A Great Perspective...

This morning I was driving Nick to school and I said, "Nick, do you realize that since we decided to go to Africa as a family next summer, the refrigerator died... Zack had a terrible accident...  my car died and now the stomach flu is making it's way through our house!"

Nick didn't miss a beat...  He looked at me and said, "I guess that means we're supposed to go!"

Now that's a perspective that makes me smile!  One thing I've learned... when you're heading down the right path, obstacles will abound!!  You can let them knock you off the path, or you can let them be some assurance that you're on the right path...

Now I realize that one could argue, "well maybe they're meant to direct you to another path..."  And I would totally agree that sometimes God does use circumstances to re-direct us...  But what I've learned over the years is that God clearly closes doors, He doesn't play guessing games with us...  Or He takes away our peace... I've never experienced Him using discouragement to lead me to another path...

Just this morning, I was reading 2 Chronicles 20...  A vast army has come against Israel and this is what God says to them in verse 17...  "You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you...  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Go out and face them and the LORD will be with you."

And Israel went out to face the enemy's army with thanksgiving and praise! 

So I think I'll take a page from Israel's playbook!  I'm going to praise in light of all these annoyances (and a few heartaches with Zack's situation)...  And I'm going to stand firm and guard my heart against discouragement...  This is not my battle to fight and I have TOTAL confidence in the One who is fighting the battle for us!!

(Off to the doctor in a short while for the next check up for Zack's ankle... Will post an update later...  Thank you for all who have been praying!)