What a day. Cleaning up the remains of two fallen trees had taken some doing!
(See "Dead Elm Trees are Falling Down, Falling Down, Falling Down") My wife and
I did finally succeed in cleaning up most of the mess; however we decided to
leave the tree trunks on the side of our property until spring, when a good
chain saw would turn them into perfect-sized firewood.
Once back inside I relaxed. I had just begun working on the computer when I
realized that my watch was missing! I was quickly filled with dread: "What if…?
Oh no!" I searched all the places I had been since returning to the house, but
my watch was nowhere to be found. That only meant that I must have lost it while
cleaning up the dead trees! I ran out to the back of the property. I checked the
tree trunks carefully, even delving into the heap of branches we had neatly
piled at the back of the pond. No watch!
"What now?" I cried out.
Then came the voice of my Maker: "Ask me!"
I was immediately struck with shame. In my rush to find my watch, I had
forgotten to ask God for His guidance and help. How could I anticipate
succeeding without the One who has always been there for me?
"Please forgive me Lord for not consulting with you sooner," I whispered. "I
don't deserve your guidance, but I know you will lead me to my watch and I thank
You for Your help. I love You, Lord!"
As soon this prayer was uttered, I saw clearly where my watch was located. I
quickly ran back to the house, and sure enough it was exactly where God had
shown me it would be.
"But," you say, "I though you had already searched your house!"
I had! And I still missed it!
Whenever you depend on your own efforts, you are generally faced with
disappointment and discouragement. You may be facing trials much bigger than a
lost watch. Your spouse may have left you, one of your children may be rebelling
against you or even worse one of your loved ones may have died. No matter what
your circumstances, you don't need to face them alone. Jesus is there for you.
"Jesus doesn't care for me!" You may exclaim.
It may feel that way, but if you want proof that He loves you personally, I
would like to challenge you with the following: The next time you loose
something (e.g. keys, watch…) stop in your tracks. Instead of trying to find
them on your own, ask Jesus to help you. Trust Him. Believe He will lead you to
them. You will be amazed how Jesus will work things out for you. You will be
assured that indeed He loves you very deeply and wants to be your friend. If He
can take care of such small things, imagine what a difference He will make in
your life when facing monstrous trials!
"Your love, GOD, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel." (Ps 119:64
The Message)
"But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by
praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping
your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus
Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!" (Jude 20-21 The Message)
Are you missing something? Take the challenge and experience Jesus in your life.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.