I had a conversation recently that reeked of fear. Fear of the unexpected after quite a trying year. Shortly after, the unexpected happened. It gave me needed perspective that I wish to share.
I dropped it! Or rather…it fell.
While on a call involving my laptop, the floor careened into our old MacBook’s shell. HARD! It was more than bruised. It was presumed to be scarred.
My heart’s loud pounding competed with my dismayed shout! I restarted it again only to reveal a feared blackout.
Wait…I NEED this laptop for my business? The other one is often in homeschool use. Is this a sign that I should just quit while I’m ahead?
All the hard work…gone…like POOF! Forced shutdown. Turn on. Nothing. Forced shutdown. Turn on. Nothing. Forced shutdown. Turn on. Again…black screen. Just when I was making business progress.
2020, why art thou so mean!?
So I reach out to a local repair company. But if the LCD is broken, they can’t fix it. It’s just too old.
My heart sank…but then it ROSE back into place. One thought entered my mind, bringing me to a better heart/headspace It was a thought of trust. It was a thought that brought me peace. I was able to think clearly because my fretful mind was now at ease. I got off the phone with the tech. Then I got on my knees to give Holy Spirit due respect:
”Thanks for my new mindset. It could only come from You. It ushered in great peace, even as I searched what next to do. I long for perspectives of peace when the unexpected hardships come my way. Lord, I want to have your peaceful thinking…come whatever may.”
Then I text my husband to let him know the news. The old MacBook is the only one that had an old program he could use.
I later went downstairs to clean it in prep for its visit to the repair store, I decided to turn it on…just to give it one last check.
AND it worked!
No more flashing. It turned on perfectly this time too. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest…as I praised God profusely with many “Thank Yous.” It was a great surprise.
But there’s one thing I pray to not forget…the trusting truth that dispelled fear’s lies, and the peace I felt as I gave God respect. I’m grateful for the turnaround, but from the ordeal may this truth repeatedly revive:
Peace is a posture of the mind and heart. It’s gained when you see life’s trials through Heaven’s eyes.
Difficulties may not always turn around as we like, but may they never, forever rob my soul of peace. It’s something that this world can’t give. Found listening to Holy Spirit and time on our knees.
The unexpected will happen! It’s only a matter of time. And when the hardships come our way, may His joy and peace still be mine! May His joy and peace be yours and mine.
“But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free, he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you. “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” John 14:26-27 TPT
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 NLT
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9 NLT
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 ESV
Featured Image by Niek Doup on Unsplash
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