It always costs more and takes longer than you think. Four decades of experience tell me that applies to most aspects of life. We don’t like to hear it any more than the ancient Israelites did!

It is childlike dependence on God that turns God’s heart to reveal more and more of himself and of his strength to those who come to him with open hands and hearts.

Gaps in time, gaps in ability, gaps in capacity. These and other gaps are common to humankind. They’re illustrated in scripture, and they provide opportunity for our lives.

When it comes to the ultimate tests of life, our own understanding sometimes leaves us staring at a blank page or worse, a cliff that suggests danger. Solomon suggests a better way.

We remember the hymns because they remind us of what Jeremiah knew: God is the only anchor steadfast and sure in troubled times.

What God told Jeremiah to do didn’t make sense. How God asked Jeremiah to move forward seemed far too difficult. But he obeyed, just as we can.