And then . . .

Job 1:17 – “Before this man finished, still another messenger rushed in: ‘Three bands of Chaldeans have driven off your camels and killed your servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” (TLB)
    Poor Job was bombarded with bad news after bad news. Before one servant had the opportunity to completely report all that was dismally happening within Job’s household, yet another calamity was on its heels. Each servant was frantic to tell Job of the disasters they had witnessed and that they alone barely escaped with their lives to report back to him. Recently I have heard from family and friends from the four corners of the country about how the slings and arrows of misfortune have been constantly aimed in their direction. We will not give Satan any publicity but we do know that he is busy running to and fro stirring up trouble. Before one bill can be paid, another greater expense mounts around us. When you think you have your in-laws figured out; they stay one day too long and the heavenly beings have to serve as referees. As soon as you get the transmission fixed then the cooling system goes out. When one child seems to have finally ‘found’ themselves and are now back on track…here comes their sibling, who could not work their way out of a wet paper bag with a sharp machete, but they are bringing you into their madness.    God reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NKJGF) Regardless of the pattern or uncanny circumstances surrounding your daily walk with God, stay steadfast in your faith. Yes it is true, for some of us tragedy, disagreement, chaos and frustration seems to be a norm. We might not be able to function wholly in modern society because our truth lies in the will and word of God. If we rejoice always, we do not have time for despair and depression.       If we pray without ceasing, our minds are occupied and unable to process negative thoughts. In everything we must give thanks. The simplicity of its power is just awesome. A simple ‘thank you’ can open doors of hope and shut windows of downheartedness. God reminds us that he is still on the throne and that nothing is ever outside of his watchful eye. God does not slumber nor sleep. And aren’t you glad that God never has an ‘A Ha” moment. Nothing comes as a surprise to God or catches him off guard? We get caught up quite often. We fix the dishwasher and then a pipe burst. We expensively service our car engine...and then we find out we need new brakes. One bad issue following another… and then, and then, and then. Although you might feel as if things are just mounting up and piling up around you - relax …AND THEN consider your options (praise, prayer and give thanks) When you take your hands off of your problem, then God will put his hands in it to win it!
    Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnnTop of Form