TODAY IS THE DAY!

   Recently, I asked a sweet, godly friend how it was possible that they were able to walk through their recent valley with such focus. Their response was so simple, but even the deepest theological book could not have prepared me for the answer. "I just walk through today. One step at a time." What an incredible truth! Live in today! Not in the regrets of the past, not in the "what if's" of the future but look for those you can serve TODAY! 

  You see, for me, I accepted that my trial was one that God was going to work out for my good. I even held dear the truth that my future is perfectly detailed out by the Author and Perfecter of my faith. However, I was missing a critical detail the Lord had laid in front of me in order to walk with focus through this valley. I had taken my eyes off of the day I was living in and allowing my mind to be consumed with all of the possibilities (positive or negative) for my future after I emerged from this time. I was not simply focusing on the day, placing one foot in front of the other. I was trying to run a marathon into the future and I had not finished my training! 

  A few days later, I was working in my dad's office when my 90+ year old grandmother slowly entered the doorway. I had never seen anything but pure joy on her face, but that day, as I looked at her, I could see her pain for me. It wasn't a pitty, because as she looked at me, it was clear that she could see that I was walking through a storm the Lord has called me to journey through. She wrapped her arms that contain more wisdom than solomon around me and simply asked with a tear filled voice, "Are you better today than yesterday?" With tears pooling in my eyes, I could only nod. Tightening her arms she five words that proved that despite the storms she walked through in her own life, she surely has come forth as pure gold. "That's all you can do." 

   You see, we often find ourselves in the midst of trials and storms for many reasons. However, regardless of the reason we are walking through the storm, we are not walking alone. We walk with Jehovah Jireh, our provider. We are not expected to enter the storm and have a fool proof 10 year plan worked up in a matter of days. (Actually, I would discourage against that.) We are to walk through the day we wake up in. We are to get out of bed, put our feet on the floor and take the first step. Focus on today, and let YOUR Jehovah Jireh provide the rest. 

   Like me, you may have found peace in walking through your storm by remembering that ultimately you will come forth as gold. Remember, coming forth as gold will not happen in your time, in your way, and according to your will. You, and I, will come forth as PURE gold day by day, step by step, by the grace, strength and divine will of our LORD.