I Heard a Voice…
This is going to sound like the negative story that never ends, but it does have a good ending.
On our way to church Sunday morning, it was snowing – again. It was one of those times that we should’ve left earlier, but the men in my family take SO LONG to get ready in the morning! Lol. The car in front of us was going 20 mph in a 30, and then continued to go 20 mph – in a 45! Needless to say, we were going to be late – as in very. Not a good way to start the day.
We were basically stuck behind this car for what seemed like forever. Mark even suggested that we turn around and attend another local church, but we soon got to a place where we could pass this vehicle. As we passed it, I noticed that the young driver was talking on her cell phone. She appeared to be caught up in her own little world and apparently had no clue that there were several cars behind her. I’m so glad that I’VE NEVER done anything like that before. Haha. JUST Kidding.
Somehow we made it to church on time. For the life of me, I don’t see how. Making it there and being able to worship was the light at the end of the tunnel. The funny thing was, the sermon was about learning to find joy – in all circumstances.
Well, the rest of the day turned out to be one of THOSE days. I won’t go into detail – just trust me. Nothing serious happened, just several little things. When Mark left for the airport that afternoon, I sat there and thought “Can we do this day over?”
As I sat there feeling blah, I remembered these words that the minister shared that morning: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
I had already told our bible study group that we wouldn’t be there since Mark had to leave early, but I knew that I needed to do something. I ended the day by going to a praise and worship service at church. I went alone – something I don’t like to do, but was determined to find that joy that the minister spoke about.
I sat in the back, with only a couple rows of people behind me. When we were singing “Amazing Grace”, this woman sitting behind me started singing r-e-a-l-l-y loud. What struck me was that her voice reminded me of a teenager who is going through the change (Think of Peter Brady). I finally couldn’t stand it anymore; I turned (slightly)to look at her to see if she was goofing around, because it certainly sounded that way. When I saw her out of the corner of my eye, I realized that she was a special needs woman, and she was singing from her heart. When the service was over, I overheard her tell the person next to her, “Now THAT was fun!” What a blessing. Because of her love for the Lord, my spirits were lifted.
Whatever you are going through, don’t ever give up on finding that joy. It may not come to you in the way that you expect, but he will provide.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-4
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
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