Patricia Cameron

A Bold Move

by Patricia Cameron | Jan 7, 2023 | Courage, Determination, Faith, Victory

J. R. R. Tolkien once said, “courage is found in unlikely places.”

That’s what we find in the story of Esther. Hers was not a “commander of an army” type courage. Nor one accompanied by physical strength and stamina.

Her courage was a quiet, “I’ll risk my life for my people” type of courage.

Esther had been queen for about three years before she had the test of a lifetime. Haman, second in command of Susa, had devised an evil plan to destroy all Jews throughout the kingdom and convinced King Xerxes to sign it into law.

Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, challenged her to step in and use her position to change this course of action. A task not easily done.

There was no knocking on his door to ask a question. She had to be invited. And thirty days had passed since Esther had been summoned by the king. Approaching him without an invitation was against the law. However, she risked her life for her people. Her response to Mordecai must have been a chilling one.

When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. Esther 4:16.

How do we prepare for courage?

I believe several things contributed to her courage, and ultimate victory, to make such a bold move.

Even before this time, God had prepared Esther for that critical moment.

She was adopted by Mordecai who treated her like his own daughter. He taught her that God was always in control.
She was one of the virgins chosen as a potential queen, winning the favor of Hegai, the king’s eunuch and overseer of the king’s harem. He even moved Esther and her maids to the best place in the harem.
Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.
She won the king’s favor and approval more than any of the other virgins.
She had an accountability partner. Mordecai challenged her to do the right thing.
Esther reported an assassination plot to take out the king.
Before she acted, she called on people to fast and pray, putting her faith in God first.

After being seized from her cousin to become the possession of a cruel king, Esther could have become bitter. Instead, she demonstrated courage, patience and wisdom. She did this not only in her gracious appeal to the king, but through offering a solution that gave the Jews the chance to survive.

And that is the way with us, too. Sometimes our trials springboard us to a place of courage and boldness. God also prepares us for our “moment” through a consistent, everyday walk with Him. Obedience in the “little things” could be just what gets us through that next obstacle.

What do we do with the sting of pain?

Life is hard. Difficult times happen. Pain will come. When it does, do we turn TO God or FROM Him?

You may be thinking, “I do not have the courage of Esther.” But consider this. Esther took one step at a time, allowing her trials to shape her into a courageous young woman.

She didn’t settle for less than God’s plan for her. She strove for the best, whether she suffered for it or not.

And we can too. We CAN find the courage when courage seems in short supply. We CAN pray boldly and act boldly. We CAN live in victory.

Do you have a decision to make? A plan to implement. How has God prepared you to be bold? Draw upon those experiences that have made you into who you are today and take courage in your moment of decision.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

What are you boldly believing God for in 2023?

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 30, 2022 | Belief, Faith, Trust

He looked at them with compassion and touched their eyes. (Matthew 20:34)

I have read the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar several times over the last few months. Today, though, it encouraged me in a different way. As I think about the approach of a new year, I want to be like these two who spoke their request with boldness and faith, then put their faith into action. The Bible says they immediately received their sight and followed him.

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matthew 20:29-34)

Healing faith

They played a part in their healing, too. Mark and Luke’s version of this story says that it was his faith that healed him.

That faith reminds me of another set of verses that tell us to believe and move mountains. (Mark 11: 22-26).

Also, Luke 11:8-10 tells us much of the same. It describes a man who knocks on his friend’s door asking for bread. His friend refused to get up because he was already in bed, however, Jesus said “because of the man’s boldness, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.”

What is your mountain?

That, my friend, is a lesson for us as we enter 2023. What is your mountain? What are you boldly believing and asking God for in 2023? What are you putting your faith in God to do for you this year? Whatever is ahead, let’s

Be bold. Make the ask.
Believe and have faith.
Praise Him big.
Follow Him. Serve Him big.

We play a role in our results as well. In each verse, they believed. They had faith. They knocked.

If I ask God to fulfill my dream, I must put in my work, too. If I ask God to heal me from a physical condition, I may have to change some patterns or habits to get there.

So, my desire for myself and my encouragement for you this new year is to be bold. Boldly believe God and ask him to move that mountain. Boldly dream the dream. Work hard to achieve it. Praise God for it. Serve Him through it.

I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn his face toward you and give you peace in 2023.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Celebrating a Promise Fulfilled

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 23, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Gratitude

After returning an item at a local store, I began to wander around – not knowing what I was looking for. Then my mind also began to wander, thinking about Matthew and how I miss him this Christmas.

Next, I headed to Sam’s to buy supplies for Christmas day, and I remembered how we used to go together to shop for Christmas. Our boys were much younger, and we enjoyed finding gifts that would surprise and delight them. Matthew was such a big kid himself.

How do we survive the holidays when our hearts are longing for more time with our loved one? There seems to have been so much loss and heartbreak this year. That alone is distressing.

Then I stumbled on this verse in a journal a friend gave me recently and God spoke to my heart.

Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. Psalm 55:22

It was just the reminder I needed.

Make room for blessings

When we lay our worries and stresses at Jesus’ feet, there’s room to think about the gifts – the blessings – God has already provided. So that’s what I decided to do.

