New Year - New Responses
I was looking forward to the New Year – filled with new blessings. The end of 2025 had been exceptionally challenging for John and me due to unexpected health concerns. My to-do list was extra-long as I was preparing for Christmas, packing for our almost 3 months stay in Florida, and completing end of year business taxes. I did not have time for extra doctor appointments, tests and scans, but somehow fit those in also.
When the clock struck midnight and we welcomed in the new year, I was relieved that the challenges we met in December were behind us. We were thankful all the reports and scans turned out to be much better than we were originally told. Finally, we would be at the beach with no stress or problems.
Just when I felt settled in, I ended up in the Clearwater, Florida Hospital Emergency Room. I had fallen and hit my head and back on some hard gulf sand – not the soft, cushy kind, but the kind the waves had beaten down hard as rocks. After 6 hours of excruciating pain, neurological tests, CT scans, x-rays and bloodwork, I was released with no brain hemorrhage or broken bones. I went back to our condo praising God it wasn’t worse than it was.
After several days of pampering a concussion and fighting severe pain from the fall, my praise turned into grumbling. I took that grumbling to the Lord: “Why did you let this happen? I have prayed for safety and protection every single morning! This new year was supposed to be one of blessings, not more problems! Where were you, Lord?”
After sitting quietly in my despair, I heard that still small voice I have learned to recognize and trust. “I was there. I was protecting you. I protected you from a broken neck. I protected you from a brain hemorrhage like the one that killed your dad. I protected you from a broken back and broken hip.”
Wow! What a wakeup call. Suddenly I remembered what I sensed prior to the fall. “Maybe you shouldn’t try to walk up that steep, sandy cliff”. I argued with that thought. “I can do it. If not, I will just fall on soft sand and the only thing I hurt will be my ego.” The Holy Spirit tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.
Each day it gets a little better. And as I read today’s morning devotion, I knew God was talking to me again about this new challenge. It said, “Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem free life. As I told my disciples, in this world you will have trials and tribulations.”
What about you? Were you looking forward to a problem free year? Have things transpired already that were a disappointment to you?
The rest of today’s devotion states: “It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me amid adverse circumstances. When things seem wrong, trust Me anyway. I am much more interested in right responses than I am in things that come your way.”
I used to praise God that good would come out of bad circumstances. Moving forward, my prayer will be to praise him in spite of those circumstances because nothing can separate me from his goodness, love and mercy.
I hope your new year has started on a more positive note than mine. And I pray if challenges come your way, you will remember that He is with you, always ready to protect you from the worst as He was there protecting me.
Love,
Lynn Langston
