My husband Kenya took one look at me and heard what I sounded like last night, and he was off to the store to get my "Get-Well-Combo" pictured above.
While I'm thankful for the softness of the Puff's tissue with lotion in it, it hasn't stopped my nose from running. The Nyquil certainly helps me sleep through the night, but it doesn't seem to be doing much to clear my stuffy head and chest. The Simply Orange juice is giving me a nice shot of Vitamin C, but I still feel pretty lousy. The Ricola Supplement Drops have natural herbs and vitamins to help support my immune system, but they can't stop it from being compromised.
It's too late.
I've been had.
Yesterday, I tried to dismiss the ticklish and scratchy feeling in my throat. I shrugged off the periodic coughing spells and reasoned away the sniffles. "Nah, I can't be getting sick," I thought. "It's probably just my allergies."
I didn't want to even entertain the idea that I might be catching a nasty cold. I have a can't-miss event to attend this weekend, which makes being ill and under the weather a can't-happen event. Furthermore, sneezing and coughing germs into the air at home increases the risk of me infecting all four members of the miniature Hobbs clan.
And I hate it when the kids get sick. My poor babies are always so pitiful.
But this morning, when I woke up dragging, sounding, and feeling a bit worse than the day before, I couldn't deny it any longer.
Like it or not, I have a mild cold.
Sigh.
At least now that I've admitted and accepted that I'm facing more than a routine allergy attack, I can do everything in my power to build my body back up. But I can't do anything about having to deal with this aggravating cold. I've just got to let it run its course.
Hey, that's the way life is sometimes, right?
We have to go through some things we wish we could avoid. But there's no way of hiding from them or circumventing them. We just have to face them.
Remember, no amount of denial can ever avert a trial. That's why our energies are better spent in preparation, so that we can maintain our strength and vigor through the rigor.
But don't let the expectation of trouble make you pessimistic. There's a silver lining in this cloud.
Just as you expect to go through, expect to make it through because the Lord is on your side. That's the good news.
Expect the trial and the victory.
To help you prepare yourself for trials and opposition, I want to add an apropos portion of a letter Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to your cup of inspiration. It is found in 1 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV, which says, "so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them."
The Apostle Paul knew he would face persecution, which helped him stand through intense struggles. And when you drink down the contents of your cup, I pray you will accept the unpleasant fact that hard times will come. That is an inescapable truth. But don't get stuck there. This post is also written as a reminder that we serve a God who is unconquerable.
He is alive in you and me, so we don't have to be defeated.
Sure, we all may have to endure an extended stay in the valley for a season, but it won't last always. Deliverance is coming and the mountaintop awaits.
In the meantime, let me encourage you. If you're treading through rough terrain, "build yourself up in your most holy faith" as Jude 1:20 instructs. Glean wisdom and get the strength you need to stand by dwelling in God's presence; learning His precepts; and putting biblical principles into practice.
Before you know it, you will be looking retrospectively at another God-won victory.
I'll end with this.
No matter what phase of the story you're in, the ending is the same.
You win.
Now let's pray together.
God, Your word teaches that time and chance happens to us all, but still, there's a part of me that wishes I could escape hardship. But from today onward, please help me shift my focus from the storm to Christ, the author and finisher of my faith, who also endured heartache and pain according to Hebrews 12:2. Put me in remembrance of Psalm 3:3 that says, "But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head." As I face these trials and tribulations that are impossible to avoid, thank You for being my help through it all. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!