I thought about my boys giving me an early Christmas gift – both thoughtful and touching. Parker made an ornament on a piece of wood, painting the cover of my book on it. I think he got as much joy from giving it as I did from receiving it.

I thought about impromptu lunches with two friends this week — two days in a row — and how each one blessed and encouraged me.

I thought about our Christmas party and how I enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

And I thought about the gift of God’s word (like Psalm 55:22) that tells me I can release my burdens and focus on blessings because of a promise fulfilled.

A promise fulfilled

God made a promise. Then he fulfilled it when he gave the gift of joy by sending His son to live among humankind.

The shepherds experienced it that beautiful and magnificent night when they were visited by a host of angels.

Mary and Joseph experienced it as they sat in awe and held their baby in their arms — the new King who had come to save the world.

The wise men experienced it when they visited the small family and kneeled before the Christ.

And we can experience it too.

As we face dark days. Lonely days.
When we trust even though we cannot see ahead.
As we sense the secret workings of God in our hearts.
As we receive the gift of salvation Christ offers.

While some celebrate Christmas with family, others miss the family member who’s gone. Some celebrate by attending events and parties. Others endure the days alone.

One thing is sure. No matter our circumstances, Jesus will do what he says. God spoke to the prophets about the coming Messiah and His miraculous birth. And it happened exactly as it was written.

And because of that, we can celebrate a promise fulfilled — whether with a large group of people or with only Jesus as our companion. Let’s celebrate Jesus. Let’s worship Him.

Is the spirit of God tugging at your heart today? Give thanks that he gave Himself for us. Give thanks for the gifts He has given us personally.

A time of laughter with a friend
A bittersweet memory
A thoughtful gesture
A scripture of encouragement
A moment in the presence of the King.

As the shepherds rejoiced when they heard the angels’ proclamation, then searched for the Christ child, let us also rejoice and be on the lookout for precious everyday gifts.

God of Possible

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 9, 2022 | Faith, God, Miracles

“What a fool,” I thought as I read Zechariah’s response to the angel Gabriel’s news. An angel of the Lord appeared in front of him, and he asked this question – How can I be sure of this?

In his mind, he and his wife Elizabeth were too old. (He wasn’t really a fool, but in that moment, he focused on his earthly limitations over what God said he would do. In his defense, the Bible says that he and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God. Luke 1:5-7)

However, I can just imagine Gabriel’s indignation when he said “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.”

Speechless

The result? Zechariah was not able to speak again until that very child was born.

God put an angel in front of Zechariah. An angel who had just stood in the presence of Almighty God.

Oh, how many times have I questioned God’s word to me? I may not have seen an angel standing before me, but God’s word is clear.

In contrast, what did Elizabeth do? She didn’t hear from the angel. But she gave God the credit. Luke 1:25 says “The Lord has done this for me. In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Blessed

Six months later and about 100 miles north in Nazareth, Gabriel shows up on another mission. This time to a young virgin named Mary who was Elizabeth’s relative.

Mary’s response? Not “how can this be,” but “how will this be?” A few moments later, she demonstrates her faith when she says “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” No human reasoning. No asking for a sign. Just, let it be done.

When Mary later visited Elizabeth, she summed it up perfectly.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Wow. These two stories teach us what it’s like to just trust—no questioning what God said. No assumptions. It will be what the Lord says it will be. And know that the good that comes to us is the Lord’s doing.

So, the next time I question something God says to me, I’m going to think of Zechariah and Mary.

One old. One young.
One mature. One inexperienced.
One who’d likely seen God work many times.
Both knew the scriptures.
One led by human reasoning. One spirit led.
One who saw through a “how CAN this be” lens. One who saw through as a “let it be as you say” lens.

Let us, too, see from Mary’s lens and respond accordingly. Because nothing — not age or physical condition — is impossible with God.

Let the miracle of the Christmas season lift your spirit today.

Seasons Come, Seasons Go

by Patricia Cameron | Dec 2, 2022 | Faith, Gratitude, Obedience

“We lost, momma,” my oldest son informed me after the Ragin’ Cajun’s basketball game. As a team manager, his disappointment was understandable. It was their first loss of the season.

As a boy mom of three athletes, I’ve seen many seasons come, and many seasons go. The thrill of victory during those seasons energizes us and sends our spirits soaring. The disappointment of defeat, although discouraging, also creates a desire to improve and do better the next time.

Seasons are like that. For some, we can’t wait for them to end. For others, we want to hold on to and cherish. And still, some are like a roller coaster ride. During those, we just hang on for dear life.

A surprise season

Sometimes seasons take us by surprise. Sometimes we anticipate and even celebrate them.

As we near the end of the year, another season comes to a close.

With the birth of Christ, Mary and Joseph entered a new season in their lives. I’m sure the news that created this new season took them by surprise. They didn’t expect to enter their marriage with Mary’s pregnancy. Imagine the string of emotions that event created. However, they accepted it and honored God through it.

As we enter the Christmas season, let us begin it with gratitude for not only a baby in a manger but for Mary’s willing heart and Joseph’s obedience. And most important, let’s be grateful for God coming down to live among us and offering redemption for our sins once and for all.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21