“...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV
I injured my knee on Tuesday morning. It is stiff and swollen and I walk with a limp. I have been back in the gym for close to 2 months now and started to feel good again, and now... this! As I was driving to pick up the kids from school yesterday, I started to feel some achy pain in my knee. My natural and normal tendency is to jump to the worst conclusion and think of negative scenarios - but in that moment, Jesus grabbed a hold of my heart and reminded me to “take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to Him”! In that moment I had a choice to make: I could worry and dwell on my circumstances or I could turn my thoughts to Christ! I started to think of what I am thankful for. I am thankful for 1 strong leg. I am thankful for my sight, hearing, taste, and I am thankful for the beautiful scenery of the winding roads in Harbor Springs. And you know what? In those moments it didn’t matter that my knee was a swollen mess. What mattered was Jesus and the refining work He is doing in me.
On the day prior to my injury I was picking up scattered puzzle pieces, Legos, an empty applesauce pouch, and markers off the floor while grumbling about how I feel like this is ALL I do! Again, in that moment, the Holy Spirit reminded me to “take my thoughts captive”! And then gratefulness filled my heart. I am thankful to have 3 children to clean up after! Along with those feelings I also felt guilt and conviction for my selfish thoughts and grumbling - but, that was my kind and sweet Jesus reminding me AGAIN that motherhood is not about me...it is about serving and loving my kids...and through those actions, He refines me. I desire to be more like Him. It is through the challenges, setbacks, injuries, and picking toys up off the floor for the hundredth time (well, it sure feels like it!) that does that.
As I write today I find myself emotional in the thankfulness. As the tears fill my eyes I realize how much Jesus cares about the details of my life - especially the mundane tasks that fill my day as a mommy. And you know what? He cares about your mundane tasks and moments too! He also cares about your loss, your pain, your worries, and your victories!
The pain in my knee may not subside today and there will be things to pick up off the floor...but Jesus is here. He is good. My circumstances will change in this life - some will be good and others might be sad and painful - but He never changes. He is the constant in my life. He is what I desperately need because I can’t do this life apart from Him!
In Him,
Katie Karlson
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
-Deuteronomy 31:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
-Hebrews 13:8
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
-Psalm 62:1-2
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
-Philippians 1:6