Monday, August 22, 2011 - Shiny New Opportunities

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory 

that far outweighs them all." 

2 Corinthians 4:17

     The last week has been a marathon of new beginnings. School began and P.E. students can see their reflections in polished wooden gym floors.  Lost and Found boxes are empty. New classes, choirs and ministries began at church and on top of all these changes, our family's making a fresh start in a new home where I finally found the kitchen trash can.
     Newness brings its own brand of distress and discomfort. We like to know exactly where to go, where to sit, what to bring and where the trash can is. We want to feel prepared, but new situations often offer more questions than answers.  

    As we began enlisting people to work in preschool and children's choirs at church, I rejoiced with exceeding great joy to find two of our preschool classes already staffed, experienced and excited.  However, the four-year old class had no leaders, so I asked Beverly to take it, promising to find help for her. I found one volunteer and needed at least one more, two would be better. After several failed attempts, the new activities started falling like dominoes and, still, no one could be found to help with four-year-olds.  It was beyond me. I couldn't fill this need. Trying to buck up and find my faith, (still in a box in the garage?) I took it to the Lord: "Lord, PLEASE send help for that choir - which, by the way, starts next week - Wednesday, August 17 - 6:00 - p.m. I trust You with this, You know who You want to serve in there. This will be Beverly's first time to teach children's choir, please make it a good experience for her. Again, we start next Wednesday, August 17. Amen." 

     Thursday, Friday and Saturday passed with no answer so that by Sunday I had to anchor myself into my seat to keep from rushing through the church like a crazy person threatening to do something drastic if no one volunteered. I prayed again, "Lord, I trust You. You love these kids and You love Beverly. Please send her help for THIS Wednesday, which is now only three days away."

     Monday and Tuesday came and went. Wednesday dawned and it appeared Beverly and Aaron would face the four year olds alone. I prayed and fought off the urge to stress out or melt down and went to the church to prepare for the evening. At 5:00, one hour before Beverly needed help, I found Tom in his office meeting with the Ankney family as they sought places for their 13-year- old twin girls, Avery and Alexis, to serve in the music ministry. God sent twins to meet two needs: their need to serve and Beverly's need for help.  Beverly was thrilled with all three of her co-leaders and had a wonderful first preschool choir experience as the girls fell in love with the four-year-olds.

"He rescues and He saves; 

He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. 

He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." 

Daniel 6:27

     You and I will face daily lions that threaten to kick the legs out from under our faith and devour us. Those are the very things God loves to overcome for us. He asks us to trust in Him alone and when we do He works in had-to-be-God ways to bless everyone involved.  
    Today begins a new week, offering us the opportunity to trust God knows what He's doing.  What could happen if we called on Him for fresh Strength, Grace and Wisdom for this new day?   

"O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for You. 

Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." 

Isaiah 33:2

Lord, thank You for answered prayers. Thank You for knowing who and what we need and for sending them in "had-to-be-God" ways. Loving God, You handle details with care and precision. Help us trust You never to change and to hand over all the threatening lions in our lives. Bless You, Lord, for caring!

In the Name of Jesus, Giver of New Life

Clipart from Google Images