Life as we know it this day and for all the days previous - could change for you today. We don't know and there are no guarantees that today or tomorrow will be the same as before. I pondered this after reading the story of James and Laura Hayworth of Calgary and their attack on them by a mother grizzly. They were "bear prepared" with bear spray and awareness but the attack was just too sudden.
Their day had started out great - out in nature, enjoying the scenery and wham - the bear came. No one knows why the bear attacked both of them but it did. This couple's life changed. They were obviously watched over from above because they both were able to walk away from being attacked by a grizzly, not many people can. I think this is where we as people get confused - why did God not stop the attack in the first place?
God never promises us a pain free life, in fact it is more the opposite - "in this world you will have trouble...." John 16:33
God knows that life is hard, He knows that it could change in the twinkling of an eye but the promise you can count on, the one to take to the bank is the one where He says He will go with you through it and help you; not take the pain or incident away.....
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Matthew 28:20 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Whether it's a bear attack, a car accident, a job loss, a medical diagnosis - we do not know what is around the corner for us. I am not trying to bring us down because around the corner can also be "great" - a promotion, a trip, a new addition to the household whatever it might be - it just means life changes.
I used to think I could plan my world. Ha! What a shock that finally was to admit. Face it we make plans all the time - I even make "lists", but the reality is, that I can plan nothing. I am not really in charge of what could happen.
We all know we should eat right and exercise so we won't get sick - but sickness happens in spite of that sometimes. We think if we make our holiday plans, check off the list the holiday will go smoothly. What if we loose our wallet on the way? (as my son did the other day). Or as my niece had - her backpack was stolen and her passport and money gone while she was in Europe? Or the bear comes ...
The point of this blog is to help us to recognize "today" - this is the day we have before us, let us make of point of living it to the full, recognizing what is truly important. (God, family, friends). I for one am so thankful that I have a God who will go with me through it and stick with me around the next corner, I never have to do it alone and honestly you don't have to either.