Positioned for the Moment – Day #40
God never leaves us to carry the cross alone
Our reflection this morning came from the Gospel of Mark 15:46.
God had already set in motion every detail surrounding the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nothing about that moment was accidental or left to chance. Even the individuals who appear only briefly in the story were positioned by divine intention.
Simon of Cyrene and Joseph of Arimathea were not random bystanders who happened to be nearby. Though Scripture says little about them, their roles were critical in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
Simon was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus when the weight became overwhelming. For a moment, he bore a burden that was not originally his. Joseph, on the other hand, stepped forward after the crucifixion and ensured that Jesus’ body was cared for with dignity. He wrapped Him in linen and laid Him in a new tomb.
Two different assignments. Two different moments. Yet both were divinely appointed.
Their stories remind us of an important truth: God orchestrates every detail with intention. The people who appear in your life are not always the most visible or celebrated, but they may be positioned by God for a very specific purpose in a critical moment.
Some individuals come into your life to help you carry the weight of your cross when the burden feels heavy. Others are placed there to honor, protect, and care for what is precious to you, often in quiet and unseen ways.
They may not have prominent roles, but their obedience and presence become part of God’s greater design working for your good and for His ultimate purpose.
There are people in your life right now who are not there by accident. They may not have loud or obvious roles, but God has intentionally placed them there to help you through a season, strengthen you, or stand beside you when you need support the most.
When God Positions People in Your Healing
Today was another step in the journey of healing.
Mom noticed that my face looked swollen, and Babes agreed. At therapy, Leah Segalov also observed that my face was still pulling slightly to one side. I shared that my mom and babes had noticed it too, and she wondered why.
The good news is that I am almost there with movement, expression, and symmetry—thank God. When I said that to Leah, she smiled and said, “Yes, thank God.”
The challenge right now is my cheek and jaw muscles. They hurt. Through probing, one thing my therapist mentioned that is important: jaw pain can sometimes come from overworking the muscles or habits like lip biting, nail biting, excessive talking, and chewing tough foods.
For now:
No hard meat.
No nuts.
Not too much talking.
Giving the muscles time to rest is part of the healing process.
The therapy exercises hurt, but they are part of the healing process.
A Simon and Joseph in My Life
This morning, Mom’s loving and gentle hands made me breakfast—cocoa, plantain, and bacon.
In many ways, she embodies both Simon and Joseph in my life.
Like Simon, she helps carry my burden when I am struggling and unable to do everything I normally would for the family.
Like Joseph, she quietly honors, protects, and cares for what is precious to me, often in ways that are unseen and unannounced.
Her presence reminds me that God still positions people around us to help us through moments we cannot navigate alone.
Bell’s Palsy – Day 40 Update
I still feel pressure and pain in my cheek, head, and jaw muscles. There is some twitching above the eyebrow and general pressure across the face.
There is still work to be done, but with faith and hope, it will be done.
Understanding the Recovery Journey
Did you know that the recovery timeline for Bell's Palsy often unfolds like this?
Weeks 1–3 - Weakness or paralysis appears suddenly. Pain around the ear, jaw, or face is common. Swelling and facial asymmetry are usually most noticeable.
Weeks 3–6 - Early nerve recovery often begins. You may notice: Twitching or small muscle movements, pressure in the cheek or eyebrow, tightness or soreness in the jaw or face, and gradual return of expressions.
Weeks 6–12
Many people regain significant movement as the facial muscles begin “waking up” and relearning movement.
Doctors say 70–85% of people recover fully, and noticeable improvement often happens between 1–3 months. That means Day 40 is still well within the normal recovery window.
Pressing Forward Despite Discomfort
My professor didn’t hold class this evening because he had a meeting, so I worked on my Week 7 project despite the discomfort.
Later, I put on some worship music and spent time worshipping. Eventually, I drifted into sleep peacefully, trusting that better days are ahead.
Your Turn 💬
Sometimes God sends a Simon to help carry your burden.
Sometimes He sends a Joseph to care for what is sacred in your life.
And sometimes, if you look closely, you will realize that the people quietly serving you were positioned by God all along.
Take a moment today and thank God for the people He has strategically placed in your life.
🌿 Stay Connected
If this reflection touched your heart, leave a comment, like, or share to let me know you’re here. Follow for more reflections, and consider sharing this with someone who needs a gentle reminder that love can be simple—and that’s enough.
💙 Your love matters. Your prayer matters. Your presence matters.
Let’s keep creating a space for honesty, compassion, and hope—one moment, one prayer, one simple act of love at a time.
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