Crater Lake, Oregon Photo: by Tom Kaser
Good Morning, God!
Looking at Crater Lake, it is EASY to praise You. Your creation calls out to be admired and enjoyed. But, right now my friend Heidi and the Advocates for Africa’s Children team are stuck in Manila — waiting for a flight home. They are tired. Make that exhausted! And I am certain they do not feel able to Count it ALL Joy.
Yet, THAT IS the way to move mountains. And, thank You, God, for pointing out to me that it isn’t about feelings. Happy is a feeling. Joy enters into us from the doorway of trust.
When we commit to TRUST YOU — then the words in James 1:2 begin to make sense: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” That is so hard to do! The next verses try to explain: “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Now, God, I would wonder if You really meant these words — except that I see them over and over again. My most meaningful verse is Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God Yes! You mean it. And I have lived it. It makes ROOM for You to come in.
Aha! Now I remember! The Book of James was their devotional study for the trip. A trip that is not yet over.
God, I am trusting YOU in this. I am trusting You to HELP THEM be able to PRAISE YOU IN THIS! Maybe even FOR it. Heidi is doing Your Work in caring for the Widows and Orphans. Her faith is great. But I pray that you will DOUBLE IT!. Please, God, inhabit the praises of Your people!
And now, God, I hear they are on their way home! THANK YOU!
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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