Isn’t it wonderful when life is chugging along without a crisis? These seasons are pleasant, but what happens for a believer when life falls apart, or someone tears us down, or seeks to harm us? Have you ever seen God do the most amazing things in the middle of a crisis? Did your faith grow?
I met a friend when I was in my 30’s who mentored me without me even understanding that was what she was doing. She shared transparently about a painful family situation causing me to think, I could never do that!
I know looking at your small child going through those great big doors of school can be scary! Having them walk away from you as they face the journey ahead and not even look back can be challenging.
Can you hear the confidence in Micah’s voice? I hope…I wait…my God will hear me! I sometimes long to have more confidence in the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the pity party of life and forget that we serve a God who never lets His people down. His truth reminds us, “that all things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
When I was approaching my teen years, I was able to attend modeling school at a local
department store. I was guided on how to sit properly, walk gracefully, and properly care
for my face and hair. The most exciting part of the training was that on the final day, we
would model down the runway in an outfit of our choice from the upcoming clothesline
of the season. I would proudly parade my beautiful dress while displaying all the
knowledge I had gained at modeling school.
“I am devoted to You”. Can you say these words to God? Are you devoted to God?
Truly devoted? Not just in the good times but also during the challenging times?
The other day I took my daughter to dance class and watched her through the glass window. She was leading a conversation with her classmates just before class started. As I watched her facial expressions, I could tell she was getting to a good part of the story when she began to smile and laugh. The reaction from the girls around her was priceless, as they all started belting out in laughter over this most interesting story.
Like those giant trees, I want to think my faith in Christ is steady and firm.
Then… here comes a storm. Will I be tossed about by the wind?
What about you? How easily could you be uprooted?
Sarah laughed but it was laughter of doubt, as if to say… “Ha, that is not happening!”
Has God ever told you something that seemed laughable?
In my plans for big events this year, my husband and I wanted a vacation for his 60th birthday.
But God made it clear that His will for my husband was that he was to have surgery to remove cancer from his body on his birthday.
It was obvious from far back in line that my five-year-old pig-tailed girl had not had a good day. As I waited for the teacher to put her in my car, I could see that she was deflated, alone and sad. By the time we pulled out of the school parking lot, she was sobbing. “I had to sit on the rock, Mama,” she cried.
As a child, I felt special every time I took a bath at my Granny’s house.
At that time, Granny only had one bathroom. The tub, sink and toilet were probably 30 years old. The water pressure wasn’t that great, but I didn’t care about any of those things.
As I sat in Sunday School, I heard my husband read this scripture. The words jumped out. I was guilty even as he spoke the words. And I’m one of the teachers.
Three different types of behavior but each stamped with the same label: hypocrite. And hypocrisy, bottom line, is pretending to be something you aren’t.
Have you ever had one of those friends that you know will always understand? She’s the kind of person who will listen, support and offer the best advice? You know what you share will be kept private, so you don’t have to self-edit as you “vent” to her.
As we drove away, my children went on and on. “Mom, I’ve never seen you so friendly!” While this wasn’t necessarily encouraging, I also wondered what had come over me. For some reason the young woman working the drive-thru looked like she needed encouragement. I asked her a few questions and realized she was new to town. Would she like to attend church with us? The answer was yes!
But God is faithful. He promised to send a final prophet to awaken the hearts of His people. According to Constable: “Whether the original Elijah will appear before the day of the LORD, or if an Elijah-like figure, similar to John the Baptist, will appear, remains to be seen.”* We rest assured that God has it under control.
For a year and a half my husband and I lived in a remote mining town in northern British Columbia. We loved the changes in the seasons; but when the winter months came to that place, the lack of direct sunlight took us by surprise. The sun never rose above the surrounding mountains. Cabin fever is a well-known syndrome in the far north, high doses of vitamin D the answer.
Then—Malachi’s words cut to the core of those who feared the LORD. Having come to their senses and repented of any personal falling away, they got together to talk it over. The Hebrew suggests this was not just one meeting, but occurred regularly and nurtured their faith. I cannot help but think they spent a lot of time speaking about the goodness of God in their lives—they honored His name!
