On November 1, I sat on a rock overlooking the creek at twilight. In the woods, alone with the woodpeckers and squirrels and God, I rolled out a leaf-lined carpet of invitation to read through 2 Samuel with me this month.

And what a first week it’s been! For our little family, it’s been one drive by after another. My sweet friend, MK, defines attacks from the enemy as drive-bys. I love it—the term, not the attack. This week has been gut-level devastating, leaving us wondering what in the world God’s trying to teach us. We’re broken. But it’s in this place of brokenness that we know we’re in the right place, doing what we’re supposed to be doing. If we weren’t a threat to the enemy, he wouldn’t be attempting so many drive-bys. We’re down, but we’re not out.

It’s also from this place of brokenness that grace shines through. We’ve been blessed immensely and repeatedly from a good friend. We’ve witnessed miracles. We’ve experienced God’s goodness and provision.

I was telling a neighbor yesterday how it feels we’re drowning, and every time we sneak our noses up for a sip of air, we’re pulled back under mid-breath.

In the cracks and hard to breathe moments, God’s light shines in so beautifully. And we find hope again.

Even during this hard week, this stormy week, God has taught me so much through 2 Samuel. The lessons are powerful—and always timely. I shared on social media some questions from 2 Samuel 1:4 this morning. Take a moment and reflect on this passage. Ask yourself from what are you running? What do you fear?