Rejoice!

I have a great reason to rejoice tonight. My God showed up in a mighty way today. It started this morning as I was getting dressed. I did as I do often, talked and communed with God as I prepared for the day. During my prayer time, I began to think of a potentially painful revelation in my life. I'm pretty sure I said aloud, "God, when that happens, you're going to have to just pour out your grace on me because there is no way I'll be able to handle that on my own." I then began to mock myself, convinced that I was borrowing trouble. I repeated the prayer anyway, just for good measure. Little did I know that just three hours later, that painful revelation would come. I don't believe this was a coincidence. I believe this was the Holy Spirit's way of preparing my heart for the news. I immediately sensed the sweetness of the Spirit's moving in my heart. It didn't take away the pain. It didn't even numb it, but remembering my prayer, I was able to see on the other side of it. I didn't do this alone. I am thankful for Kimberly who so lovingly softened the blow of my first reaction. I am thankful for Kerie who refused to allow me to slip into the unhealthy attitude of self-pity and self-deprecation. I am thankful for Julie who prayed the sweetest prayer over me (over the phone) that allowed me to release my tears and experience the grace that God so willingly lavished upon me. I am thankful for Angie Smith, a woman whom I've never met but who's blog I read faithfully. She posted a song on the blog today that lovingly reminded me that when shattered things (dreams, hopes, lives) are laid before the throne of the Almighty, they will not be left unredeemed.

But most of all, I rejoice that I have a Savior who loves me enough to orchestrate all of these moments at just the perfect time. I found myself surprised at His love today. But then I realized, if He loves me enough to send his sinless Son to die on a cross for my sin, and I have no trouble accepting that, then why do I have so much trouble believing that His love for me also reaches to my everyday hurts and pains? If God loved me enough to allow Jesus to pay the debt of death of my behalf, surely he loves me enough to know my hurts and my pains and to prepare me to deal with them. How amazing is the grace that He offers each and every day, to make it through the struggles of life. So today, my prayer is Paul's command in Philippians 4:4. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

To the outside world, today wouldn't leave me much for which to rejoice. But because I serve and worship a loving God, I can rejoice! I must rejoice! Rejoice! Again, I will say, Rejoice!!!