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The Week

Visit my home church here to view the message that renewed my confidence!

Have you ever had “one of those days”? This week, I had about four of them. Between the stress of work, uncertainties at home, and general fatigue, my spirit has taken a beating.

I am blessed to love my job. But Monday after work, I spent about twenty minutes scrubbing obscenities off the girls’ bathroom wall next to my classroom. Extra responsibilities like this aren’t often discussed, but it kept someone else from having to spend the twenty minutes doing it. Tuesday was when I let the hammer fall about proper bathroom etiquette. I teach 8th grade, and I hold students to high standards of behavior. This combination of chaotic energy and expression of frustration left me feeling completely drained by Tuesday night.

After this, Wednesday brought on physical pain as my body began to flare with inflammation. These flares are usually caused by stress, change in weather, or difference in foods. All of these were factors in full swing, causing my body to rebel against itself, making me miserable.

Thursday, word reached me that a beloved cousin is fighting cancer, and it is very serious. I spent the evening sobbing and praying on her behalf.

Friday was relatively quiet, but the events of the week had taken their toll, leaving me in emotional shards. By Saturday (yesterday), just trying to plan the family Christmas Eve meal  caused me to become a blubbering mess! I spent the majority of the day asleep, having exhausted my heart and mind with so many decisions, discipline, and diversions.

Of course, God knows how to meet us where we are. That’s why Jesus came. The word of hope today was delivered like an arrow that pierced my very soul. I felt Jesus whispering, “Hey. I see that bad week. But don’t give up. I’m still on your side.”

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

In awe, I joined my fellow brothers and sisters in response to the word, thankful in knowing that the God of the universe see me and knows the intricacies of my everyday life. Dumbfounded again by His perfect words at His perfect time, I prayed. To be honest, my heart has felt so numb, I didn’t know what to pray. But God isn’t finished. 

I am learning daily to surrender the uncertainties about life to Him. I lean into His as I release the stress and worries if this life that, in light of eternity, aren’t important. My physical body is strengthened by the joy that comes in recognizing who He is and what He’s done for me.

And I begin the new week with renewed hope, knowing that God will sustain me in every season, including this one.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.


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