Confidence has its Rewards

According to my journal, today is the 37th day of quarantine. How time flies when we’re having so much fun! Even though there are many still in “crisis” mode because of the effects of the virus on their bodies, so many in financial straits, and others exhausted as front-liners, the end is actually in sight!

I felt it yesterday when I walked by my community’s golf course that has been closed because of the pandemic. The golfers were out in abundance. We can get our hope up – our expectors expecting! Soon we’ll be back in the routines of daily go – go! Workers will go to work. Graduates will get to have their graduation. Huggers will get to hug again. Campaigners will campaign again. Restaurants will be open for business. Parks will be full. Sports arenas and fields and entertainment parks will resume. “Open for Business” will be the norm again. But, we will never forget the pandemic of 2020.

These weeks of mandatory separation from others has given me plenty of time for spring cleaning and organizing. But, it has also been a time of reflection for me and my thoughts. Like many others, I never thought I would see anything like this in my country. I believe this will go down in history as a time the Church stood strong and saw the salvation of the Lord! We didn’t waver in our faith and belief that God is alive and well and He is still in control. We continued to pray. We continued to watch on-line church and I think the Sabbath day became what God really modeled for us in creation. That it is the Sabbath day to be kept holy as a day of rest. We have stood strong and together in unity!

I became extremely nostalgic when I was looking through my large bin of photos. The bin tipped over from the vulnerable place where I sat it. Those photos scattered all over my garage floor. I am convinced it was God’s way of having me look back at all the blessings and joys of family and friends over the years. It was my incentive to organize all those photos (hundreds, maybe thousands) and put them in organized boxes for my children and me.

This scripture came to me "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be greatly rewarded...” (Hebrews 10:35) Those photos reminded me of some of the “wins” we had after struggles. And, that’s what God shows us in His Word. That "confidence" scripture comes just before a long list of heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. I am always encouraged when I read about those great women and men of faith. They endured, and were rewarded. And that’s how God wants us to live – not in the past of regret and remorse, but scriptures, photos and memories that illustrate confidence, endurance AND wins!

These last few weeks have definitely been a tester of our faith. God loves us so much and He has our best interests at heart. If His power was enough to defeat sin and raise His Son from the dead, surely, He is delivering us. We have learned so many lessons about trust during these times. We placed our lives in hands. We’ve trusted Him and we will continue to trust Him in whatever and wherever our faith journey takes us. Just think about the faith muscles we’ve acquired during this time. We’ve not only endured the season – we are making it through it. Our endurance has paid off because of our genuine faith and trust in our unfailing God.

We’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel but we might be struggling with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Oh, but, no fear, we know what lies ahead for us because our future is guaranteed by the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Last night, the gals from my Life Group embraced one of our members whose dear husband went to heaven two years ago, yesterday. At dinner she shared what a wonderful husband and dad he was, as well as being a brave soldier in the Vietnam war. Then we went to see "Heaven is For Real". Perfect movie for the celebration. Sweet times -- sharing each other's faith journeys. This group, also, wants to be good soldiers, armored with God’s Word. Most importantly, we are doing what St. Paul told young Timothy to do in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of FAITH!” We are convinced God uses our “life's adventures” to equip us with undaunted and unwavering faith.

I remember what a brave, courageous soldier my own sweet husband was, and what it was like.....before the "suddenly". Once upon a time, we had days that seemed so “routine”....waking up, getting dressed, having devotion, eating breakfast, going to work, etc. Repeat. And then, the “suddenly” came that brought a totally new life perspective. Before, rarely did we take the time to focus on how green the grass was, how blue the sky was, how bright the sun was, and how precious were days that were pain-free.

We took the preciousness of life so for granted. I received a lot of e-mails from friends that talked about appreciating life…..and never really got it, until our "suddenly". You know, holding my Honey’s hand, kissing his sweet lips, smelling his wonderful smell (btw -- “Fierce by Abercrombie” -- LOL!), hearing his laughter when he played with the grandchildren, hearing him tell me once again “I love you” – all those things that were once “routine” became so precious and dear to me!

Why do I continue to share my story with my FB friends? Because I want you to appreciate the life, love and laughter God has given you with your precious loved ones. Make every day a day of great thankgiving and making precious memories that will last a lifetime. In the meantime, for my sweet friend and I -- our husbands are cheering us on from heaven's grandstands, and we plant their flag of VICTORY knowing they fought the good fight, conquered, and earned their reward. And, she and I are both determined to finish our race strong -- cherishing each day, and celebrating this side of heaven. We know the other side will make room for us soon enough. That's when we'll plant OUR victory flag -- THERE!