Slow Recovery - Time Crunch

It has not been the easiest of weeks for us; perhaps one of our most difficult to date, taking into perspective all aspects of life as we know it today. The treatment seemed to really hit Michelle hard this week, harder than the past four weeks or so. She has battled headaches and feeling "strange" since Monday afternoon and it's just this morning that she has begun to get some relief. In the midst of that, we continue to pack for the move - we are really beginning to feel the crunch on that end. With me leaving mid-week next week with Sarah, it feels like the move is looming like a big wall right in front of us that we need to climb over. Every time we pack another box or prepare another thing for the move, there is something else to deal with - it's never ending it seems. On top of that, I have the final crunch of gathering info and meeting with people at the church... I know - "Suck it up pal and stop your whining!!", or more sarcastically, "Can I get you some cheese and crackers to go along with that w(h)ine!!" Still, in the midst of it all, God continues to show Himself faithful, being right there to minister to and strengthen us for the moment and for the future.

I woke this morning thinking of the story of Jericho... I saw before my minds-eye the great wall that stood looming before the army of Israel- it must have seemed insurmountable and unconquerable. As they took each and every step of faith (and it took A LOT of faith to keep walking around those walls!!!), each one taken patiently as they patiently made every journey around that walled city, all while patiently waiting on and trusting in the Lord, that massive wall still stood there "mocking" them. Yet, each patient step, each patient circuit moved them one notch closer to where the Lord was leading them; each patient step, each patient circuit prepared them more for what the Lord was going to accomplish in and through them; each patient step, each patient circuit drew them closer to victory in Him! You all know the end of the story - each patient step, each patient circuit led them to the point of shouting in victory (before the victory was even realized - hmmm, there's a sermon for you!!!) as that "mocking" wall came tumbling down! How encouraging that story is to me today - it really is as simple as us diligently taking each step patiently in Him, us doing our part while letting Him sovereignly move in His time and in His way. When we do this, that which seems insurmountable and unconquerable is simply a "house of cards" waiting to tumble before us as we walk in and with Him.

We have seen this time and time again these past weeks and I am thankful to be reminded of it once again today! Though the "walls" that stand before us might at times seem big in the moment, we take great confidence in the FACT that our God is BIGGER still!!! I trust and pray that would encourage some of you today as well.

We covet your prayers and are so thankful to have them; keep praying please! We love you... - Steve and Michelle -