“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I have heard and or seen this verse several times over the last few weeks. Repetition is one of our Father’s means of getting our attention.

It really speaks to my anger to little problems that come along. I’m not talking about one little problem, but a series of problems that occur one after the other. It frustrates me to no end. It makes me angry. From something fairly insignificant, to minorly hurting myself, to being distracted from my need to focus, or any number of little hiccups the day can offer that gets in “my” way.

I felt that as a child of God I was to have an easy road and I was entitled, not to a perfect life, but one that was mostly smooth going. Through a sermon at church and seeing this scripture in multiple different places and devotions, my Father was sending me a message.

Yes, I am a child of God, but no I do not get a trouble free life this side of heaven. This has been an area of my life that has been a struggle for years. It has caused stress in my life, the life of people around me, and though I believe I respond better to little problems, I still have some way to go.

My focus was short sighted and horizontal. What my Father wants is for me to be future sighted and vertical focused. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Now I reflect on the devastation in the Carolinas and California.

What then? What now? My God, so many people in desperate need. So many in need of Your peace that passes our understanding. So many in need of Your reassurance that You have neither left them nor forsaken them.

So many of them in need of a mustard seed of faith, in the midst of their crisis beyond understanding.

Lord, please forgive those who doubt and have faith. Lord please forgive those who don’t believe and have no active faith.

Through terrible times and pain, bring healing of hearts in faith. Refocus lost hearts on things eternal. Let neighbor love neighbor. Let those have sell and give to those who do not. Let there be a revival of the first century Church here in the 21st century.

Forgive me of my selfishness. My short sightedness. my failing to keep my eyes on You, Jesus. For You alone are the way, the truth, and the life.