It is so amazing how God is moving in this season. I feel my senses are so heightened right now. Everything feels deeper, stronger, more intense. I am experiencing this firsthand as I work with my partner to figure out how to run our water polo club during this COVID season. Every decision we make has to be scrutinized over and has to be seen from all angles, to ensure we are keeping our athletes safe. Every interaction with parents has to be deliberate and intentional. We are constantly reminding ourselves that we, and the families of our athletes, are all operating out of some level of grief and healing. This requires a great amount of energy, during a time when I feel I have less energy than ever before.

“God reminded me that we can walk right up to him, that we can do that in all confidence . . . He is here, always available to me.”

So, I go to God, I sit, and I delve into his Word. On one such occasion, He sent me to Hebrews 10:19-39. And it was such a breath of fresh air. When I sit in the Word, I try to use several versions of the bible to help me process the meaning of the verses I read. On this day, I dove into the NIV and Message versions of the bible. God reminded me that we can walk right up to him, that we can do that in all confidence. I am not running my water polo program alone, He is here, always available to me. This section of Hebrews talks about holding unswervingly to the hope we profess, because God is faithful. Reading these words was such a great reminder that God is PRESENT, always! He is here right now and will be with me through all of the decisions I need to make.

0ther words and phrases that stood out to me in these verses include: keeping a firm grip on His promises, encourage others, help out, do not give up on meeting together, confidence, persevere, we are not quitters, survive & trust. All these words calm my spirit in this season of confusion and exhaustion. These words remind me to press on, to focus on God, and to love those around me. The extra effort it requires to gather with others safely is important, and worth it. God is encouraging me to hope in Him and trust in Him. He is reminding me to help and encourage others and continue to gather in ways that are safe right now. Some mornings I wake up less confident than others. But I remind myself of these words to press on and to persevere, because God is weaving beauty into these days. I just need to keep moving forward with my eyes on Him.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25.”

God Weaves Beauty into These Days

Issue 053

October 25, 2020