Guest Blogger Sandy Ardoin: Nowhere Else to Go

We're honored to have Author Sandra Ardoin give us today's devotion. Welcome, Sandra!


Nowhere Else to Go by Sandra Ardoin

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” ~~ Abraham Lincoln

Whatever you call the U. S. Civil War—the War Between the States, the War of the Southern Rebellion, the War Against Northern Aggression, or Mr. Lincoln’s War—that terrible and scary time required Abraham Lincoln to humble himself and admit his insufficiency and shortcomings. He realized that not even his best advisors and generals provided the degree of wisdom he needed.

The phrase “I had no where else to go” especially struck me as powerful. How often do I seek God’s wisdom and will before I try to figure things out on my own? Not often enough, I’m afraid.

In the spirit of fairness and objectivity, Robert E. Lee was a devout Christian man. From what I’ve read of his life, he also possessed the same humility and desire for godly wisdom as President Lincoln.

Though I believe God gave guidance to both men, their circumstances remind me that He has a plan and doesn’t promise I’ll never have trials. They’re part of living life in a flawed world. He also doesn’t promise to rescue me from my trials and wrap everything up with a red ribbon sporting the words “Happy Ever After.”

James 1:2-6 makes that abundantly clear. To paraphrase: Look upon the tough times you’re going through as a blessing, because it’s an opportunity to grow your faith, and you’re building the ability to remain strong in that faith. Also, if you require wisdom in handling your situation in a God-honoring way—and who doesn’t?—ask for it with the belief that He will guide you in your decisions and your attitudes.

I guess that’s why I love the above quote from our 16th president. It’s another reminder that under my own power and in my limited way of thinking my response to trials of any kind, both pesky and serious, is inadequate. Yet, through the power and wisdom of God, I will survive the test and thrive in my faith! I have somewhere to go.

So where do you go when you have nowhere else to go?



BIO:
Sandra Ardoin writes inspirational historical romance. She’s the author of The Yuletide Angel and A Reluctant Melody. A wife and mom, she’s also a reader, football fan, NASCAR watcher, garden planter, country music listener, and antique store prowler. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com and on the Seriously Write blog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Join her email community to receive occasional updates and a free short story.

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

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