Tag Archives: What brings you out of despair?

Sometimes it hurts. | Janet Perez Eckles

21 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

 

 

Some time ago a friend and I traveled together. The airport where we landed was small. Actually, everything in it was small. With her caring nature, my friend made sure she guided me through all doorways, hallways, and elevators – being careful to avoid obstacles in my path. But when entering elevators with our bags and suitcases on wheels, and with me holding on her arm, the squeeze was tricky, awkward and cumbersome. I came home with some scratches on my elbow.

But know what? I’m familiar with narrow pathways—the ones we encounter in life. Sometimes it hurts as we try to squeeze through, and we doubt we’ll make it. And others as we try to force our way, leave scratches of discouragement in our heart.

You might be going through ones yourself as you read this. We all do. We try to get through the narrow stretches of discouragement, loneliness, of chronic illness, of unresolved conflict, and painful, unforeseen circumstances.

And though unpleasant, we keep going, traveling through the airports of life hoping we eventually see the wide doorway leading to the answer, the healing, the break we hope for or the solution we seek.

That’s why God’s reminder turns hope to encouragement. Opens the wide door of trust. And makes the entrance easy and simple. The sign above the doorway says: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Source: Sometimes it hurts. | Janet Perez Eckles

 

In the News

A wonderfully crazy thing is happening in a few days. A camera crew from the Telemundo Network will be visiting my home to film a feature of me cooking and serving a Thanksgiving meal to my family. There will be 12 of us for dinner. And I’ll be busy in the kitchen preparing my homemade, healthy dishes like Quinoa casserole. All done before the cameras. Gulp.

“We want to show how much you’re able to accomplish even when you don’t have sight,” the reporter said.

In the next issue, I’ll let you know how it went.

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That’s not fair. | Janet Perez Eckles

14 Nov

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Janet Eckles Perez

That’s not fair! With wrinkled tissue in hand, we stomp our feet in frustration. We had asked, prayed and pleaded. But, to our utter disappointment, God still said “No.”

Have you been there? God didn’t smile at us with the answer we wanted. But that’ not the worst. We look around and what do we see? We see those who don’t follow God’s instructions, don’t know God’s Word, and don’t even attend church. But, they seemingly live happy, trouble-free lives.

“What’s with that, God?” we want to ask.

Confusion adds to the unfairness. But not to worry. We don’t have to know how to express that bewilderment. David did that for us: “I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!” (Psalm 73:2-7 The Message).

Like David, I don’t let up my rant. This is not the way it should be. Why do they have it so good? Lord, after all, I’m not a bad chica. I really deserve better. But “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:21-26).

 

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