"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11
I think the expression is "getting the rug pulled out from under you", but in our house it's "getting your seatbelts chewed up". Let me explain...
My beautiful little family is new to the world of biking as a pastime. This summer we frequented Craigslist until we had outfitted everyone in the family with a bike appropriate to their own height and ability. (As usual, I am proud of my thrifty finds.) Well, also from Craigslist, we adopted a dog-Hank the Husky/Lab mix.
Hank was in pretty rough shape when we found him. He was missing most of the fur from his neck, had quite a few large scars, and was pretty anxious when left alone. I fell in love with him immediately. (God gave me a heart for those that need me.)
It just so happened that our first family bike trip coincided with our first overnight with Hank. We were heading up to Redwing, Minnesota to ride some trails and all were very excited. Not being the greatest planners out there, we figured we would find somewhere to stay when we arrived, but what we found was that none of the hotels allowed pets.
So, we had two choices:
1. Try to sneak Hank into the hotel or...
2. Hank would sleep in the van.
Seeing as Hank is almost a 100 lb. dog, we opted for number two. (On a sidenote for all you animal lovers, I love dogs. We made sure that he had plenty of exercise during the day, food and water, and was in no danger of overheating.)
When I went out to walk Hank early the next morning, it wasn't pretty. Hank had eaten through 7 of the 8 seatbelts in the van. Talk about feeling panicked! Hours from home on a Sunday, have to go back, no way to travel safely.
I find this dilemma to be the perfect analogy to when we lose our security in our lives one way or another. Have you had that feeling? Maybe you've just been diagnosed with cancer or you've found out you can't have children. Maybe you've experienced the death of a loved one or you've lost a job and can't find work. Maybe your spouse has had an affair or you've gotten in a fight with someone you care about. Whatever it is, Hank has eaten your seatbelts, you've lost your security, and you don't feel safe.
What do you do?
In the seatbelt situation, we called our car insurance provider. With very little faith that something like this would be covered, we called them up. To our surprise, it was! (And a good thing because the final bill came to $1600!)
What do you do if it's one of those bigger things? Call your REAL insurance provider. In other words, call on God for help.
I have found in every moment of fear and helplessness, God has come through in the end to take care of things for me. And as I look back? He sent help while I waited. It doesn't always feel like help is coming and it is hard to hold onto faith, but if you are paying attention you will notice strategic people put into place to help see you through the hard times. Family that supports you through everything, a co-worker that helps make sure you have a positive start to your day or lends an ear at the end of a rough one, a child that throws their arms around you just to make sure you know you are loved, an old buddy that stops by to visit on his way through town, a church full of people who make you feel welcome, a spouse who loves you unconditionally...all provide you with strength. And I believe that all are strategically sent to remind us that help is on the way. That God is there to take care of you when mayhem strikes your emotional life...and he is 100% dependable.
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