Standing Still

" We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation..."
Roman 5:3-4

Sometimes you are just standing still, waiting, and news you never expected comes and makes the ground under your feet swim like water. It could be your own circumstance or that of someone who is so dear to you that you feel their hurt physically in your own body.
Today I watched a friend quiver with fear and anxiety wondering how she will break news of her illness to her children, wondering how they will walk through this together. They are young, fresh, resilient people but they are her children. She doesn't want their life to be changed or for this to make scars in them somehow. Like any mother, she doesn't want them to have to cope or deal. Right now it is all new and scary, not enough information. You can't cope when you don't know what to cope with!
But I know my friend. I've watched her operate. Her view of God has done much to shape my own. She is a person of singular faith, deep courage. She doesn't think so but I can see it. I have the privilege of getting to observe her life. She might feel like a little chick inside but she takes things on like a tiger and after all isn't that real courage? Knowing that the risk is real and going forward anyway? My friend's faith is no cheap thing. She knows how to get back up and place her feet on the solid ROCK.
So today she will continue to wait. More info is coming, she will get tools to deal with this and most of all there is the great hope in the sovereignty of the God who made her...


... And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love "
Romans 5:5