Today, our oldest son,
Kedar and our youngest, Kaleb, proudly showed me the video they had recorded on
their tech gadget. The two huge Nascar fans simulated their favorite racers and
pretended to be the drivers they think are cool.
Jimmie Johnson, #48, who won the Daytona 500 this year, is Kedar’s top pick. Kaleb, on the other hand, is most fond of Juan Pablo Montoya, #42.
For them, capturing their playtime was an exciting adventure and they were both pretty thrilled about it.
Happy giggles filled the air as the two observed me watching their recorded masterpiece. Proud, toothy grins followed as I told them what an “awesome” video they had made together.
They are living the life.
Worries are far away and things are so simple in their small worlds.
They are not yet expected to pay bills or “bring home the bacon.” The Hobbs boys and of course, the girls, too, are well-loved and cared for by parents that want to see them thrive.
One day, however, they will have to go out into the world and discover the meaning of responsibility. Like it or not, they will become intimately acquainted with their fair share of ups and downs.
As a mom, if I could, I would keep that from happening. But the truth of the matter is we all must deal with heartache and hardship. It is a part of the human experience.
The consolation is in knowing that we don’t have to walk through life alone. We have a loving God who knows, sees and cares about everything that concerns us.
Over the years, I have gone through some pretty rough moments, but I’m still here.
With maturity, I have come to know and accept the fact that we will cry sometimes. There will be some sleepless nights. There will be times when dark days seem endless and hail storms beat upon us mercilessly. Troubling circumstances will come to weaken our resolve and knock us down.
But God, who is our constant and faithful companion, will help us through it.
He is our only hope of getting past the tough, turbulent seasons when our plans are toppled and our lives devastated.
When the flood waters of tribulation threaten to wash our worst fears ashore, while drowning out our faith, Jesus is our rock.
When it gets too painful, He is able to absorb the brunt of the impact from the crashing waves that forcefully thrust themselves against us.
Because of Him, we have hope and help along this steep uphill journey called life.
Today, if you are feeling weary and worn, remember that You have a refuge in God. He is your strength and faithful defense. All you have to do is turn to Him and trust Him.
If we lose anything or everything, He is our constant companion. He will never leave nor forsake us.
To remind you of this, I’m stirring Proverbs 18:24 NIV into your cup of inspiration, that says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will realize that human friends are wonderful, if you can find loyal ones. But there will never be anyone who understands, loves, and embraces you unconditionally the way God does.
As you are faced with harsh realities and setbacks—both major and minor—know you are not in this thing by yourself. The Lord is with you through hard times and easy; good and bad; joyful and sorrowful.
There will never be a friend as near and dear to you as Jesus.
He loves you and He’ll keep you steady through shaky times.
So remember, when trials hit hardest, God is your stabilizing rock through the rockiest times.
Now let's pray.
God, life can be tricky sometimes. Some days are good and others are terribly hard. Today, I am asking for Your strength and assistance as I navigate my way through everything. Teach me to trust You to bring me through anything, my friend, my redeemer, my rock! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
