The longer I live the more I realize how little I know about so many things. This includes things for which I have studied or worked very hard for and things which hold great interest for me. For instance, I graduated at the top of my class in college with an accounting degree. I also am a CPA with over 35 years of business experience. And though I have learned a great deal through the years and have much experience, often I am confronted by the reality of how little I know.
I am not trying to minimize education or experience as both are valuable allies and serve us well. Still things constantly change, and we never quite know what is just around the corner. These last few months have made that crystal clear with the tsunami-like impact of the coronavirus. At times like these it’s helpful to dwell on things you know to be true and to remind yourself of what matters most.
I have been writing a book over the past few years about such things. Things such as heart, prayer, humility, and hope. Celebration made the cut as did work and vision, courage and authenticity, love, home, simplicity, truth, and honor. All important things. And most important of all is Jesus.
I know many are tired and burdened by the current state of affairs. These conditions have been imposed and are not of our choosing. Still we choose how we respond. It’s unhelpful to compare yourself to others most anytime and this is no exception. While commerce has slowed to a crawl with many unemployed and furloughed, there are others who have never worked as hard or as long. What is true for all of us is that the future looks quite different than it did just months ago.
With the world in crisis, it’s important to have anchors for your soul, places where we stand amidst the storm. We don’t know everything, but we do know a few things. Here we will rest and trust. Panic and fear are not helpful here. Catch your breath and steady your mind. Think about the good. Be helpful and kind to others and pray; pray for yourself and family, for your nation and world to come out of this crisis in a better place. For all the pain and loss, may there also be growth and gain. And whatever you do, don’t give up as we don’t know the end of the story.
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So many different adversities we have been and are facing that have challenged the very bedrock of what we have believed and felt comfortable in…. but like so many others who trust in the Lord to provide discernment, clarity and purpose I have realized that the trying of my faith, through the adversities we are facing, has developed a resolve…. an intentional drive and objective pursuit of a deeper relationship with my God and Savior. The world would drive us into seclusion, separate us and even divide us in the name of safety but my God reminds me of His Strong and confidence building Word. Psalms 91:1-2 NIV
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
So on His Word I will stand to encourage myself and others… we will get through this, in Jesus Name.
Author
Yes we will. Good word Jim.
Good encouragement, Danny. Thanks. I’m reminded of the scripture in Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
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Stayed and in trust. May it be so for us! Thanks Brad.
Thank you, Danny!
Author
You’re most welcome!
Thanks, Danny. You’re making a difference!
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Thanks Jerry. I hope all is well.