Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.                                                                               

2 Corinthians 4:16-18                                     

This world is full of many distractions from the real reason we were put on earth, to serve Jesus Christ. How do we push out all of those distractions to stay focused and really hear what we are being called to do?  This is a question I struggle with every day. The more complicated and busy I let my life become the harder it is to quiet the noise.

Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am a planner and a person who likes to be in control. I want to plan everything out and be the decision maker. How do I reconcile that desire with what God’s plan is for me? I pray about this every day to have the trust in him and the faith to follow Him and carry out His plan.

Following God’s plan was challenged to a breaking point for me in 2010.  I am blessed beyond measure to have a very large and close family. I am one of 24 grandchildren and until then we had experienced only one death in the family in my lifetime.  That all changed in 2010 and within a 6 month period, I lost my grandmother and both parents.  I began to question how this could be part of his plan. The losses were overwhelming and I began to question my faith.  It was through no action on my part that this changed for me.  God put amazing people in my path that reminded me that there is more to this plan than I can understand and that I need to trust Him to know what is in store for me. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to trust and stay focused on your love and your plan. Help us to recognize that our outward suffering strengthens our inner desire to be more committed and focused on you. Our earthly suffering pales in comparison to the  eternal glory we will share with you. Help us to use this time of Lent to reflect and prepare for your coming. Quiet our minds to hear your calling. In your name we pray. Amen