23 October 2014

extra grace for today

This morning we are weak and weary after a night in which the two littlest members of our household aligned themselves at bedtime and waged war against rest.  I struggled to have patience and a good attitude this morning during oatmeal served with a side of tantrums, and felt desperate for what would become of the day.

Finally, after I forbid my three year old from singing any more at the breakfast table, the Lord broke in.  Sweet Piper is so resilient, and held my hand as we pleaded with God for our day.  That we would live it in a way that is worthy of His calling on our lives.  That He would give us extra grace and rest.  We need rest.

Our prayer may not have been so eloquent.  More like, "God, please help us.", amidst tears of exhaustion.

Next, Piper asked me to read from the Jesus Storybook Bible.  We landed on the story of A Little Girl and a Poor Frail Lady from Luke 8.  Of course, I was struck by the miracle of Jarius' daughter being brought back from sickness and death.  But that isn't the whole story.  God is great in the way that He can put His glory on display in doing the impossible, while teaching us not to overlook the small details.

Jarius had enough faith to go to Jesus when his daughter was ill, however when his servants came to him with news of the child's death it seemed that all hope was lost.  But the frail, old lady they met along the way simply wrecked me.  She felt certain that if she could simply touch the robe of Jesus, she would be healed.  And she was.  And what's more, hope was not lost for the little girl.  A beautiful picture of the day we look forward to when the sad things of this world are made untrue at Jesus' return.

We cried out to God for help at our breakfast table, and He replied with simple instruction on faith.  He said to us, through the story of this faithful, sickly woman, You believed, and now you are well.  

Lord, I believe.  Only help my unbelief.

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