A Crack in the Concrete

A Crack in the Concrete

by | Sep 30, 2023 | Hope, Joy, Trust

I confidently walked to my parents’ carport door – something I’ve done thousands of times.

However, a small crack in the concrete sent me flying. It was a leap I had not intended to take. In that split second, I thought, “This is not going to end well.”

After my knees, elbow and hip hit the hard surface, I decided to lay there for a bit before attempting to move. I’m not even sure which area hit first, but they all hurt. I’m pretty sure I landed 6 feet from that crack.

Have you been there? Confident and sure of yourself. On a mission. Then, something stops you in your tracks. Out of nowhere, you’re hit with devastating news. Your plans crushed. Faith shattered.

Or maybe you’ve nailed down your schedule for the day, and you’re eager to check things off your to-do list. Then, one small crack takes you in a completely different direction. Or a sliver of doubt lets in all kinds of negative thoughts.

A bold mission

Those cracks in our lives can take on many forms.

I imagine Jairus, a ruler in the synagogue, never thought he’d see his young daughter at the point of death. But when we find him in scripture, he was on a mission to find hope and healing.

We don’t know all the details, but here’s what we do know — his confidence was in Jesus.

Mark 5:21-43 tells us in desperation he broke through a great crowd by the sea to beg Jesus to heal her. He demonstrated great faith, saying “come and lay your hands on her that she may be made well and live.”

In his wilderness season, Jairus cried out to the only one who could save her.

He did not know what Jesus would do that day, but he put his faith and trust in Him.

However, as Jesus walked toward Jairus’ home, the worst happened. Someone from his house came with the devastating news — his daughter had died.

In that moment, did Jairus’ mind jump from hope to despair? Did the news stop him in his tracks? Did it paralyze him with fear?

We don’t know, but Jesus overheard those who came with the news and said to Jairus, “Do not fear. Only believe.”

Jairus got to see the miracle-working power of Jesus. As did many others that day by the sea and in Jairus’ home.

Battle scars

I have a few scars from that fall a few weeks ago, but I did recover. And thank goodness I can laugh about it.

Sometimes I even think I need a keeper.

Wait.

I do have one and He’s the one right by my side when I fall. When I doubt. When I make a mistake. When life doesn’t turn out how I planned it.

These “cracks” have also taught me that you can recover from the twists and turns of life . . . from pain and loss to live an abundant life of joy that is grounded in the Lord Jesus Christ.

No matter what happens in our lives, there is one constant. Jesus Christ is the Truth and through Him, we can not only survive what’s going on in our lives, but we can also learn to thrive again.

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD, my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:11-12

 

Stunningly Beautiful

Stunningly Beautiful

by | Sep 22, 2023 | Beauty, Faith, Trust

Stunningly beautiful.

I read the comment on someone’s social media page. I cannot remember who wrote it or what it referred to — someone’s physical beauty or words written. Maybe it referred to God’s beautiful creation.

It reminded me of a time many years ago when a friend and I visited Niagara Falls. We were in Toronto and drove down for the day. It was breathtaking. The shops and town on the Canadian side of the falls were beautifully decorated with potted and hanging plants overflowing with flowers. The overall experience was one of awe and appreciation.

We decided to see the falls from the U.S. side, so we drove over. In contrast, this trash-littered scene was quite appalling. No quaint streets. No beautiful landscaping. Of course, the falls were equally as beautiful, but the environment around them hadn’t been kept up. It had quite literally gone by the wayside. Abandoned. Not cared for. We saw only trash scattered about.

Those two sides of the most powerful waterfall in the world couldn’t have been more different. (I do not believe this is true today, but the experience absolutely left an impression.)

Pristine or neglected?

What about us? Are our lives in pristine shape? Have we cared for the conditions around us?

  • Our physical health. Is it on the back burner while we focus on other things? (Ouch – that one hits home for me.)
  • Our mental health. What do we allow into our minds?
  • Our spiritual health. Are we reading God’s word consistently?

Which side are you on?

Niagara showcases two views. Both views surround a beautiful phenomenon.

We have the love of God. It is without doubt stunningly beautiful. It is beyond comparison. Jesus Christ is our center, our constant. He is our powerful redeemer.

On the one side, we have complete trust and faith. The other side disobedience and rebellion.

