WHEN YOUR TESTIMONY ISN'T WHAT YOU EXPECTED

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one

final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is

true, and honorable, and right, and pure,

and lovely, and admirable. Think about

things that are excellent and worthy of

praise.  (Philippians 4:8, NLT)

When something looks like a testimony, but then doesn't play out the way I think it would have if it really had been, it's so easy for me to feel discouraged, confused, and let down, especially if I have already enthusiastically shared it with everyone I had an opportunity to share it with. 

This time around though, several scripture verses and passages in my daily devotionals were so timely they jumped off the page at me, persuading me to consider an alternate point of view.  That, plus the constant Godwinks the Lord keeps sending me to remind me that He is aware of my every need--no matter how small--and that He is taking care of me. Reminders to rest in Him and trust Him rather than the dictates of my senses or my intellect.

Instead of being disappointed that the results of my surgery were not all that I anticipated they would be, I choose to add the word "yet."  I believe this chapter is still being written, and what I see is not the end of the story.

                         Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no 

                         need to fear for I'm your God.  I'll 

                         give you strength. I'll help you. I'll 

                         hold you steady, keep a firm grasp

                         on you.  (Isaiah 40:10, The Message)