Unrealized Options

Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” Luke 9:12 (NKJV)

The disciples had spent the day with Jesus and were witness to a multitude of healings. At the close of the day they looked at the crowd of 5,000, knew they did not have the means to feed them, and presented Jesus with the only solution….send them away so they can take care of themselves. Now Jesus could certainly have done that and no one would have thought anything of it. But instead, He once again chose to intervene and do what only God can do…the impossible.

The disciples must have stood in a place of confusion as they were told to seat people in groups of 50 and then watched as Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fishes and proceeded to tell them to set the food before the crowd. The awareness would have hit as they watched the bread and fish multiply right before their eyes with twelve baskets remaining in the end. Once they saw the miracle take place, do you think they would have dared to think their original plan was still the best? I doubt it. But rather maybe Isaiah’s words came to their mind that God’s ways are higher than our ways and God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

How easy it is to look at our circumstances, resources, limitations, and location, calculate our options and decide there is only one thing to do. We approach God with the view that He is as limited as our list of possibilities. We simply cannot imagine that there could possibly be a better way let alone a miracle. How generous of God to hold out for His plan even in the midst of our tears, confusion, and questions. How gracious of Him to display His ways and thoughts while He whispers, “O, ye of little faith.”

This morning I sense His longing for us to see that He still does the impossible and knows if we could see what He has in mind we would choose His plans above our own. He has given us the miracles of the Bible to show us how often He did things no one even thought of let alone considered possible. He implores us to trust Him fully and to stop depending on our own understanding. Will we dare to do it?

Father, You are aware of the options I am focused on. My view is so limited. Help me to turn my eyes and my trust toward You! Amen.

In Need of His Help

But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40:17 (NKJV)

This is one of those verses I so often want to slip my name into and live with its realization in my life. When I am spent, confused, hurt, discouraged, or in tremendous need, I must allow this verse to wrap itself around my spirit. When everyone else’s life seems to be moving on and I am feeling so alone, I take comfort in the fact that God is thinking of me. He is fully aware of the depth and length of my pain. When I feel helpless and no human help is forthcoming, He is my help and my deliverer. Those are the words that assure me I will make it through whatever I am facing. He even allows for my plea for speed. While David said, “Do not delay,” my version would be, “And hurry up! I need Your intervention now!” It is not spoken out of demand but rather out of desperation.

I am thinking of several dear friends this morning whom this verse fits as well. Some have been given a medical diagnosis that has turned their world upside down, some have just buried a loved one, some are facing the heartbreak of a child’s choices, some are facing an unwanted divorce, and some do not live a day without extreme physical pain. My heart breaks for them and my tears fall for them as I pray this verse over their life and situation. When I struggle to find the right words to tell them or the right way to show them how much I care, I once again entrust them to their only real Helper and Deliverer. While I cannot even begin to scratch the surface of their pain or loss, God is able to reach to the very center of it. Where He allows me to be His hands, feet, heart, and mouth to them I will certainly be that to them in the ability He gives. But when it is all said and done, His direct ministering to them one on one will be what sustains them each step of the way. I am looking to Him to deliver, preserve, and strengthen each of them in ways that only He can do.

It is true that we no longer live in the Garden but the Gardener of our soul has not deserted us. He is tending to our every need, cultivating growth in us, and landscaping our lives with His Word. None of this is said to minimize the pain and suffering but rather to maximize the view of God’s abundant grace!

Father, in the midst of our sorrow we look to You to carry us. Strength, healing, and redemption will only come through You. Amen.

Back to Where It All Began

Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone. Genesis 35:3 (NIV)

When Jacob left his father and mother to go to his Uncle Laban’s home, he had an over night, under the stars stay at a place called Bethel. It was there that he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven and angels were descending and ascending the ladder. It was there that God spoke prophetic words and promises to him. It was the beginning of a new life for him. Nearly 20 years later, God directed Jacob to return to Bethel, and at that time his name was changed to Israel.

