While playing a game of catch as we waited for the rest of the family to get ready for church this past Easter Sunday, 4-year old Lucy caught the ball then paused and looked intently out the window and commented, “Grandma, it’s snowing.”

“It sure is, LuLu.”

“But Grandma…it’s Easter. It is supposed to be shiny and bright outside.”

“We can’t do anything about it, honey.”

With only the look Lucy can give, she narrowed her eyes, scrunched her lips to the side, and said out of the corner of her mouth, “Yeah, well Jesus can.”

I smiled and took our concern directly to Jesus, “Well, let’s ask Him then, Lu.”

“Dear Jesus…it is Easter Sunday and we would really like for the sun to shine today. If you would be willing to do that for us we would be so grateful. Love you, Jesus.”

Lucy continued to watch out the window with anticipation for a few more seconds then turned to me with her eyebrows raised and in a matter of fact tone stated, “It’s still snowing.”

I shrugged and replied: “I guess Jesus wants it to snow right now then.”

She gleefully shot up from the couch she had been sitting on and even though it was still snowing outside, Lucy joyfully ran out to the kitchen with a bounce in her step.

In the bible, Habakkuk was one to boldly take his concerns to God. We read Habakkuk’s prayer in Chapter 3. In verses 17 and 18 is where we see two very significant words: “Even though…”

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet, I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17 – 18 NLT, emphasis mine).

We all have life challenges. Some more difficult to navigate than others. I think of a few I am experiencing and wonder…do I live out and role-model even though. Like Lucy, do I have a pep in my step even though…?

Even though sleep does not come, and exhaustion overwhelms…

Even though heart palpitations kick hard, and the blood thinner is mandatory…

Even though shoulders carry stress and pain intensifies…

Even though parents and sibling are home in Heaven and are deeply missed…

Even though a little forgetfulness happens and fear prevails…

Even though unnecessary words are spoken, and uncontrollable tears fall…

Yet, do I boldly and confidently bring my concerns to Jesus? Do I rejoice in the LORD even though? Am I joyful in the God of my salvation even though?

I hang on to the hope found in the last verse of Habakkuk 3: “The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.” (Verse 19 NLT).

What are your even thoughs? Even though life will continue to hurl challenges and sorrows (John 16:33), we can rest in the truth that God will give us the strength to get through them, to safely travel over life’s mountains. And, just like Lucy, we can have a pep in our step and be joyful knowing God has our backs.

Oh, and just to let you know, when we came out of church, the falling snow had stopped and the sun was straining to peek out from behind the clouds. Lucy was running ahead of me so I yelled the obvious to her: “Lucy…look. It stopped snowing and the sun is trying to shine. Answered prayer, Lucy, answered prayer!”

Stay Calm & Be Joyful!
Profs Dr. Wendy & Dr. V.