling gently
like giant confetti.
She’d been nervously
waiting and praying for big news about the results of a recent biopsy. Arguably,
the worst part about waiting for lab results was having no control over her
life’s future.
From the moment she
knew something was off, she’d felt a crippling sense of dread and jumped to the
worst-case scenario – schedule an oncology appointment, discuss the grueling
treatment plan, and pray for courage and strength. Monique couldn’t concentrate
on anything else. She wished you could just hit fast-forward.
Suddenly, her phone
buzzed. She received a text message from the doctor’s office. “Monique, your biopsy
is negative for breast cancer.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry… so she
did both.
“But let me backtrack
for a second,” she thought.
What about the
fabulous weather and the great time she was having today? Did she remember to thank
God for those small things? He was working on those moments, actions, and people
too.
God may be a miracle
worker, revealer of mysteries, rescuer, deliverer, and mighty God. But he’s
also the God of peaceful afternoons, of subtle beauty, of quiet moments,
and of warm hugs. He’s working on all things, not just the big, monumental ones.
He has a history of
using small things to accomplish big things and change lives. Mustard seeds
that can move mountains; five loaves and two fish that fed thousands. God can bring
change and transform the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Him,
committing themselves to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. No one and nothing
is too small for God to use.
But do we recognize the countless minor miracles God surrounds
us with every day? He cared about the small details thousands of years ago and
still cares about them now.
Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of
Your perfect love and faithfulness. The next time I face circumstances that
don’t feel good, help me remember Your goodness and find comfort in Your plans.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