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend in Nashville, Indiana. When our visit had ended I drove to a little resort that sat atop a small hill. The parking lot was empty as was the building in front of me. But as I ventured out of my car and walked around a bit I was deeply moved by the fact that I had returned to my own Bethel. I was at the very place where I had attended a Daughters of Promise event three years ago. I had entered the building unaware of the depths and truth of God’s love for me, empty in my walk with Him, equating my spirituality with rules and outward appearance, and unfamiliar with the preciousness of prayer and His Word. I had no idea that when I would leave the next day I would be taking my first baby steps on an incredible journey. My mind and heart raced to take in the full scope of the last three years.

I am not the same person I was three years ago. God has changed me from the inside out and continues that process on a daily basis. He is not finished with all He started in February of 2004. I have yet to fully realize the plans He has for me. But yesterday’s visit to my Bethel place assured me that He has not loosened His hold on me. I am safe and amazed!

Where is it God would have you revisit today…either in memory or in person? Where is it that God moved in your life in a powerful way and forever changed the course of your walk with Him? If you do not have a Bethel experience to revisit, ask God to give you one. Then get ready to watch Him move heaven and earth as He sets the stage for it!

Father, I look to You with expectation and follow You with abandon. Thank you for all You did at my Bethel and all You still plan to do. Amen.

Fighting the Deliberate Attacks

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High. Daniel 7:25 (KJV)

While these words speak of the Antichrist they also depict the words and wishes of my enemy, Satan. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:1 to put on the full armor of God in order to stand against the schemes of the Devil. But if we are not aware of the tactics that he uses against us, our “stand” will be incomplete and ineffective. Much like today’s fight against terrorism, a nation can stand watchful of military attacks but miss the setting up of cell groups within hometowns. Today, God is showing me two of the many schemes of His enemy and mine.

Since his fall from Heaven, Satan has taken every possible occasion to speak words against God. He is the father of lies and seeks any opportunity to slander, malign, criticize, and smear God’s character, heart, and Word. He will twist and distort any event, circumstance, or incident in our life to speak an untruth about the most High. He will attempt to put the faces of countless people on God as a way of convincing us thatHe is different from who He says He is. That is why we must bring every accusation back to the Bible and demolish it with the truth!

Here is one way to do that. Take the lie he is telling you and think of the opposite word for it. If he says God is cruel, think of the word kindness. Then go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and put in that word. You will be given every verse in the Bible that mentions kindness and numerous versions to read them from. With those verses as your truth you can affectively stand against his lies.

The other tactic is in attempting to wear us out. It is not always a flash flood he uses. Many times it is the slow drip of negative thoughts, disappointments, discouragement, losses, fears, insecurities, and failures that wear away at our resolve and stance. The cumulative effect of these over time does wear us down if we do not stay connected to God and resort to times of intimate fellowship with Him. Many times for me it takes going for a walk, shedding the tears, crying out for His help and wisdom, and realigning myself with the truth of His Word in order to be built up again. God will graciously show me where the enemy has chipped away at my soul and then He faithfully begins the internal repair work.

Father, keep me aware of the necessity of You! Amen.

What an Example!

Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 2 Kings 5:3 (NKJV)

There are so many things that stand out to me about this little slave girl. She was taken captive from Israel by Syrian soldiers and brought to Naaman’s home to be a personal servant to his wife. Given just that much information one would imagine an embittered person. How easy it would be to rejoice at the thought of her master having leprosy and chalk it up to God’s judgment. But that was the farthest thing from the truth with her.

Although her own life had taken a blow with loss of freedom and family, she was aware of the needs of another person and sympathetic about those needs. She actually WANTED Naaman healed! Her “if only” statement expressed a longing and desire to see God intervene on this person’s behalf. Her compassion for Naaman was matched by her unwavering faith in the God of miracles. Having lived her formative years in Israel, she was aware of the miracles God had performed through Elisha. I am sure they were the bedtime stories many Israelite children heard. Her childlike faith was as huge as her presentation of hope.

