He is faithful

Mizpah for September 16,2011. The Lord is faithful. 2 Thess. 3:3. "Never be discouraged because good things get on so slowly here; and never fail daily to do that good which lies next to your hand. Do not be in a hurry, but be diligent. Enter into the sublime patience of the Lord." G.MacDonald.

I chose this photograph, taken by evening light at Shands, Melanie ministering to Jordon, to illustrate the quote and  how our family, since 2009, has acutely lived in the sublime patience of the Lord. First my stent and pacemaker in August, Melanie and her H1N1 and ARDS in October, Jordon's collapsed appendix and collapsed lung, the death of my father and on, the loss of our business, the late loss of the job at Sears, we attempt with grace not to grow in discouragement, as yes, it seems ever so slow in coming, the good.
But, when we look upon these trying times, were not they the good? For in them, unlike in the times of wellness, we have clung to the Presence of the Lord in a way we never would have. In that, in the seeking of His face, our diligence has been great gain.