Worst-case scenario (Prayer Devotional for the week of August 11, 2013)

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Imagine relaxing at home one evening watching the news, and you receive a call out-of-the-blue from your boss. Your boss says that there was a hostile takeover of your company and you are being laid off, effective immediately. In the background, the newscaster reports that the stock market closed at a record low, and your retirement plan is now worthless. Meanwhile, a neighbor knocks on the door to let you know that a tree branch just fell onto your car and totaled it. While you are talking, a text message buzzes with news from the vet that your dog died. Then, the police show up to let you know that several family members have been killed in a terrible wreck. How would you react to such a horrible chain of events?

A similarly tragic tale unfolds in Job 1:13-19. Job was devastated with grief by all that happened, but v. 22 reveals that he did not disrespect or blame God for his plight. Things got even worse for poor ol’ Job. He became physically ill, and even his wife thumbed her nose at him. He stood his ground, though, and Job 2:10 says again that he did not mouth off about God.

Three of Job’s friends to came to visit him. At first, they sat with him quietly for moral support, but one by one, they became tired of the pity party. They took turns giving Job some so-called advice about his predicament, and it boiled down to his fault. They suggested that surely, he must have sinned against God, or perhaps it was even his children’s sin that led to their untimely demise. Job did not take the criticism lightly, and he pleaded his case and begged for answers from God.

Job’s story is a worst-case scenario that I hope none of us ever experience. You can read more to find out how it ends, but suffice it to say that Job learned a thing or two about trusting God. There is a lot that we could learn from his situation, as well. How we respond in times of trouble can communicate volumes about our faith. Are we critical, complaining and ranting about how the world is always against us? Do we blame others for our “bad luck” and vow to get even someday? Do we listen to the naysayers and turn our backs on God? God is not daunted by our questions, frustrations or fears. Sometimes, though, what God wants to teach us isn’t just about the solution to our problems. It’s about the process in getting us there.

Smash-o-gram PSA

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Ladies (and gents — please pass the info along to ladies in your life), I have a Public Service Announcement to make. I’ve been meaning to schedule a baseline mammogram for the past year or so, but I kept putting it off because I didn’t *have* to do it, and I’ve always heard that they are terribly painful. (And really, why voluntarily undergo pain?)

I realize everyone’s experience may be different, and technicians and machines are different, but I’m here to tell you that my first smash-o-gram wasn’t NEARLY as awful as the hype I’ve heard over the years!

It wasn’t pleasant, by any means, but I’ve had underwire bras that were more uncomfortable than the procedure itself. The smashing part really wasn’t too bad; the worst part was the stretching I felt in my skin at the top of my rib cage and my pecs, after the technician maneuvered and adjusted me into position and the plates started to press together.

The digital machine was pretty cool; I even got to see the images afterward. For once in my life, someone told me that it’s great that I have fatty tissue! 🙂  Seriously, though, the dark areas on the screen were fatty/non-dense places, and any white spots represented breast tissue/dense places. Those are the areas that the doctor will scrutinize for any abnormalities.

I’m not anticipating any problems, and thankfully, I have no history of breast cancer in my family, but it’s good to have a baseline so we can keep track in the years ahead. So, if you haven’t had a smash-o-gram yet, or it’s been a while since you have, then make an appointment and go do it!

1,000 days (give or take a few)

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My sweet pastors pointed out something from the pulpit on Sunday that caught me by surprise: One of the other folks on our media ministry team realized that I’ve written 1,000 devotionals, so they recognized my efforts with a round of applause. It was very kind and a little embarrassing (especially with my kids pointing at me to draw even more attention, LOL!).

It’s hard to wrap my head around 1,000 posts, but I started them in January 2011, so with 8 posts a week (2 on Sundays), it’s pretty close, give or take a few. I’m grateful, first of all, that y’all read anything I write. 🙂  I’m even more touched that the prompts are meaningful to folks and utterly blown away by the kind words that people have to say about what they’ve gotten from it.

I can’t help but write — it’s an extension of who I am, in a lot of ways — but seeing God use it is exquisitely gratifying and very humbling. So, here’s to 1,000 days of walking and growing together! The journey has been wearisome, at times, but it’s a joy to be on this adventure with each one of you. Thank you!