I fell a few days ago while walking down a sandy trail to the beach in Southern California. Suddenly I was on my face in the sand and my left leg was NOT happy! It was such a painful shock. Mayhem came at me unexpected, and out of the proverbial blue. It’s not serious as I broke no bones, but my leg is badly swollen and my walk is gimpy at best. I am thankful to the Lord as He spared me much. And I am grateful as I wince and limp.
I know many who have been struck by mayhem appearing in the form of wrenching, painful grief and loss, illness, surgery, grief and financial despair in the last several weeks. Social media post many requests for heartfelt prayer with no reason given. Most of these events struck unexpectedly – out of the blue – with no time to prepare. And that is often the way of life.
Lord, while I sit here with my previous plans shelved and found time to spend with you, I pray for the many who are unexpected recipients of grief. Life hurts. Loss shreds. I lift up those who are struggling with loss of lives, relationship, loss of jobs, loss of incomes – so much loss, Lord! I am grateful we can come to You and You hear us! You respond to our prayers and move even in ways we cannot see. Heal wounded and shattered hearts, please Jesus. So I give You my previous plans and lay this season of rest and recovery before you. I pray for those You have given me to love and care for. I pray for my nation and the division that tears it apart to be healed. I pray that many reading these words would find Hope in the promise of Your faithfulness.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Prayers and Paintbrushes 