March 16, 2020
No Matter What, Don’t Lose Hope!
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV).
Friend to Friend
A turtle showed up on my doorstep. And, can I tell you all? He was the cutest turtle.
At first, he was covered in muck, but my 2-children got a wet paper towel and cleaned him all up. He looked spiffy. His gold stripes shined, and he seemed happy to have a new home in my kid’s plastic outdoor box. Every 15-minutes or so, we’d run to the window to see what our new pet was doing.
But, before long, I knew what would have to happen… He couldn’t stay with us forever. It was getting cold outside, plus large predatory birds and animals often get dinner at night. My heart couldn’t take the idea of losing him. I informed the kids: he must be set-free.
The next day, we congregated around his box. My son set him down on the grassy ground. Then, the little turtle slowly set course and before we knew it – he was gone. Long gone, into the water. There wasn’t nearly a dry eye.
As we stood there, my son muttered a grieved-crying sound, which sounded something like, "God, bring me a turtle again!"
Indeed, I felt sad for my boy. I know how it is -- it hurts to lose something. It hurts to say goodbye to ones we love. It hurts to want, yet not be able – to have. I didn’t think there was even the smallest chance his prayer would be answered…
Until about one week later, when my son stormed into the house after a playdate screaming, "Mom, come outside! I have a surprise for you!"
And there – I stood shocked – because there was not one but two turtles standing on my doormat.
Wow, the fervent prayer of my little boy – availed much. God hadn't just answered my son’s prayer, but he answered with a double portion.
In my son’s loss, God gave gain. Instead of hope deferred, my boy found new life. More than what was impossible, God delivered an “immeasurably more” gift, right into my son’s hands.
Where have you experienced loss? In what ways are you wanting, hoping, and praying? Are you defeated, down, or discouraged?
May I offer you fresh encouragement, dear girlfriend? Do not lose hope. You serve a big and mighty God. You serve the God – who knows. You serve the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hill. You serve the King who has a good plan. No matter if the blessings look big or they continually look small, you can be sure your God is up to something good. Just keep your eyes on Him. Just keep trusting.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)
God still has the power to do immeasurably more. God still has the power to exceed requests. God still has the power to expand beyond what you imagine... Take heart. Keep asking. Keep believing. Keep hoping. He shows up, just not as you initially expected, or demanded. This is, often, how God exceeds imaginations.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, give me eyes to see your goodness. Give me strength in the wait. Give me hope along my journey.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
- Where are you discouraged?
- How has hope been deferred in your life?
- How might God be making good out of what looks bad?
More from the Girlfriends
© 2021 by Kelly Balarie. All rights reserved.
