The difference is noticable. It's like the contrast between night and day. Last August, the school year began with trepidation and tears. Our daughter was beginning her junior year at a new school. She had left a school full of friends. As we drove to her new school, I knew she dreaded starting over. Establishing new friendships takes time, and she needed a friend today.
When she got home in the afternoon, I could tell from her responses that things hadn't gone that well. Structured classes and being the 'new kid' weren't exactly the formula for beginning friendships. She bemoaned the fact that no one had talked to her. Although I could definitely understand how she felt, I also remembered the truth of Proverbs 18:24a, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly:" It's a two-way street. It helps to reach out to others and show an interest in them, instead of just waiting for them to reach out to you. As the year progressed, things got better. Solid friendships developed and continued throughout the summer.
This year is different. Now a senior in high school, our daughter looked forward to the first day of school. Not only did she get to return and see her friends from last year, but as an added bonus, her best friend from church also made the transition to her school. She was excited for the new school year to begin. I love to see God at work.
Friendship is such a special gift from God. I think about how our lives are richer for the friendships we share. We can be open and honest with our friends, knowing that they'll still love us, in spite of us. A good friend not only encourages, but doesn't hesitate to gently correct us when we begin going down the wrong path. When I look for examples of godly friendships in the Bible, the uncommon bond that David and Jonathan shared comes to mind immediately. When you think about it, Jonathan was King Saul's son; the one who was next in line for the throne. Because he allowed himself to be guided by God, instead of viewing David as a threat, Jonathan recognized God's hand on David's life and humbly submitted himself to God's plan. In I Samuel 18:1 it says that, "...the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul." (KJV) A few verses later, Jonathan makes a binding agreement with David and gives him his robe, sword, bow and belt. Somehow, Jonathan knew that David would be the next king of Israel and he willingly went along with God's plan.
The loyal and committed friendship that Jonathan and David shared, led me to do a little inventory of my own friendships. Am I sacrificial in a relationship? Or do I expect my own way? Am I loyal? Or do I bail out when the going gets rough? Can a friend count on me to share the truth in love? Or am I just going to tell her what she wants to hear? Because true, lasting friendships come along so rarely, I want to pattern my relationships after those in God's word and be the right kind of friend. My prayer today is that I would thank God for the friendships He's allowed in my life (Philippians 1:3) and that I'd, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:3-4; KJV) What will your prayer be?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Remember
The sound of the alarm woke me from a fitful night of sleep. One glance at the clock let me know that it really was time to get up. Ugh! Just give me my Tempurpedic pillow and my king-size, Kingsdown mattress and I can't help but smile. I would be the first to tell you that I need my sleep. My Mom used to tease me when I was growing up, saying that I was 'born tired.'
As I held a silent debate with myself about whether to get up or pull the covers back over my head, I thought of all the things I had to do today. When I trudged into my daughter's bedroom to wake her and she decided on an extra 30 minutes of sleep, it didn't take any convincing for me to make a beeline back to my bed.
When I got up 30 minutes later, I felt guilty. After only one day of school, I was already pushing the snooze button on my alarm clock to get those few more minutes of coveted sleep. Instead of finishing my workout before my daughter headed off to school, I would now have to postpone it until after breakfast and Bible study. All the important calls and e-mail I needed to send would have to wait. I probably wouldn't have time to get the extra groceries I needed before picking up my daughter and her friends at school. I had sabotaged my schedule and already felt as if I'd made a mess of the day.
Before I even opened my Bible, God knew what I needed. As I paused to reflect on Deuteronomy 8, I let the topic of the chapter soak into my soul: Do Not Forget God. Wow! I was awake now. While I was fretting over not being able to accomplish all I'd planned for the day, God was trying to remind me that I needed to consult Him before putting together my 'To Do' list. Deuteronomy 8:11 says, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:" (KJV)
In her Bible study entitled, Lies Women Believe: and the Truth that Sets Them Free, Nancy Leigh DeMoss states the truth in love when she shares, "The Truth is that all I have to do is the work God assigns to me...The frustration comes when I attempt to take on responsiblities that are not on His agenda for me. When I establish my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my life, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends." p. 119
As I headed back into the house with a re-arranged agenda, I noticed I had a message on my cell phone. A dear friend had called to let me know that she would be picking up our kids from school today, so I didn't need to worry about it. Talk about an added blessing from God. When I submitted my schedule to His will, He provided me with the time I needed to get everything accomplished.
I'd much rather enjoy God's peace than guilt and frustration.Today my choice is to remember God and consult Him with my potential agenda before finalizing anything. As you go about this day that the Lord has made, will you remember God?
As I held a silent debate with myself about whether to get up or pull the covers back over my head, I thought of all the things I had to do today. When I trudged into my daughter's bedroom to wake her and she decided on an extra 30 minutes of sleep, it didn't take any convincing for me to make a beeline back to my bed.
