Arise

Over the last couple weeks, I've sat down with my computer multiple times, opened my blog, and sat, hands poised and ready, to type as soon as the muse would strike, but to no avail. I thought of absolutely nothing worth writing about.

We sang a new song in church this morning. At the end of the first slide, my eyes were beginning to swim. By the second, I found my lips were quivering. By the chorus, I was fighting back sobs, and not doing it well. (I've now been told by two people in the praise team that I need to stop that because it makes them cry too. haha)

This song hit me so hard, that it was the first thing in a couple weeks that I've felt compelled to write about. So here, courtesy de Chris Tomlin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart
These things, I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

It was the "to believe again" part that really hit home for me. I started wondering, when, how, why have I doubted? I think I've doubted in any number of situations, without even knowing that I'm doing it.

How many great opportunities or even, far-fetched possibilities, have I let slip by because they seem too "out there?" At what point along the way did I stop reminding myself that "I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me?" (Philippians 4:13)

Earlier this week, I heard from a few teenagers who are enduring really difficult circumstances. One, has possibly lost sight in one of his eyes for good. The other is facing losing a family member to a terminal illness. Both of these teenagers were able to say that though they didn't understand what God's plan in these circumstances is, they trust Him. They believe He has plans for good in all things, even when they are painful and confusing.

If they can face that and continue to put their faith in God whole-heartedly, why don't I let myself do the same? Whether it has to do with difficult life circumstances, or life choices, or my future plans, I should be trusting fully in Him. Miracles can happen, and I can accomplish the seemingly impossible because if I ask Him, God will lead me the entire way.