“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Out of Order?
At the beginning of each new school year a “Meet the Teacher” night was held for my incoming students. And every year I listened as parents proudly listed all the things their son or daughter already knew: letters, sounds, fact, numbers to 100, 500, 1000. I’d smile, shake my head, and say to myself, “we will see.”
Children are very adept at rote learning. That is, repeating things enough times that they become comfortable with them and can repeat them on demand, as long as they are in order. Whether spelling words, answers on a study guide, or numbers to 100, the true test is being successful even when things are OUT of order.
My family and I have been experiencing the same kind of test. If you’ve read much of my writing you probably know that I am a comfort zone gal. I like my days to repeat over and over in the same way. The repetition allows me to seemingly meet the demands of life; as long as it remains in order, that is.
In recent weeks however, our lives have felt completely OUT of order! My youngest grandson suffered a traumatic health emergency and now our schedules, priorities, plans, dreams, just about everything, have become rearranged. May I say, it is anything but comfortable. As you might guess and maybe have experienced yourself, it’s left me feeling extremely weak so I’ve been clinging to this familiar verse:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
These words reassure us when our worlds are in chaos. As He often does, God is teaching me in this unexpected, upside down, mixed up, time in our lives and it’s occured to me, that we (I) may say these words from memory, without real thought of the true meaning, which lead me to read Philippians 4, verse 12. Here are the words Paul writes leading up to these often repeated ones:
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)
Just like my second graders, the true test comes when we’re victorious even if nothing is as we thought it would be. So, whether in joy or sorrow, fear or courage, peace or anger, health or sickness, “whether living in plenty or in want”, we can be content in “all this”, not on our own, but through Christ. What I’m learning (maybe kicking and screaming) is that life is never going to stay in order, and maybe, just maybe, we (I) shouldn’t want it to be, because it’s in those times when we’re blindsided, off balance, out of sync, discombobulated, and uncomfortable that we look to the One who DOES stay in place, to give us the strength to be content in it all
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
I’ve joined with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com today to write to the prompt “Order.” I encourage you to click over and read more! I have been so overwhelmed and grateful for all the prayers given for my family and especially for Sutton from this wonderful writing community, our family, friends, and even people we don’t know. God is working and prayers are being answered. Follow Sutton’s journey at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070279381003
Amen Cindy, I too am very much a comfort zone gal. Thank you for this blessed lesson and insights. Blessings.
~Selah~
FMF#12
You are absolutely right that when things go out of order, then we realize what we really know and what we really can do. The last few years have been a constant cycle of finding normalcy before being thrown off balance by another shift or crisis in our family. I haven’t always handled it well, but I like to think that I’m growing in my ability to roll with the punches and throw myself upon the everlasting arms when I simply can’t continue any longer.
Thank you for the important reminder! Those scriptures are ones I cling to as wel..
A world in chaos…that seems to be my norm; but so hard especially when it isn’t your normal. Hoping your grandson’s medical emergency improves. Keep getting your strength from Jesus, He never runs out. Visiting from FMF.
I wonder how much of Christianity we practice out of “rote memory” instead of really engaging in the knowledge of Christ. I’ve recently been doing a very light study of the Hebrew alphabet and learned that the idea of knowledge always carried with it action. It’s nice to know 1 + 1 = 2, but what does that really mean? That might sound like a silly example because it’s so basic, but how many Christians get tripped up on some basic faith items? For example, what does it really mean to be set free in Christ!?!? I know I let life changing concepts become trite sometimes. Lord, help me!
Amie, FMF #20
Oh my friend! So true! So comforting and challenging a message you have shared! Love you much!