Can You Handle It?

"Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."--Habakkuk 2:5





I love this verse.






I like it because there's a sense of wonder in it. Not a sense of wondering "if" He can do it, but a sense of "when" and "how". It shows the power of our Creator. It shows that He is in complete control. And that even if we imagined what the future might hold for us, in the end He is the only one who knows. He's got it in his hands. There is comfort in that for me. A comfort knowing that He is master and Lord and the things of this world cannot touch Him. How about you?

Sometimes, I can get bogged down by what is going on in our world far away and near our home that I really need a verse like this to help me refocus. It's scary--with foreclosures and unemployment, high gas prices, turmoil oversees--it makes me wonder what our world will be like when our kids are trying to raise a family of their own. How will things get better? Will they? What will they face that we can't forsee at this point? For a mom, it can be a little overwhelming to think about.

"...be utterly amazed, for I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told." (Habakkuk 2:5)

When I first read this verse, I was at a Young Life retreat in the mountains of Colorado. Before that, I barely knew where Habakkuk was in the Bible. It was early fall and walking to the leader station there was a tiny trace of snow that the night had left behind. Serene and quiet and still...hmmm. And then one of the leaders spoke a few words from Habakkuk before we were to head to our cabins and rustle up a bunch of sleeping middle schoolers. There we were, every leader joining in prayer and song and reflecting on His word before heading out for the day. You don't know how very precious that time was. And too, how precious those steps up to the cabin were. Just a few more seconds in the stillness of the morning and you knew what was to come...blowdryers and hairspray, squealing and laughter, more lip gloss, more eyeshadow, more hairspray, "Mrs. Crane, Can we go to the boy's cabin?". Can you hear it? Ahhh...those few sweet moments walking in the early morning with God. Awesome.

But isn't that how it is in life, too? We get a few precious moments with Him before the chaos of the world starts in. The questions, the noise, the distractions, the news that we're bombarded with daily start as soon as we wake it seems and the time spent in the quietness of the morning is the only thing that is grounding us, the only peace we have to carry us through our day.

God IS in control. He has our best in mind and He promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Some days I get overwhelmed by what's going on around us, but I need to remember that His peace "which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:7 We need to claim that as mothers. The peace that transcends all understanding. And do it everyday.

I really believe this is a special generation of moms. I think we're facing new challenges that previous generations have not had to deal with and I believe God is going to test our faith and our ability to face those challenges with a pure commitment to serve and honor Him. Can we handle it? Will you listen to His call knowing that He is anxious to show us what He is going to do? Will you be brave and courageous knowing that, "...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) We may not fully understand what will come, but we know Who goes ahead of us even now.

Reflection: Do you feel overwhelmed at times by what is happening around you? Are you spending those moments of quiet with Him before the noise sets in? Are you facing a challenge right now? Are you ready to be a part of a generation of moms that will glorify Him in the midst of trials?

Dear Lord, I pray for this generation of moms. Give each of us peace knowing that You are in control. Help us to know our role in Your big picture. We are not here to fix everything, but to put our faith in You and to love those around us who are in need. Help us to do that. Lay your hand on our world, Lord, and draw us closer to You.
Amen.