My life has depicted both sides over the years. Can you relate?

But as Christ as our center, let us strive to keep the physical, mental and spiritual chunks of our lives in order so that others can see Jesus in us. Not to be distracted by clutter but that the life we live will point people to Him.

 

When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)

 

Don’t know Jesus? You can.

It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

Find out more here.

Straight to the Source

Straight to the Source

by | Aug 22, 2023 | Disappointment, God, Trust

Have you ever wondered how someone as brave and gallant as King David could do an about-face and run from his son Absalom?

Absalom had campaigned against David, garnered support and attempted to take over the throne. (See 2 Samuel 15) With all David had been through and as Israel’s greatest king, why did he take the escape route?

There are several thoughts on this. 1) He wanted to spare Jerusalem from destruction and innocent people from suffering. 2) He wanted to spare his own life. 3) Because of his own sin, he saw the coming attack as God’s discipline. 4) He didn’t want Absalom to be harmed.

I believe David’s words in Psalm 3 also gives us a glimpse into his heart during Absalom’s rebellion. Maybe it was fear that prompted him to fall on his knees and call out to God for deliverance.

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah. (ESV)

 

Finding answers in times like these

Could it be that going through difficult times — even if it’s our own fault or the consequence of our own sin — teaches us, prepares us or moves us along in our journey?

David’s escape from Absalom drove him to God. Although he had had many victories in his life, David committed many sins, as we all do. Yet he knew who to turn to, who to cry out to, who would be sure to answer.

I could write a book about the many things that happened to my family, particularly financially in the last seven months. Not long after we moved into our new home, our 22-year-old truck — parked on the street in front of our house — was hit by another vehicle . . .  and totaled. That truck was the “rite of passage” for my sons as they became first-time drivers. We were about to make that transition for my third and youngest son.

This, along with a host of other repairs and other general issues, sent me wallowing in my misfortune. At one point, my son stopped to ask me “Mom, do you think we’re being tested?” I didn’t know how to answer except to say, “It sure seems like it.”

Oh, I cried out to God but I focused more on complaining to my friends and family. In contrast, Even when betrayed by a family member, David went straight to the source of all comfort — to the one who already knew his situation. While friends offer sympathy and comfort, it is God who lifts my head and answers me.

 

Finding peace in times like these

Times like these do, in fact, draw me closer to God. Difficulties often show me that He is near. And it is in that nearness, peace can be found.

Like David, when fear and disappointment come, I know I can trust Him, not only because he is God and creator of the universe, but because I can see how he has been with me — by my side — over the weeks, months and years. Through each trial, through each heartbreak, through every decision whether good or bad, He is there.

Do you know who to turn to? Who to cry out to? Who is sure to answer? No matter what comes, Jesus Christ is there every step of the way.

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

Waiting Well

Waiting Well

by | May 19, 2023 | Encouragement, Obedience, Trust

Fifty-four years ago this week, my dad suffered a debilitating accident that changed his life. I can only imagine what it must have been like for my mom during those touch-and-go days in the hospital. Well, some of that experience I know firsthand.

Then she endured six months of waiting as he recovered and learned a new way of mobility. Sometimes the waiting alone leaves us paralyzed and unable to function properly. But that waiting period can also serve to teach and guide us.

A plan to wait

God promised the shepherd David he would be Israel’s next king. God had a plan. But that plan required David to wait.

As a fugitive, David and his “band of brothers” camped out in a cave while King Saul and his army searched for them to kill him.

And one day Saul showed up in the very same cave David and his crew waited. They encouraged David to take Saul’s life, but he wouldn’t do it. He knew God’s plan for him to be king, however, he waited. And he trusted.

In Psalm 31:24, David pens these words.

“Be strong, and let your hearts take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (ESV)

I have been in a season of waiting. I have cried out to God to deliver me. And I waited, knowing that His plan is for my good but crying out all the same for answers.

The words from Psalm 27:14 grip my heart.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Are you in a season of waiting or just coming out of one? Or has God used your waiting to prepare you for what’s to come?

Let the words of this Psalm and others like it keep you and encourage you in your waiting.

The power to wait

What happened during David’s season of waiting? While he waited, he wrote psalms that still impact us and speak to us today. While he waited, God used that time to teach, minister and prepare him to lead Israel one day. While he didn’t know it then, God would eventually use the outpouring of his heart — and words spoken in agony — to help and heal people throughout history.

