Today has been a somewhat lazy day after a full day yesterday. I did feel the need to go out and meet people, but I never want to do it out of obligation or requirement, so I stayed in most of the day with my sister-in-law and had a great time. I’m headed out of the house in a few minutes, and God willing, will run across someone that needs Jesus. However, I never want to talk to someone just to get a good blog.
With that in mind, I just read a good story from an upcoming racer, Lia Frederick. Often God shows up when we need Him, but it’s not always how we expect…
If you haven’t heard, the rumor is that God hears our prayers. Here’s one such story…
MY TEETH ARE CRYING OUT IN TESTIMONY…. I think they’re pretending like they’re the rocks crying out in the desert? Either way, this morning I woke up with some serious ugly things going down inside my mouth, particularly, the left side.
So, I visited my local dentists’ office that, during my formative years, was VERY familiar thanks to the four and a half year stent with braces (I thank God for the awkwardness braces provided, my sense of humor would not be the same without them). PRAISE #1: In their SUPER BUSY schedule, God provided a consultation within the hour. The verdict was as dreaded… TWO ROOT CANALS, complete with two “build-ups” and two beautiful crowns (not the kind that we’re looking forward to getting in heaven, instead, it’s the kind of crown that makes you wish heaven was coming a bit sooner than expected.)
Now, most of you know the complications of insurance, root canals, lack of money due to the hard times (can I blame the economy on this one? or maybe just my lack of savings…), and seriously discouraging working hours dentists keep.
It turns out that fighting the good fight of gingivitus and plaque scraping can only be done on certain days, and certain hours, and must be afforded an hour and a half lunch break. This particular bitter attitude is credited to my COMPLETE LACK OF THANKSGIVING that my God has me in his favor. At this point, I am looking at a bill of $3,000+ dollars for something I didn’t ask for… something not in my plan.
IS THIS ALL IT TAKES TO THROW MY UNDERSTANDING THAT “GOD IS ENOUGH” OUT THE WINDOW???
…NO. Here’s why. After my consultation, verdict of twin root canals, slapping of a rather large sum of money, and walk of shame back to my car (that all the sudden looked like a dirty cavity that needed washing)… I saw a man walking down the road. After raising my head from my stupor, I asked how he was doing and commented on how the weather was hotter than HAITI (soon to be tested on month 2 of the race1).
It ended up that his name was Gary and was on his way to a church down the road. One quick car ride, a small exchange of God praises, and a warm / kinda sweaty hand shake later… Gary made me realize that there is a God that is PATIENTLY waiting for us to recognize that WE ARE IN HIS FAVOR WHEN WE ARE FULLY RELIANT ON HIM!!! I dropped Gary off at the church where he stood in line for a free meal. Circumstance has nothing on the Truth of God’s word in his life.
Thanks Gary. You will never read this blog, but you just rearranged my heart with a simple sentence of thanksgiving to the ONE TRUE GOD that looks down on us in delight, walks alongside us in community, and ultimately died for us and, by grace, lets us share in His victory.
WRAPPING UP THE STORY: I visited my mom at the bank where she works and quickly discovered a friend who got me the hook-up with a dentist that will not only give us a financial break, but will also schedule me an appointment ON HIS DAY OFF this coming Thursday for my procedure. PRAISE GOD.
OUR GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON US. HE LOOKS ON US IN FAVOR. HE USES US TO SHINE HIS LIGHT AMONG THE DARKEST OF PLACES. HE IS THE GOD OF THE ANGEL ARMIES!!!
