"For Such a Time as This"

Here I sit, reflecting on these past three weeks of my life.   As I am beginning to get “settled” back into a regular routine of life (after having to dig my car out of several feet of snow, and facing head-on the “wonders” of Michigan life J),  I can’t help but take time to jot down some things I am thankful for.

Three weeks ago found me looking forward to being “on the road” as a “temporary team member” (with Life Action) again, but not so excited about the timing of the trip.  I honestly thought I would be more than ready to head home in the course of 2 weeks.  I had just come off of Christmas break, and was walking through some difficult circumstances and decisions in my life.  I knew that this was part of my responsibilities, and what I had planned was different that what God did. 

I thank the Lord for the “time away” from my own daily agenda, and for the lessons He has taught me.  I was humbled by the position I took as a “helper” in our children’s clubs (though that’s what I came for, but I had to basically lay aside my previous leadership ideas).  I thank Him for the people He allowed to be part of my daily journey, walking along as the body of Christ.  I truly miss “y’all” team members (you know who you are J)~  I appreciate the laughs you shared, the hugs and prayers!  I will remember the late night talks with the girls (along with the snacks J), and the insightful conversations in the car.  I am grateful for the listening ears and the Biblical advice.   I am thankful for the times of prayer and praise together, and the amazing opportunity to serve alongside fellow believers whose hearts beat with the same God-given passion. 

I am impacted by the experience of seeing first-hand~~God’s work in lives.  I stand in awe at the power He has to change lives—to reconcile marriages and restore families.   He broke through stubborn hearts and brought hope to years of hurt and bitterness.  I was humbled that God could use my own personal experience to give hope to young girls who are struggling.  He gave me a love and burden that I can’t explain!

The power that God has to change lives in the church (that we were in) is the same power that can turn my own father’s heart back to Him (God).  It is the same Scripture that directed hundreds to live out God’s principles through obedience, that I am also instructed to look to for daily wisdom and guidance.  The faith that the ministry had in trusting that God would provide for the needs of that summit is the same faith that I must have as I trust God for my future.

For such a time as this, God used my recent experience not only in the lives of others (like I had thought would be most obvious), but most of all in my own life!  God’s time, God’s way!  I thank Him for continually revealing His glorious plans!  J

Surrendering in Prayer

God has been taking me through a time of trusting and waiting on HIM... it has been quite a struggle in realizing that so many of MY expectations and desires have been a motive in prayer. So my arguements have often sounded like: "but wouldn't it be God's way to restore my family? Or to make the path of my future clear?" The questions could go on, but my mind's battles are beginning to calm as I am encompassed by the truth and promises in Scripture.

God gave opportunity to read the transcript from Revive Our Hearts this morning, and as Nancy DeMoss shared Scripture, I realized it was EXACTLY where I am today!! As she has been teaching on the life of Hannah, truths came billowing out to me in a very personal way! Hannah lived a life of GRACE (hence the meaning of her name), and her relationship with God was one of continual prayer.

I am challenged by Philippians4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. So, I am to tell God how I am feeling... I have no problem with that. But looking back at Hannah, we see that as she went into the Tabernacle and in pouring her heart to God, she then LEFT her burden there, got up and went on. She came to that point of faith and surrender. Oh, how I desire to fully be surrendered to HIS purposes! That means HIS timing, HIS way!

As difficult as it is for my human emotions to be "ok" with that, :), I just can't help but want to fully embrace the promise that comes with that surrender. Philippians7:4 says: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
HE will take care of it if I just give it to HIM!! And...as He is able to unfold His glorious purposes, I am also able to experience HIS amazing peace! WOW! :)

I want to fully be a "worshipper" of HIM, not because of what HE can do for me, but because HE is God! And so I realize that as I surrender as Hannah did, I can give up those distractions of worry and stress, and fully come before my Father, ready to embrace HIS grace, acknowledge HIS power, and anticipate HIS purposes!!

Some quotes from Charles Spurgeon were also shared:

"Is it a day of sorrow with us? Let us expect to see the Lord glorified in our deliverance.

Are we drawn out in fervent prayer? Do we cry day and night unto Him? Then the set time for His grace is near. God will lift up Himself at the right season. He will arise when it will be most for the display of His glory.

