Life has been busy over the past few weeks. Somedays, I feel like I don’t have enough hours in the day to fit everything in. I’ve had doctor appointments, birthday parties, and multiple sets of company, coming and going. I am not complaining – my life is full. As I sit here this morning with my coffee and my laptop, I want to share with you how good our God is! I challenge you to take a posture of gratitude in your life, despite the trials and pain we feel, find the good in everyday and thank our good, good, God for His faithfulness.

Two weeks ago, I had an MRI of my heart. I’ve been waiting two months for this appointment. As I got closer to the date, my anxiety increased. What will the MRI be like?  What will the MRI show? Well dear friends, this past Friday I saw a new specialist, and he gave me the results of the MRI. I have no scarring on my heart to show any reason why my heart is weak. Scarring would have shown a heart attack or an attack from a virus, but with no scarring, we are back to the unknown. Why is my heart weak, if I have no blockages or scars? The only other possibility is genetics…. well that’s not helpful. (Insert laughing face) So my next step is to muster my stubborn and determined nature, and begin exercising and lose some weight. Again…Ugh!

God has been faithful. He brought me out of poverty. He gave me a spirit of determination. He provided me with a wonderful, loving husband, and has blessed us with 37 years of marriage. He has walked with us through many trials and has been faithful. Wayne Grudem, writes in his works on Systematic Theology, “God’s goodness is thus the solid foundation for all real joy in the universe.” 

“God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your ‘thorn’ uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.” J.I. Packer, Knowing God

As I sit this morning in my kitchen, I am filled with awe over the goodness of our God. No matter what today brings and no matter what tomorrow may throw at me, I serve a good good God. I ask you to examine your heart, just as the doctors are examining mine. Embrace the unknown and the trials that you may be facing, knowing that God is good, and He is using this moment to bring you closer to Him. I have learned in the past 2 years, as I have struggled with heart failure, I cannot do this on my own. I must surrender. But was a joy to know whom I am surrendering to!