3.14.22

Last Sunday I walked into church feeling a little beat down – just tired and a little frustrated. Nothing major happened – just had a handful of little things build up throughout the week. Something that didn’t break my way, something from work, something with a relationship, something hanging over my head on my to-do list… maybe you’ve been there too.

About fifteen minutes into the service, the worship band started singing one of my favorite songs – Way Maker. I stood there with my shoulders slouched, one hand in my pocket, and the other holding a cup of coffee. As the song began, I caught my mind racing and found my heart questioning. Then I heard a voice. The voice sounded like it was coming from a few rows back. The volume was growing louder as the song turned towards the chorus. So I turned around. Emerging through the roar of voices was the singing of a little girl in an electric wheel chair. She couldn’t have been more than 9 or 10 years old, and she sat in the aisle singing out the lyrics of Way Maker with a glowing smile on her face. In that moment it sounded as if she was the only one in the room. Her little voice sang:

“You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness, my God

That is who You are”

As I saw the joy on her face and heard the praise of her song, I started to tear up. Immediately, I felt guilty for feeling sorry for myself over a few minor things, when a girl with circumstances seemingly much worse than mine, was joyfully praising God. I heard Joe Coffey say this once about circumstances, “This is true: some of the most angry and bitter people I know have gone through terribly painful and traumatic things. It’s also true that some of the most loving and kind people I know have gone through terribly painful and traumatic things. What’s the difference? Love. Circumstances are not your problem. It’s the love that’s coming in. I can always take you to someone who has gone through worse than you and they are filled to the brim with kindness and goodness and joy. Jesus came and said no matter how empty you are, I will pour my love into you so that you can be absolutely full.”

Thank you to the little girl in the wheel chair for reminding me that circumstances don’t define me and for helping me turn my eyes to the way maker and the source of all love. God, I pray you would be a miracle worker for her. That is who you are!