Sometimes something stops us completely in our tracks, shutting out all other sound around us, demanding our focus and blurring everything else from our sight. Sometimes those moments define everything from that point forward, setting a new timeline, somehow starting a new chapter we never intended to write—or even read. And then weeks, months, a season or two later, we look back and see the road we went down in that moment that brought both panic and fear as well as blessings. We might even be able to finally bring into focus the things that were blurred for a while, mourning what we missed along the way as a “new normal” invaded our lives. I didn’t want our “new normal,” as I’m sure others didn’t always want theirs, whatever trial stopped them in their tracks. I would rather wake back up to September 2013 and restart, beating against the anxiety/OCD battle that was coming against one of our children. But while we walk this road, not only is there a Savior walking it with us, but He has eyes to see the other side of it. He can see us adapted, adjusted, accepting, dealing, coping, persevering in this new chapter. He can see the fog cleared on the other side: the answers, the new people we are shaped into from being tested in the trials of life. I trust His eyes because mine can’t see that far. How about you? His power is made perfect in our weakness. If you find yourself mourning an old chapter today, wanting the new one to disappear, this verse is also for you today and always, if you place trust in Him. Your Savior deeply loves you— enough to die on a cross for you and me.

2 Corinthians 12:9, Apostle Paul speaking of Jesus

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.