So, this past weekend I attended an absolutely marvelous internet marketing retreat with 4 other people at Tom Antion’s spacious Virginia Beach home. And had I not tripped and fallen while carrying my laptop, it would have been a perfect time.
Unfortunately, when I fell, my laptop went sailing through the air, and suffered irreparable damage.
Now, that may not be such a big deal, since computers are not very expensive anymore… however, silly me, I had not backed up my data in a while.
I can’t even begin to list the issues associated with that for someone who does EVERYTHING on her computer.
But my biggest issue was I am speaking this Saturday to a large group of women, a group I have been so excited to be with for months, and all my notes, videos, and power point, is inaccessible to me.
On top of it, because I have been speaking and traveling so much lately, I allocated only a few days to get ready for the conference. I did not want anything to interfere with my ability to get ready and deliver an inspiring, elevating, and educational message. Dealing with computer issues and having to reconstruct everything was not in my time or financial budget.
So…. what to do? how to think about this? what should be my priority of activity?
Well, before I stepped into the realm of overwhelm, a need to spend time with my Lord surfaced, and I jumped on it.
I’m so glad I did.
I recounted to Him (not that He didn’t already know…) how I was feeling and all the lack that surrounded me… time, energy, focus, money…. and was immediately reminded… He is a God of abundance, not lack.
Somehow, someway, He would restore and redeem things. I didn’t need to know how, just that He would. That was immediately soothing to my soul.
In the past, I would have thought I was undeserving of His help. After all, it was my fault for not looking where I was going, for rushing around, and for carrying my laptop in such a state. It was also my fault for not backing things up, especially knowing how valuable the data is. I know better.
Guilt had a way of making me feel unworthy.
But the word says that when we ask for wisdom, God gives it liberally without reproach. (Jas 1:5) That means without the big ole finger wagging that we often do to ourselves. He doesn’t look down at us and say with a big sigh, “Didn’t I tell you….???”
The word also says that He is a Rewarder of him who diligently seeks Him. (Heb 11:6) Accusation, disappointment, and judgment are not rewards in my book!
God doesn’t withhold His blessing because we don’t do it all right. He is pleased when we come to Him in faith, believing He is our ever present help in times of trouble.
We can come to Him, as a child, and say… “Fix it, please, Daddy?”
Well, I am typing now on my new computer, and it’s awesome. I have been advised that the hard drive is done for, but maybe not.
Nevertheless, WITHOUT all the fear, confusion, and accusation I could be experiencing, I KNOW I have all the time, creativity, and favor I need. And that is so reassuring.
As I was about to close my journal and get on with the rest of my day, the Lord showed me one more verse.
It just totally capped things off… Psalm 142:7b says: “The righteous will surround me and crown themselves because of me, for You will deal bountifully with me.”
I WILL BE surrounded by the righteous!! And because of me, they will be able to crown themselves! Why? Because He will deal BOUNTIFULLY with me! Hallelujah!
Oh, what we all have to look forward to on Saturday!!
I’ll let you know how it goes!
