Sometimes we verbalize it.  Other times we only think it.  But often it is there.

“Why”

“Why did this happen?”

“Why did this have to happen TO ME?”

“Why can’t I….”

“Why NOW?”

“Why not?”

As I am praying and asking God for His favor as we await a judge’s decision in court today, I am bolding asking God for a judge that will show compassion for two young children that have stolen our hearts.

The last time this case was put on hold.

How do you put a four and six-year old life on hold? 

“How long to we get to stay?”, they ask.  And you can’t even answer the question like you want.  Only that you hope,

FOR.EV.ER.

This process is never easy, and we know that these two littles are a gift.  We will love on them and treat them as our own in every day that we are given.

I am asking you to join me in praying for a miracle.  We know that God holds them in His hand–no matter what the judge or the court system says.  We try not to ask why.  We want to trust.  Our faith in God is strong, but our faith in the system is not.  So we choose to trust that He is bigger and wiser and knows better than any of us.

Often in life we don’t know the answer to the question why. What we do know is that He loves–He loves these children, and that He is in control.

It’s natural for us to see the perspective of now–its supernatural to see the perspective of eternity.  So we trust Him.  We trust His plan.

A Hymn of Praise

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments
and untraceable His ways!
³⁴ For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
³⁵ Or who has ever first given to Him,
and has to be repaid?
³⁶ For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

I am told that an elephant can be tied to a post when it is young, and even when it is much older and stronger will stay tethered to a post tied only with a rope.  Even though they are known to be one of the most intelligent animals, they have been conditioned to believe that they cannot pull hard enough or fight long enough to free themselves from captivity.

Could it be that I/we hold ourselves captive by our thoughts of “why?”.  Are we conditioned to believe that we have no control over our circumstances, and that ‘whatever happens, happens’?  Well my God is bigger than my circumstances, and when I change my focus from “why” to “what now” I am free to live in the moment.  Free to enjoy the time I have today.  To treasure every moment that God gives and trust Him for more.  I don’t have to be tethered to the emotions of fear or worry or anxiety.  Those things condition my mind to believe that God is not in control of my circumstances.

Those elephants are also very family oriented.  Loyal.  Devoted.  Fierce even, when it comes to their family members.

Edward Topsell stated in his publication The History of Four-Footed Beasts in 1658, “There is no creature among all the Beasts of the world which hath so great and ample demonstration of the power and wisdom of almighty God as the elephant.

I’m kind of liking elephants.  Perhaps you’ve seen them at the zoo or at a circus–you know how majestic they are.  This highly intelligent animal is fascinating to watch.  They play, they mimic, can use tools and problem solve, and show compassion and cooperation. [Wikipedia]  I love that even nature testifies of our Creator.

And today, as I am praying for God’s will to be done, I am going to avoid being chained to the “why”.

And my loyalty, my devotion, to these two sweet ones will be as fierce as an elephant.

Vickie

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2