I went to the store to pick up a few items yesterday. After I walked out and headed toward my car, suddenly, pain shot through my left arm that nearly brought me to my knees. It felt as if someone had simultaneously lit my arm aflame and stuck it with a thousand needles.
Though excruciating, the sensation didn't alarm me. My surgeon told me I would have painful moments as the nerves in my left arm heal from severe injury. Having knowledge of what is transpiring, however, does not in any way alleviate the pain.
Ouch, ouch, ouch!
I tried to keep my composure as I hurried to my vehicle, my eyes full of tears. I just wanted to get inside my automobile, shut the door, drop those bags, curl my body up like an infant, and cry.
I was almost there when I heard, "Hey sis!"
Initially, I kept marching, assuming a stranger was talking to one of their acquaintances. But then, the voice called out to me again from the white SUV parked right next to me. I glanced over and it turned out to be a young woman I grew up with, whom I haven't seen in years! When I recognized her face, my eyes lit up.
"Oh my goodness!" I shouted as we tightly embraced. We chatted briefly before parting ways. It was a wonderful surprise, one that placed a lingering smile on my face even as I hit the expressway heading toward home. It wasn't until I recounted the events of the afternoon to my husband Kenya that I realized I had forgotten all about my ailing arm. "Thank God she showed up," I told Kenya, sincerely meaning it. Had it not been for my friend getting my attention, lots of Buffalo shoppers may have witnessed a grown woman sitting in the middle of a crowded parking lot, balling.
A sister was hurting something awful!
I wonder. Have you ever had a situation you were going through that was really hard, but something good happened in the midst of it that either took your mind off the pain, or made it more bearable? If so, be thankful for those moments. It is often the little things that help us hold it together when the big things go wrong.
Here are a few examples:
- You were low on cash and someone felt led by God to bless you with a bit of money without you having to ask. Although you still had financial needs, that lifted the burden a bit.
- You were feeling discouraged when you got an email or call from someone telling you what an encouragement you are in their life. Although that didn't make everything alright, it gave you fuel to keep moving forward.
- You were overwhelmed and at your breaking point, and someone shared a word from the Lord that you knew was straight from Him! It didn't change the situation, but it let you know that God was concerned about you right in the middle of the test.
- You were working hard to mend a broken relationship, but things seemed to be getting worse. But then, one day that individual acknowledged your efforts and vowed to do their part. Things weren't fixed, but you gained hope for the future.
I'm sure you could think of your own example of a time when something good happened in the middle of something bad. Just in case you need a moment like that, I'm stirring "increased ability to see something good" in your cup of inspiration. When you drink it down, it will help open your eyes to all the days and ways God favors you in the midst of adversity. You'll recognize how, even through trials and tribulations, the Lord sends the help you need to get you through the tough times.
No matter what you're facing right now, know that you have something good to thank God for today. If you don't readily see it, then look through eyes of faith. Believe that it's on the way. I'm reminded of Psalm 27:13 which says, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."
Go ahead and praise God for something good!
Lord, I give You praise and glory for how good You are even when I'm going through hardship and pain. Help me to be even more mindful of the many ways You intervene in my situation from day to day to help me make it through struggles, trials, and tribulations. I appreciate You so much for being mindful of me and strengthening me through my tests! In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you!
