Our family's in a muddle this week--it's a merry muddle, though, as we determine how to best celebrate two back-to-back occasions: a 21st wedding anniversary, and a 14th birthday! Now we knew Jason, our teenage "amateur magician," would love nothing better than a trip to Melinda's Magical Mansion in Branson, Missouri--and that's what he got! Front-row seats, an exciting, "magical" time--but the trip home was ours! You see, it turned into a bit of a "marriage encounter" as I entertained my husband reading aloud parts of a wonderful book, "Women in Midlife Crisis," by Jim & Sally Conway. It's advertised as "a must-read book for every woman over 35" and I certainly qualify (never mind by how many years...). The boys in the back seat made fun--but that's ok--you had your turn, boys; it's our anniversary, and we'll do whatever we want, thank you very much!
I discovered a fact I already knew--I *am* in "midlife crisis," and happen to be having a marvelous time! So it truly was an entertaining, quick trip home, as my husband and I rehearsed the goodness and grace of God, His provisions and plans to make midlife the joy it is "supposed" to be!
Now I could have a sad tale to tell you--loneliness, depression, worthlessness, dissatisfaction--and if you are there, I do not underestimate your feelings. I'm just here to tell you it can be wonderful--when GOD steps into the middle of the muddle--for when HE is present and a preeminent part of the plan, you will have the "life more abundantly" He promises, in the middle of any life situation--whether it rates a ten, a five, or a zero!
We're not all women (aren't you glad, guys!), NOR in mid-life (wait, your turn's coming!), but "muddles" happen to us all, so let's go to the Well and see how GOD is there, whatever the circumstance, right in the middle of it, helping, loving, working all the time!
A Helping Word...or
Two!
In the Middle of the Flames!
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego--you're in the middle of a mess! You're about to be thrown into a fiery furnace for loving God--now that's scary! But I watch you, heads held high, approach the heat, stand in the flames, and not cave in. Someone else watches too--and He's there with you. You're not burned; your clothing is not singed; and next thing I know, the God who walks with you in the fire rewards your faith, and you are free.
So YOU'RE in the middle of the flames--facing disaster, destruction, despair? You're not alone. God walks through the fire with you. He's there. He will not forsake you, not for a moment. See Him with the eyes of faith, and know His presence in the midst of the trial. If you will only trust Him, He will bring you forth as pure gold and you will bless His Name!
In the Middle of the Storm!
Peter, James, John--you're in the middle of a mess! You're about to be blown away in a fierce storm on the lake--now that's scary! I see no faith on your faces--it's blown away by fear and fright, and you just know you're about to drown. But hold on...for you're not alone...in the middle of it all stands Jesus, your Savior. I hear Him command to the wind and waves, "Peace be still." I watch the waves grow calm, and your eyes grow wide, as He, Master of the Sea, speaks peace.
So YOU'RE in the middle of the storm--about to be blown away by life's dashing, crashing waves? You're not alone. Jesus rides in the boat with you. He's there. He will not forsake you, for a moment. See Him with the eyes of faith, and know His presence in the midst of the storm. If you will only trust Him, He will bring peace and you will bless His Name!
In the Middle of the Night!
Paul and Silas--you're in the middle of a mess! And you can't go anywhere, for you're held tightly in stocks and bonds--now that's scary! But not for you...I hear you turn the horror of the prison into a houseful of praise. It's the middle of the night--a nightmare--and you're praising God. You praise God until the prison walls shake--a jailer and his family are saved, and joy wakes up the neighbors!
So YOU'RE in the middle of the night--groping your way through trial, tribulation, testings that have no end? You're not alone--for He is God of the night as well as the day. Begin to praise Him in the darkness, and watch His light appear to shatter and shake up the night in a display of His power and glory. Let the sound of His praises, not your pity, fill the air waves--and even in the middle of the night, if you will praise Him, He will bring glory and you will bless His Name!
We all face muddles and messes, and sometimes we feel so all alone. We forget He is Lord and He is there. He knows what we're going through; He goes through it with us--and will safely bring us through to bless His Name. So stand--in the middle of it all--know His presence, His peace and His praise this week as never before! 
