He Covers You

I awoke unsettled this morning. I don't know if it was a thought or a dream, but the very beginnings of MMG were on my mind and the contractor that stole from us. I realized that this is about the time of year when we found out the truth of what he was doing and of his character. It is so amazing to me how our bodies keep the score of our experiences in this broken world. From what I know about our Creator, it must have been with intention and purpose.

Realizing the person helping us build our business was doing things wrong on purpose. All the struggle. All of the heartbreak. All of the damage control. All of the loss. The anger. The "Where were you, Lord? Why did you allow this to happen?"

The thing is, I still don't know the fullness of that answer. I don't think we will ever know why this side of Heaven.

Here is what I do know: we are never once promised that things will go the way we want or expect. This world is broken. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. There are people everywhere who are ruled by their own sinful desires - that sin has shrapnel that affects all who are near to it. God never wastes our pain, though, as long as we are willing to be a part of the process of our healing.

In John 16, Jesus is preparing His disciples for what is to come in an effort to prepare them, comfort them, and encourage them.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 ESV

This broken path led to a lot of unity in our marriage. We really learned what it looked like to have each other's backs. It was hard. It was messy. This broken path was the beginning of several really hard and lean years that we still aren't out of, but along the way, He has taught us contentment in some ways. It also forged us together in new ways. We are growing together and making new choices that will impact our mark and influence over the next generation(s). We may have not had the best earthly examples, but in looking to Jesus, He is showing us a new way. Perhaps it was an ancient way meant to be lived out here and now, but sinful choices along the way got it off track. This restoration is hard and holy work. It's sad that it is this way, to me. I wish it could have been different, because if people made different choices it very well could have been different.

"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations." Isaiah 61:3-4 NLT

This last year the Lord has been talking to me a lot about steadfastness. What it truly looks like to be steadfast and how that's cultivated. It's the hard way. It's a process. A long one. A marathon, not a sprint. It can't be microwaved. In a world of everything right now and at our fingertips, steadfastness is a seemingly ancient way. It's not about relief. It's not hurried. It's not worried. It's a, "lets see what God does here, while I keep trusting Him and do the next right thing." It's a Holy exchange - "I can't do this, but I know You can." It's not a passive waiting, but an active endurance.

"Hupomone" is a Greek word used in scripture meaning endurance, perseverance, patience, or steadfastness, particularly in the face of trials or hardship.

The word comes from the verb "hupomeno," which means "to remain under," to "endure," or "to stay the course."

I want to embody that. I think we all do in one way or another. When I read those words "to remain under" I think about Jesus. I think about a covering. Protection. A safety blanket.

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4 NLT

For those in Christ, He's got you. He's covering you. He's working all things together for your good and His glory. If you aren't in Christ, you're invited. There is a seat for you at the table. He's waiting for you. He loves you. You were on His mind when He went to and bore the cross.