We wish for His glory more than we long for our own deliverance. Lord, help us in such a way that we may see that Thou Thyself art working. May we magnify Thee in our inmost souls. Make all around us to see how good and great a God Thou art."

Let us think on GOD'S amazing ways!!! :)

Over My Head

                                    ~Brian Littrell

Where does my JOY come from?

This afternoon I had the privilege of being part of a service at a local nursing home.  In these types of opportunities,  I tend to think the main purpose is in ministry to others;  though that is the goal,  I usually leave reflecting on the ways that I myself have been challenged or ministered to. 

We started by passing out “favorite hymns” and singing with them.   In glancing at the group, I saw many different kinds of people—some very old, some more coherent than others;  some smiling, some looking very sad; some sleeping, some singing along.  There were several who stood out to me.  One was a man who looked very young, yet he was incapacitated and in a wheelchair.  It was apparent that he has some degree of paralysis.  He seemed to be an observer—not with a negative facial expression; more so with a look of contemplation. 

The next lady who stuck out to me was the one who I stood by and sang with.  Her name was Betty. She sang those songs with all her heart!  The amazing thing, though, was that her speech was very slurred and hard to understand, but when she sang, there was no doubt of what song and verse she was singing!  I had opportunity to talk with Betty afterward.  She has apparently had a stroke, and has a difficult time speaking.  I am thankful though, that I had an incredible conversation with her, and understand almost all that she was trying to communicate.  She shared of a difficult life, yet of the faith that she has in Christ.  Her transparency and eagerness challenged me.

I was also able to speak with Edna.  She was a smiling, 97-yr. old grandmother.  She told me her “secret” to a long life—that is taking a short nap every day!  (I will definitely try to heed that advice!)  She shared of her family’s farming heritage, and their produce business.   She never complained about a thing, except in sharing her disappointment that she can’t help do the work on the “farm” any more.  She challenged me to use every moment I have, because time passes so quickly! 

Finally, I met a lady with the nickname “giggles”… I don’t think there was a moment I didn’t see her smiling!  (At one time I thought she was going to loose her top dentures!  She told me that she loves Jesus!  Her positive attitude was such a challenge to me.

Wow, though a nursing home can be a very sad place, I found the true JOY that came not from circumstances, but from the hearts of these dear people! 

So where do I find my JOY?  I know the TRUE source, yet  I often find myself  “feeling” the disappointing affects of seeking JOY and contentment in the wrong places—circumstances, personal successes, friendships/relationships, possessions…

My Heavenly Father is my JOY and delight!  I desire for my life to be that evidence!  Even when I am 97 years old, or face a debilitating condition… will I be overflowing?  If I am delighting in the true fulfillment and JOY—yes I can!

My Covering

In reflecting on the past year, it has been a whirlwind of emotions.  We (my family) have gone through a depth of pain, one that I never wished I would ever have to experience.  My heart continues to ache for my Dad-- I'm overcome with the burden of the state of  his life.  I also can't help but feel the rippling effect of his decisions on the rest of us... there has been such a depth of longing, vulnerability, and heartbreak.  At times I have felt so alone-- yet I have tried to be that help and comfort to my other family members, that it's in the moments that I am weakest I feel such a need for a protection, love, assurance...

However, I THANK THE LORD for the way He is teaching me more of WHO HE IS!  I have found that I can cry out to HIM, my HEAVENLY FATHER, and His amazing grace, love, assurance, comfort, and peace surround me!  HE is there when I need protection!  He has been there every moment of the way! 

I proclaim who He is, along with the Psalmist:

"How Precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings." ~Psalm 36:7

He is my covering!  He is my everything!  In HIM we continue to have such HOPE!  

I was listening to song recently that was a powerful reminder of this to me:

"The sun gives to a darkened sky
Blood red are the tears we cry
So far from Your design
Oh God, hear me tonight

Though the waters rise
They will not pull me under
When the mountain slides
And crashes to the sea
I will lift my eyes
And call out to You, Father
Be my covering

War-torn are the rags of every nation
Fear lives in the heart of every home
Louder than the groans of creation
Oh, my God, be the voice of hope

Though the waters rise
They will not pull me under
When the mountain slides
And crashes to the sea
I will lift my eyes
And call out to You, Father
Be my covering"

(Bebo Norman)