Coming home from the Sooner game, I was praying about my speaking engagements in Oklahoma about foster care and faith. When I arrived back at my hotel I was informed that a toddler in foster care just died in a swimming pool accident in Oklahoma City - the cite of the first event. My heart sank. This tragedy took a life and will inevitably present another barrier to individuals and families thinking about serving children as foster parents (their thought is - who wants the added stress and responsibility). Thus, this is a tragedy on many levels.

 

On Monday morning I was praying about the events I would speak at that day. I felt somewhat discouraged knowing the environment of loss, tragedy and pain I was entering. Nonetheless, I knew God was in control and that He called me to this purpose and His plan. I am here for a reason and that must remain my focus. As I prayed, the thought came across my mind, "What's going on in you needs to be able to handle what's going on around you". I prayed more!

 

Life doesn't always work out as we plan. The foster family had no intention of a swimming pool accident claiming the life of the toddler. Football teams don't train to lose. People don't get married to have problems. Children are not born for abuse and neglect. Still, life happens and tragedy and trauma will someday be a part of the experience. The question is, "what are you going to do on the most challenging day of your life ... how are you going to respond?" Is what is going on in you able to handle what is going on around you?

 

 

Scripture tells us that the people of God will not be left alone in adversity or suffering. No, we will be taught through suffering and adversity (James 1). Our job is to simply cry for help and be prepared. We are to be ready to tackle what the world and life throws at us and we do this in the furnace and field of preparation. Remember, the victorious fighter may be crowned in the ring but he was made in the workouts on the road!

 

The specific example of Isaiah 30 tells us that the people of God will hear the voice of God providing direction in the storm. That's right, on your most challenging day God is ready to comfort, direct and lead you through to victory. He did not create the storm but He is able, and willing, to get you through it. Your job is to be prepared.

 

How do we prepare for challenging days? You need to be strong inside which means you have to feed the inner man with God's word and His will. And, since you can't know His will without knowing His word you must study scripture to know who God is and what He is doing and wants you to do. After all, if you don't know who God is you won't know what God can do. He is in your corner. He is on your side. He is the voice! Prepare for your challenging days by meeting with Him today ... read, study, worship, pray. Be ready for the opportunities that will shape your destiny!