If you know me well, you know my vision isn’t great. I pay a small fortune to shave my lenses down because my prescription is so high. The same for contacts. There are mornings I reluctantly play a game called “Where are my glasses?” Sadly, I can’t see without them. Things are blurry, and it’s not fun.

It reminds me of a time my husband suggested we take a little family vacation to a water park. To me, the lazy river with a handful of folks is my kind of fun time, but this park featured high slides, fast speeds, lots of people, and some contraption I thought was a big toilet bowl that swallowed swimmers.

I didn’t think much about planning for myself, I was more concerned with our daughter as she has some motor skill delays. When we arrived, there was a sign that said no glasses.

I did not bring contacts.

I attempted the rides without glasses and contacts. I couldn’t read signs. I couldn’t picture people. I couldn’t see what was ahead. Honestly, I could barely see. It was a wet blur.

I was so anxious I started to cry. Even the lazy river was a terror excursion.

The visual (see what I did there?) of that memory is easy to attach to what we’re going through in this unprecedented season of isolation, social distancing, and flattening the curve. This is new territory where we can’t see the virus, but the effects are real. We don’t know what’s ahead.

—Julie Arduini

And it’s scary.

That water park experience was a harsh truth that I struggle with control. I know God is in control of all things, but not having glasses or contacts that day made things spin out of control, and I hated it.

We don’t know who is infected around us. We don’t know if our kids are returning to school. We don’t know if high school and college seniors will walk at their graduation. We don’t know how long people will hoarde toilet paper. We don’t know how long small businesses will be affected. We don’t know how long senior citizens will be vulnerable and self-isolating.

We don’t know. We can’t see. We’re not in control.

But, God.

He is not shaken, nor is He surprised. He is not the author of this pandemic, but He is the finisher. He will take what was meant for evil and turn it for good.

And of one His names? El Roi. The God who sees.

Trusting Him is a blessing because our Heavenly Father knows us. We can’t see what’s ahead, and that’s scary. We want to be in control, but we know we aren’t.

What got me through that water park was my husband. As much as he yearned to fly through that toilet bowl ride and climb the slides with the high risk level, he offered his hand and led me through the easier rides, including the lazy river. He told me what was where and what to watch for.

That’s the help Jesus gives. Because of His love, we have access to Him, our encourager/teacher/guide known as the Holy Spirit, and God because of Christ. His nail-scarred hands lead along the paths we don’t know and understand.

Honestly? I don’t know how people who have not called on Jesus as their Savior are managing. My life with Him isn’t easy, but it sure feels like living with my glasses on. And after that day at the water park, I don’t want to be without them.

My prayer is that you are trusting and leaning on Him during this time. I wanted to announce a couple resources that may be an encouragement to you.

1. As long as I’m able to provide, Entrusted is being offered on BookFunnel as a free download. This is the first book in Surrendering Time and a clean, contemporary romance. Usually it is only offered as a thank you to those who subscribe to my newsletter, but I know there might be readers who need a break. May this bless you. (I do have a download limit to keep this affordable, so access sooner than later so you don’t miss out.) ENTRUSTED DOWNLOAD.

ABOUT ENTRUSTED

Jenna Anderson leaves her Ohio hometown for the unknown in Speculator Falls. She’s determined to make her new job as senior center work and become one of the locals.

Ben Regan’s family is the backbone of Speculator Falls and he’s made a vow to protect the rural village. When his grandfather passes away and his former girlfriend leaves without even saying goodbye, Ben’s determined to prevent further transition in his life.

But Jenna produces a lot of change for Ben in a book about surrendering the present fears we have about change and wanting to belong.

2. FaithGateway.com is bringing back free online video access to Max Lucado’s Anxious for Nothing. This practical study is a life-changer and I know that first hand. There are 5 free videos and additional resources when you register for free. The study and/or book include a purchase, but if your budget is tight, the videos are excellent. If you can order at least one, I recommend the study. REGISTER FOR ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING HERE

I wish you abundant peace, health, and provision as we navigate these murky waters.