We started talking about renovating the cabin a long time ago. We threw ideas around, wondered what we should do, were we just happy with it the way it was.

A journey to emotional and spiritual healing is much the same. There might be cracks or hang ups noticeable, but often I am used to them so I am fine with them. Then there is a point when I look at my life more seriously. I begin to be dissatisfied with how I am feeling. I am no longer content with discouragement, depression, doubt or fear being my constant companions. I begin to wonder what it might look like, or ask if it is even possible for life to be different.

At one point in our cabin journey, we involved a carpenter who drew a plan and gave us a quote for the renovation. He had never worked on a log cabin but was willing to give it a try. We waited.

A while later, we consulted with another carpenter. He had never worked on a log cabin but was willing to give it a try. We waited.

Then one day, I happened upon a carpenter who builds and renovates log cabins. No way! I called him and after the first conversation, I knew this was right. I hung up the phone that day with something I hadn’t experienced in any of the other conversations — hope! He was as excited as I was!

I explained that our cabin was rustic. He didn’t care. I explained that squirrels and other forest animals like to find shelter there. It didn’t faze him. He wanted to see it.

In your journey of life, whether it is emotional, physical or spiritual, there is a process of finding the right person to help. You might have to talk to three or four people before that spark of hope is ignited. It wasn’t that the other carpenters I talked to were not capable or talented. They just didn’t have the skills I needed.

I know that I know that I know your life doesn’t have to be full of discouragement, doubt and fear. I know there is a better way. I believe that lasting growth happens in the presence of Jesus. It’s just finding the person to take you there.

¹When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. ²Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, ³four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. ⁴They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 

Mark 2:1-4

Who will go the distance to take you to Jesus? Who will walk the road with you? Be persistent. Don’t give up. Your life is meant to be full of joy, hope and peace!