Chaos, Troubles, and a Promise

“Troubles surround me, chaos abounding, my soul will rest in You, I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm, my help is on the way, my help is on the way…Oh, my God, He will not delay, my refuge and strength always, I will not fear, His promise is true, my God will come through always, always.”~Kristian Stanfill, singer/songerwriter (from the song “Always”)

I’m sure many of us could claim this as our theme song. Troubles around me, but I will not fear the storm. My help is on the way. I love that thought. Or as the Apostle Paul said, God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Chaos is defined as complete disorder and confusion. Storms and trials come, and my schedule gets disrupted on a daily basis, but regardless of how busy my life is, one thing I detest and try to avoid is chaos.

We don’t have to give in to confusion and disorder the enemy tries to create in our minds and lives. It’s possible to have troubles and still have spiritual peace. You’ll find this peace residing inside God’s will through prayer and Bible study.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This past week was one of those times when chaos tried to invade my life, though my reaction to the specific adversity was tame in comparison to my college classmates. I’m in the midst of training for a medical coding certification, which is tough in and of itself, given the ever-changing healthcare environment. Toss in a major revision for a new diagnostic code system, ICD-10, by the World Health Organization, and it gets interesting. The certification track I’m on is the first to train strictly on the new codes. Millions of dollars have been spent by the healthcare industry to make the switch.

Many countries worldwide have adapted since the 1993 mandate. Yes, you read that correctly. This has been in the works for more than twenty years, and most of Europe and other parts of the world have made the transition. Of course, not the United States, where everything is delayed ad nauseam due to bureaucratic red tape. Each time a deadline is set, lobbyists and the government find a way around it. This time, with only six months to the switchover, Congress inserted a one sentence delay into a 3,000-page bill a week ago Friday, the Senate passed it last Monday, and the President signed it into law on Tuesday. Ironically, I don’t recall a time in recent history when they’ve acted so quickly on anything. Those of us on the ICD-10 track will have to back up and learn ICD-9, if we want to obtain our certification and find a job within the next two years. No one knows exactly how this will play out logistically, because of the confusion created on so many levels. One thing perfectly clear is added expense and time for everyone industry-wide.

I’ll admit spending more money, being in class through most of the summer, and dealing with government interference were not at the top of my fun list. Especially when my overload meter has been pointing red for a while now. But I take comfort in the fact that God knows all. Nothing that happens in my life catches him by surprise. “His promise is true, my God will come through always, always.”

I don’t have to let troubles turn my life into chaos. That is a conscious choice. I only have to lean on God’s strength to see me through. He’s never let me down yet. I don’t anticipate him doing so now.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Praise God!

What adversity are you dealing with today? I’d love to pray for you. Please leave a comment so others can pray, as well, or e-mail me confidential requests. 

Prayer request from Betty: Her Uncle Jerry has been fighting cancer for months. A couple of weeks ago, he found out his liver had no sign of cancer, but he then had to be hospitalized due to leg swelling. The cancer has spread to his bones, and he is going downhill fast. Betty is not sure of his spiritual state. She wants prayer for his healing and salvation.  

While you’re here, would you take a moment to pray for Betty's request and lift others up in prayer? The permanent prayer list is at the top of the blog. Thanks! J

God bless you all,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Coming Friday: An interview with Christian author T.C. Avey. Among my recent projects is a book I edited that T.C. wrote. “The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends” is a collection of short stories with futuristic settings, though most are plausible in our current world situation. Following each short story is a list of discussion questions to help the reader explore their own belief system. This book would make a great small group or Bible study resource. This Friday, she’ll discuss the book and some of the impetus for it. Meanwhile, why don’t you check out her blog, "Wisdom of a Fool," as well as her book on Amazon? If you enjoy reading her work, will you consider showing your support by purchasing her book? Thanks!

"The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends," available for $2.99 on Amazon.

“World” image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Stormy weather” image courtesy of dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Sweet Sunset” image courtesy of samuiblue/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“The Precipice” courtesy of TC Avey