The story of this little girl has challenged me this morning. I want to be like her and see the answer to any need as being found in Christ. Can you imagine the impact it would have on a person if we witnessed to them with “if only” statements full of compassion and faith? Faces of individuals are coming to mind who live each day without the Lord. Am I as desirous as she to introduce them to the One who can forgive them, change them, and set them free? Will I dare to take their hand, look them in the eye, and speak such words as, “If only you knew Jesus. He would completely change your life!” This will not happen if I see witnessing as simply introducing someone to my religion. But oh how it changes if I decide to introduce them the Person of Christ. Not a doctrine, not a denomination, not set of standards, but a Person! How convinced am I that He really is the only way, truth, and life for them? My speaking up or remaining silent answers that question.

Father, today’s topic makes me squirm because I have remained silent far too often. My hesitancy to say, “If only you knew Jesus,” to a person in need of Him reveals so much to me. Change me! Amen.

Incomparable Promises

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

I was recently struck by the last phrase in the song “Shout to the Lord.” It states, “Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.” As the song came to a close my mind remained focused on that thought. I wanted the words to be more than sentimental thoughts to me and God was gracious to begin helping me see the truth of such a claim. He brought to my mind promises of His that really are comparable to nothing! My mind became filled with a question and answer time.

He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. What can compare to that?! He has promised me eternal life in Heaven. What can compare to that?! He has promised to make all things work together for good. What can compare to that?! He has promised to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. What can compare to that?! He has promised to seal and fill me with His Spirit. What can compare to that?! He has promised to keep His eye and His hand on me. What can compare to that?! He has promised to guide my steps and direct my path. What can compare to that?! He has promised to finish the work He started in me. What can compare to that?! He has promised to forgive my sin and hide it behind His back. What can compare to that?! He has promised to be my Shepherd, Healer, Redeemer, and Savior. What can compare to that?! He has promised to see me through every difficulty and storm. What can compare to that?! He has promised to make all things new. What can compare to that?! He keeps all His promises. What can compare to that?!

This is not a complete list by any stretch of the imagination but it refreshes my spirit and causes me to walk with joy and confidence. No wonder the song writer so emphatically said, “Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name. I sing for joy at the work of Your hands. Forever I’ll love You, Forever I’ll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!”

Father, this song has moved me in a profound way but Your promises have caused me to literally tremble with awe and worship. May I never get over the wonder of You or Your promises. I shout to You, praise You, love You, and believe You! Amen.

Digesting the Truth

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23,24 (NKJV)

Some Bible truths are easier for me to grasp than others. The first time I read them or hear them I have no trouble digesting the truth. Today’s passage was one that had to come in stages for me. God’s providential involvement in the fine details of my life came as I saw examples in Scripture lived out. Joseph easily comes to mind. When I come to the end of his story I can see how God was graciously directing his life step by step. Did it always make sense? No. Did it ever involve pain and disappointment? Yes. But God was faithfully bringing His plan to pass. I rest assured He is doing the same in my life.

One of the truths that first amazed me early on in my journey, was God actually delights in me and my ways. At first it was a concept that was entirely foreign to me. I had become so accepting of the lie that He tolerates me more than loves me, that I wasn’t sure how to handle His delight. It seemed almost too good to be true. But with time and seeing that phrase throughout Scripture, the truth began to take root and I learned to delight in His delight!

Many times our own misconceptions and preconceived ideas can wreak havoc along the way. There was a time when I thought the victorious Christian life would mean I had reached a point whereby I would never be bothered, offended, hurt, or disappointed by life again. I would live totally satisfied all the time. I would never feel sad again. And I certainly would not yield to temptation. With those things aside, I would live on a continual spiritual high. That kind of thinking only set me up for huge crashes. What I had to learn was I would fall at times, struggle at times, and hurt at times, but I would never stay down or be discarded by my heavenly Father. The thought that even in the midst of testings, trials, and turmoil His hand has a firm grip on me and He is sustaining me, is comforting beyond words.

So what do these truths do for me? They help me to see that with God I am not invisible, unloved, or abandoned. I matter to Him and am cared for by Him. Those are the truths that He is using to change me!

Father, thank you that You are consistent even when I am not. With flaws and all I am Yours. I marvel at such love. Amen.