During the recent past, I have been having worries that ranged from layoffs at work (and subsequently how to be able to pay the bills), to having to care for an ailing parent. One Friday as I was driving home from work after a particularly bad day at the office, my nerves were on the edge. I prayed to God that He would watch over me and provide me with a peace that would help me relax and leave all in His hands. It was then that I just happened to pass a church in my area which had on display the sentence, "Worries End Where Faith Begins."

I thanked the Lord. He knew just what to say when it was needed. I don't know why I was really surprised. It has usually been the case that when I was down or needed Him the most, He was always there.

Part of the poem, "Footprints in the Sand" by Margaret Fishback Powers, goes,

"When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for standing by us when we need You. You comfort us in our times of worry and distress. You always put a hand on our shoulder and help us to realize that with You beside us, all will be okay. Amen.

Recently, I learned of the death of my favourite stage and television star, Jerry Orbach, who made the role of Lenny Briscoe infamous on television's Law and Order. Like many of his biggest fans, I mourned his passing and felt a sense of loss.

Each week, I faithfully tuned in to Law and Order to see how Briscoe and his partner would detect the solution to the crime committed and help in prosecuting the party responsible for the evil deed. Usually justice prevailed and left me with a sense that everything would be okay.

His passing reminded me of others I have "idolized" throughout my life: athletes, actors, musicians, and even pastors. Each of these people gave me pleasure, inspiration, and a sense of hope that all would turn out right. My hope in some of these people had been misplaced and even been tarnished.

But I know of One greater and in Whom my hope and trust is never misplaced: my Lord and Saviour. He has never promised me that there would be no pain or tragedy in my life, but He has proved that He will be with me each step of the way through these events. My hope and faith in Christ carries me through and shows me that indeed things will turn out all right, and goodness will prevail.

Prayer: Dearest Lord God and Father, help us to remember that our hope in others will be only temporary, but that our hope in You will never be misplaced, and that You will sustain us through each moment of our lives. Amen.

Galatians 5:25 – If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJV)

My six-year-old started skating lessons last fall. Before the lessons, he was really excited, wanting to learn how to skate so that he could play hockey like his older brother. Never having been on skates before, he had trouble moving on the skates when he was on the ice, and he spent time on his bottom. After the lesson, he came off the ice upset with himself for not having mastered skating.

It reminded me of my walk with the Lord. How many times have I been upset with myself for not being as spiritually mature as I thought I should be or not having behaved the way I thought Christ would desire.

It takes time in the Scriptures and in prayer for us to learn how to walk in the Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, the next time we become upset with ourselves for not being able to do something, remind us that Christ is with us at all times and that it is through His strength that nothing is impossible. Amen.