Waking up

For the past couple of weeks I have been waking up before the sun rises. My mind is racing with thoughts of all the issues that surround my life and those around me. Worry and anxiety for my kids, my wife, my business, my friends, and the world, just seem to be overwhelming in a way that I have never experienced before. So before I get up I pray and ask the Lord to help me through the issues at hand and give me direction to be faithful in the work for the day.

I know this is not just happening to me...but it's happening to many of you. We are in a battle that will get harder as the days bring more chaos to our world. It's a bit frightening to see things crumble around us but through the faith and belief God gives...we will survive.

This morning as I was reading, I read a verse that I've read a hundred times before..."The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations,'" The Lord spoke this to the prophet Jeremiah and I have usually just looked at it as something specifically said for Jeremiah. But today I finally focused on the first part of this verse..."Before I formed you in the womb I knew you...before you were born I set you apart" I know this to be true. Today I accept it. God knew us all before we were born and that is an incredible thought to know that He has placed me here for this time and for His purpose. Not to be a prophet!, but to be His and be set apart and faithful in the call He has placed on my life. To work through the chaos that comes to my kids, wife, family and friends, work, and even the world around me. To not fear or worry myself to death...but to walk faithfully and know that Jesus is Lord and He has overcome the world.

Sun's up now and the birds are chirping up a storm...it's going to be a good day.