Have you ever noticed how easy it is to praise the Lord when we get our way? Or when prayers are answered with "yes"? The real test of our faith is whether we can (and do) praise Him when it doesn't go our way or results in pain or suffering rather than celebration.

I've been praying with fervor about Seth and his surgeries and his issues. And God is systematically answering all of my prayers (and yours too!). The only unanswered prayer to this point is for complete and total healing. And I'm not giving up on that yet! So today, when his surgery went well and when we got more good news about his hormone levels and endocrine system, I praised Him. Loudly. Thank GOD, I said. Amen, I said! I cried when I got the call telling me that diabetes is off the table. God is good!!! But what if today had ended differently? What if the answer to prayer had been "No, Seth will have diabetes insipidus and I will use that illness for My good, too." Or what if surgery hadn't gone well? Could I still praise Him?

That's the rub isn't it? I mean it's easy to tell friends that our kids are so "good" and "pure joy" when they are in a season of obedience. Likewise, it is "easy" to give God all of the credit when things are going right. And frankly, if I'm honest, it is consistent with what I think I know of Him. He is good. He is faithful. He loves Seth more than I do. Of course He would make sure that Seth is cared for and healthy, right? But what if He didn't? That's where the faith comes in. Faith that God has something more for Seth no matter what comes into our path. Faith that God is using Seth for His purposes, even when I can't see it. I think that's why that song by Jeremy Camp, "I will walk by faith" means so much to me right now: "I will walk by faith; even when I cannot see. Well because this broken road, prepares your will for me..... See I'm broken, BUT I STILL SEE YOUR FACE. Well you've spoken, pouring your words of grace..... So I will walk by faith....."

Isn't that what it's all about?? Lord, help me.