If you live in southeast Texas, you are certain to know what challenges we have had to face over the last week. We have been recovering from the onslaught of Hurricane Ike. So many stories, so many impacts, so many people who have found themselves in the midst of one challenge after another. When you consider all that we have had to face, it is evident that without a strong faith, a fervent spirit and relentless prayer one would be hard pressed to deliver an overcoming blow to personal challenges.

During this week, I found myself asking God, what do I do now? There are so many things that seem to be out of control. So much that I am having to deal with where do I begin. When He quieted my spirit He simply said - Do what you know to do. What a revelation! Here I am asking God what to do and He says I don't need to tell you anything because you have not done what you know to do.

I know that we have a recipe for handling rough times - trust God. When it appears as though we would faint, we must remember that God steps in when we have done all that we know to do. I am convinced that faith without works is dead. But isn't it easy to lose the works and spout the faith when challenges come? It is then we discover that we are stuck and stalled in stifling situations because we have not done what we know to do.

I want to encourage all of us as we move towards recovery and ultimately overcoming - do what you know to do. Put yourself squarely in the middle of the solution and become a resource to your own recovery and victory.

For all of us who are faith driven, we are convinced of Paul's assurance to the Romans that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

When we are faced with challenges and it seems as though the landscape has become hostile and aggressive and refuses to relent, I want to encourage you to find the good and the benefit in the situation. I know what you are thinking and I can almost hear the whispers, what good? You want to know what could be good about the things going on now. There is a lot of good. Let's name a few:

1. Life is still in your body

2. Thinking is still in your mind

3. Praise is still in your spirit

4. You have the opportunity to sow into the lives of others

5. A spirit of cooperation has been born in the community

6. There has been a forced consideration of priorities

7. Whatever you lost can be replaced

8. You Input One HERE !!

I find that when these type situations occur, they are clearings. Space is created and we are forced to find the creative, vision casting, destiny delivering power that lies in each of us. I am convinced that you can recover. You can find the benefit in the long lines, seasons without electricity and the rebuilding of damaged property can all be a blessing. The question is how will you use it and how you will use it will be determined largely by how you view it.

Be creative in your pursuits and find the benefit - they are there. Reward yourself with a fresh attitude during frustrating days.

Exosphere Expectations,

pdl