David waited well. We can, too, because of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows I struggle with this. And you may too. However, He knows and provides the power we need to wait. And we can trust God while we’re waiting on Him to act.

Jesus Take the Wheel

Jesus Take the Wheel

by | Apr 3, 2023 | Obedience, Trust, Worry

While leaving my parents’ house a couple of years ago, I swerved slightly into the other lane as I rounded a curve. It wasn’t a big deal. However, you would have thought so by my oldest son’s exaggerated expression when he said, “Jesus take the wheel!”

Talk about an overreaction.

Oh, but that statement has so much meaning.

These last two weeks have been filled with seesaw emotions as I have struggled to make a major decision for our family. One minute, I’m giving it to God. The next, I’m taking back control as if I know what’s best.

Why is it so hard to let go? And once you do, the waiting is the hardest part. Yet my human nature wants to forge ahead and make my own way.

Waiting on God’s provision

Over the last two weeks, I’ve decided to trust God and wait on his provision, only to reverse that thought hours later so I can do it my way. Waiting is not my strong suit.

I’m guessing I’ve done this 20 plus times now. Yesterday was no exception.

In the quietness of an afternoon walk, in my spirit, these words pricked my heart. “Let me do this for you.” To the best of my ability, that’s what I’m going to do.

As I navigate these next few days, I’m asking Jesus to take the wheel. I’m letting go and trusting Him to meet my need.

What about you? Does He have the wheel of your life? Or do you have a white-knuckled grip on it?

Giving God the driver’s seat

I’ve been reading in the book of Numbers about the Israelites entry into their promised land — Canaan — which was described as a land flowing with milk and honey. They struggled with trust and waiting too, deciding many times to take matters into their own hands. Because of their lack of faith, an 11-day journey took them 40 long years.

The same God that led them leads us too. Dare we let go of the wheel and allow him to take the driver’s seat of our lives?

I pray for strength for us today to do just that. Release our doubts, our fears, and even our decisions to Almighty God.

Let Jesus meet your need for you. Let Him take the wheel.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Photo: Pexels

The Invisible Army

The Invisible Army

by | Feb 18, 2023 | God, Gratitude, Trust

I saw it coming but could do nothing about it. As the car veered toward us, my friend driving tried to steer us out of the way. It was a moment too late. The other vehicle made contact and ran us off the road.

The four of us in my car and the two in the other vehicle survived the ordeal without injury. I know this sounds crazy, but I pictured God’s angels there between us, softening the blow. We were all incredibly grateful as we sat in the grassy median, interstate traffic speeding past.

Reflecting on this reminds me of an instance in the Bible where God protected Elisha and his servant with an invisible army. Elisha was one of the most well-known prophets of Israel, serving in the northern kingdom. He had been anointed by Elijah, the prophet who skipped death when God suddenly picked him up in a chariot of fire and took him to heaven in a whirlwind.

Elisha had seen God do amazing things.

Maybe that’s why he appeared calm and confident when the Syrian army surrounded the city of Dothan.

Elisha’s servant, however, not so much.

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6: 15-17 (ESV)

 

Outnumbered

There really were more with them than those who were in that army. Instead of seeing a threat, this time Elisha’s servant saw the strength and the glory of God’s army. He saw that the army of the Lord outnumbered the Syrian threat. And I bet he was never the same again.

When the Syrians came against them, Elisha captured the army with a bold prayer and trust in his Lord. (See the rest of the chapter for the interesting details.)

Hundreds of years later, the apostle John reminds us of this same concept.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Of course, I don’t know all the behind-the-scenes activity going on as we drove home that night, but I can recognize God’s protection. I can trust the strength of God’s army and know that not only is God with me, but sometimes misfortune just might be the thing that God uses for a greater purpose. Maybe our accident even served as a wake-up call for the person who hit us.

 

Seen

I’m grateful that God protects and fights our battles even when we are completely unaware.

Remember these two things today.

  • As Christians, the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.
  • Although we can’t always see it, God is by our side, and we can trust the strength of His army.

Today, I pray that God will open our eyes so we can see His glory, His protection and His good work in our lives.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

 

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