Knowing Him

It's been a rough month.

Unexpected, severe health challenges for two dear friend's Father.
Unexpected death of a young man who was in our small group for several years.
Tragic death of a four year old whose family is connected with our church.
Severe attacks and struggles facing a ministry very close to my heart.
Car troubles, family struggles, and lots more every day life struggles facing those in my "inner circle."

And all I can think is that I want to fortify the walls around my heart, and turn the page on this chapter as quick as I possibly can.

Fear.

For too long I have allowed fear to edge out hope in certain areas of my life. I came across this quote today from Angie Smith, and it was as if the Lord opened my eyes to something I had never considered before,

In my life, hope has led me to pray. It has led me to believe Him. To have the boldness to say that I trust Him above the hurt. It has given me a reason to lift my head, to stake my claim, and to dismiss the shadows that whisper, “it will not be redeemed.” We do not know the ways of the Lord, of course. I’ve heard it said a thousand times and I agree. But there is more to say, isn’t there?

We might not know His ways, but we can know Him.

I am not sure what you are facing today, but I do know this: you can allow hope to rule in your heart or you can let fear stake its claim in your heart.

Too often I have allowed fear to stake its claim in my heart.

Not today.

Not for this chapter.

I might not know His ways, but I know Him.

I know Him.