So, there’s a cute manufacturing anomaly that this particular Jesus doll has, a stuffed Hallmark doll sitting on my dresser. He has his arm as outstretched (really He came out of the box this way) as if to direct you to look at something or to walk you a particular way. He leads especially with a comforting look, the doll AND the Lord. 

I think one of the ways we know that we are not IN CHARGE of the universe (or our corner of God’s plan) is that we were born into this world as helpless babies. We can do LOTS when we turn adults, eventually less as aging people and yet some have a physically productive lifestyle right up until death. But as babies, we require upbringing, WE NEED DIRECTION and nurturing. As adults we require a different upbringing, and continual direction because in “God’s eyes” we are YOUNG in HIS Kingdom. 

Now with my grown/growing children older and older, I am the one surprised by what comes from them after all this time feeding and teaching and correction. What incredible flip of the roles to hear them shushing me, thinking mom needs this correction and mom needs teaching and how I am left behind technologically too… and I get tired at night when they are in their prime, but that’s because I wake up 530am they wake up much much later. 

In human years, I came first so I have a few years on them, but in God’s universe and Kingdom years, we are all but a blip. We are formed of God’s dust, therefore He knew and knows where that dust came from, where our dust fits in His dustpan and how He wants to lead our dust HOME,  following the trails left by our One and Only Dust-Saver Dust-Savior.

Direction. Leadership. Dust Collector.

I’ve been reminded especially lately, watching others, of the trials that believers endure. Hardships, pain. But one thing we NEVER lack is Jesus giving direction, His Direction.

His Directive from the Lord God, Our Father, is for sharing His grace and mercy, given without fail.

Others can give advice, but Jesus IS the Answer.

Not only is Jesus the Direction, Jesus IS the Map.

Amen!

!!!

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A good song to remind us the trials of a bumpy ride on earth may be blessings in disguise  – this is not our home and we draw closer to Him.

Lyrics BLESSINGS, Laura Story 

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if the thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
When friends betray us
And when darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It’s not our home

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if the thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?