“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Philippians 4:11b

The Monday before I was to speak at church, an inspiration for the sermon came upon me. I sat down at my computer and began to write; the sermon flowed out, full and complete, leaving me with a sense of assurance that the Lord had me well prepared.

Then Thursday night when it was time to review the sermon, I turned on the computer and called up what I had written. After reading through the first screen I tried to scroll on down the page, but there was no response. Instantly I recognized what had happened: I had forgotten to save the complete document.!!!

My response was one of discontent, “Oh no! All that work down the drain—and I can’t possibly recreate the inspiration that produced it!”

But this was quickly followed by another thought: “Maybe the Lord actually has something better for me to say and is using this to direct me!” I didn’t really like that thought, because now the work of rewriting the sermon was still before me. However, this clearly was a time to lift the shield of faith by thanking God for the situation and praising Him for what He was going to do through it.

I did write another sermon; it did not feel as inspired as the first one, but was more focused. The theme stayed the same, but much of the rest changed, including the passage used. And when I gave the sermon it certainly seemed to speak to the little congregation.

Life has it downers, like this waterfall, but God knew what He was doing, and will carry us on down river! I am glad He got through to me to cooperate with Him, rather than being focusing on my loss and complaining!

Picture from internet listed as free