Day 98 By Faith

 

4/8/2026

"The same heat from the sun both hardens

the brick and melts the butter."  

Daily Walk

 

The weather has become so unpredictable, one day warm, the next much colder. It's also flu season, I understand, so I'm certain it is having a roller coaster effect on people, making them sick. It's interesting that although my immune system is compromised, I don't really get sick, or at least flu, colds or such. But I am still wrestling with whatever poison has attacked my body causing these rashes; it seems relentless. The good thing is that I am not scratching as much. I guess I'm getting used to the itching. That's a sad thought! I decided I'd take my chances and go outside and tackle some yard work. I can't hide forever, and whatever this malady is will eventually get out, or I sincerely hope so. Life sure can be fun!

I have discovered that Virginia has a Creeper! In fact it hides in bushes and trees, and it sneaks down to its unsuspecting prey and infects it with poisonous venom! It's a green five leaf vine that really infected my bushes by twisting and turning and attaching itself with vines that wrap around every twig and spreads underground. It's not as poisonous as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, but it can cause bad reactions in its victims. So this is one source of my problems, but it is not the thorn that stuck me, so that remains a mystery. Regardless, it is tenacious, and it will not go away. It is wearying, as any malady can be, but I am doing my best to get on with life, as much as I can.

I must admit that I've been having trouble focusing on writing today. It took some thought to get through yesterday's post, but once I began, it pieced itself together, at least as far I am concerned. I'm still asking Abba what it is I am supposed to be learning from all this isolation. My thoughts always go back to what we lost when we moved from Virginia to go the New Mexico, against God's timing. God is always true to His word, and today here I am, still picking up the pieces of lives, including my own, but He is with me. I don't understand, and I am beginning to realize that I don't need to know everything. I just need to trust Him. It's all He's asked of me, for the moment. James 1:2-4 gives us another perspective:

"Dear Brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete." 

I always felt as if I was ready for anything, but then something happened. That's the way it goes. Confidence doesn't come easily, then when it does, the glow of the victory fades quickly. Is this my doing? Perhaps I didn't encourage myself enough. Did I become lazy and neglect the word? Did I not dwell in the secret place? Neither, thankfully, yet even so, there has been a quietness, and I know God's listening. I know He hears, and I know He listens. Miracles are everywhere, and each day is fresh and alive. All it takes is for me to open my heart, breathe deeply and enter into His Presence. All that is required is faith, the unwavering kind, even when an answer doesn't come: 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 AMP

"Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."

"But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him."

Having faith only requires me to obediently continue to heed God's counsel, follow Him step by step each day, and share the love of Christ with everyone. He also instructs us to love others, do good to everyone, especially to those who treat us wrongly. My calendar quotation for the day says: "I have resolved to pray more and pray always, to pray in all places where quietness inviteth, in the house, on the highway, and on the street; and to know no street or passage in this city that may not witness that I have not forgotten God." (Sir Thomas Browne).

Timely advice.