Out of Sight (Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, 1998)

Then the LORD answered me and said, write the vision. And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

I sat in a financial stewardship Bible study class recently. During the course, a student mentioned the above scripture from Hab. 2. He made the point that this scripture can apply to budgeting our money. His point was that we need to write down our financial plans and diligently work toward them. Do not be discouraged if it takes time. Keep working toward your vision and it will one day come to pass. His point struck me so profoundly. I'd never considered how that scripture could apply to my attempts to get out of debt!

Then, I realized, it can apply to so much more in life. No matter what your goal is, if it's something that God would desire for you, it will come to pass. Even if it tarries, just keep working and waiting. It will certainly come and not delay.

Whatever the vision: Weight loss, debt reduction, dropping a bad habit, earning a degree...write it down; work towards it; do not give up; do not faint. Even if you can't see it, the Lord will accomplish it in your life!

The Heartbreak Kid (Charles Grobin, 1973)

During the Christmas season, I typically attend a local production that features the life of Christ: His birth, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. As odd as it sounds, today, the crucifixion held special comfort for me. Viewing (a watered down version of) it reminded that not only did Jesus take my sins to the cross, He also took my pains. Every hurt that I endure, He's already handled.

I have a sweet sweet friend who recently experienced a terrible loss. It's a type of grief with which Sassy is personally acquainted. So, I have been contemplating the grief and loss she must feel. But, just as there was for me, there is a balm for her pain--and it's found in the cross.

As I watched the play today, I was reminded of how true it is that God's grace is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). So, when the hard times come, I cast all my cares on Him because truly He cares for me (I Peter 5:7).

One day, my God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for that order of things will pass away (Rev 2:14). Until then, I find comfort in knowing that The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18).