“Faith looks back and draws courage; hope looks ahead and keeps desire alive.”- John Eldredge
In Chapter 24 (“Finding Peace Amid the Thorns”) of Blessings, Laura Story remarks that it has taken a long time for her ( as well as husband Martin) to be thankful for the thorn (Martin’s brain tumor”) God allowed into their lives. But one thing they have learned is that there are even blessings in waiting. They take life a bit more slowly and have learned to rely on church, family, and friends. As Laura notes, even thought we may be facing a bleak future and we see calamity all around us, we have to trust in God when He says His plan is good.
While Laura and Martin would love to know why God hasn’t removed their thorn, they fully understand that they may not receive God’s answer this side of heaven. But they do know that weakness isn’t necessarily a bad place to be when a strong God is on your side. Joni Eareckson Tada offers her unique perspective on thorns:
“The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead. It’s enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.”
Today’s question: What blessings has God led you to discover as you wait for your revisioned calling? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Don’t give up!”