When I got up 30 minutes later, I felt guilty. After only one day of school, I was already pushing the snooze button on my alarm clock to get those few more minutes of coveted sleep. Instead of finishing my workout before my daughter headed off to school, I would now have to postpone it until after breakfast and Bible study. All the important calls and e-mail I needed to send would have to wait. I probably wouldn't have time to get the extra groceries I needed before picking up my daughter and her friends at school. I had sabotaged my schedule and already felt as if I'd made a mess of the day.
Before I even opened my Bible, God knew what I needed. As I paused to reflect on Deuteronomy 8, I let the topic of the chapter soak into my soul: Do Not Forget God. Wow! I was awake now. While I was fretting over not being able to accomplish all I'd planned for the day, God was trying to remind me that I needed to consult Him before putting together my 'To Do' list. Deuteronomy 8:11 says, "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:" (KJV)
In her Bible study entitled, Lies Women Believe: and the Truth that Sets Them Free, Nancy Leigh DeMoss states the truth in love when she shares, "The Truth is that all I have to do is the work God assigns to me...The frustration comes when I attempt to take on responsiblities that are not on His agenda for me. When I establish my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my life, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends." p. 119
As I headed back into the house with a re-arranged agenda, I noticed I had a message on my cell phone. A dear friend had called to let me know that she would be picking up our kids from school today, so I didn't need to worry about it. Talk about an added blessing from God. When I submitted my schedule to His will, He provided me with the time I needed to get everything accomplished.
I'd much rather enjoy God's peace than guilt and frustration.Today my choice is to remember God and consult Him with my potential agenda before finalizing anything. As you go about this day that the Lord has made, will you remember God?
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Beginnings
A new beginning. Today marks the first day of our daughter's senior year in high school. Seems like just yesterday we were opening boxes, taking out books and preparing to homeschool our girl for her very first year of school. Today, she will walk the halls of Old Suwanee Christian School, participating in the final classes she needs in order to graduate. The years have flown by. Pictures capturing each stage of her life grace our walls and shelves. There are pictures of her with her soccer team and with the North Atlanta Young Singers, countless school pictures and even some taken by professional photograpers. Each picture marks a specific point in her life.
Today marks a new beginning for me as well. The carefree, summer schedule is being replaced with a more structured schedule to meet the demands of a new school year. I'll take the time to re-evaluate my goals and objectives. I can eliminate time wasters and re-prioritize those things that are of eternal significance. There is something encouraging about the opportunity to begin again.
Salvation provides the ultimate opportunity for a person to have a new beginning. Paul puts it like this in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new." (KJV) It doesn't end there. Once a part of His family, God is faithful to continually give each of His children opportunities to begin again.
Daily I make choices. Sometimes the choices are good ones, other times, I make bad choices. As I read Psalm 106 this morning, I was struck by the behavior of the children of Israel and by God's response. I could definitely see the similarity in my behavior and theirs. They began by praising the Lord for His goodness, but as the days passed, they forgot God and His works in their lives, and reverted back to complaining and lusting for material things. He chastized them for their sin and they would repent and remember Him once again. Unfortunately, this became a cycle that was repeated over and over throughout the generations of the children of Israel.
Even if we are God's children, each one of us still sins. First John 1:8 puts it best, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." God's grace and mercy toward us are evident in the very next verse of the same chapter, "9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (KJV) He offers us complete forgiveness and a new beginning.
No matter what stage of life you're experiencing, you can choose a new beginning. With each sunrise, you have the opportunity to pattern your life after the One who gave you life. My heart's desire is to be an accurate reflection of my Father, but when I fail, I'm thankful that because of His grace, I can repent and begin again. Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings!
Today marks a new beginning for me as well. The carefree, summer schedule is being replaced with a more structured schedule to meet the demands of a new school year. I'll take the time to re-evaluate my goals and objectives. I can eliminate time wasters and re-prioritize those things that are of eternal significance. There is something encouraging about the opportunity to begin again.
Salvation provides the ultimate opportunity for a person to have a new beginning. Paul puts it like this in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new." (KJV) It doesn't end there. Once a part of His family, God is faithful to continually give each of His children opportunities to begin again.
Daily I make choices. Sometimes the choices are good ones, other times, I make bad choices. As I read Psalm 106 this morning, I was struck by the behavior of the children of Israel and by God's response. I could definitely see the similarity in my behavior and theirs. They began by praising the Lord for His goodness, but as the days passed, they forgot God and His works in their lives, and reverted back to complaining and lusting for material things. He chastized them for their sin and they would repent and remember Him once again. Unfortunately, this became a cycle that was repeated over and over throughout the generations of the children of Israel.
Even if we are God's children, each one of us still sins. First John 1:8 puts it best, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." God's grace and mercy toward us are evident in the very next verse of the same chapter, "9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (KJV) He offers us complete forgiveness and a new beginning.
No matter what stage of life you're experiencing, you can choose a new beginning. With each sunrise, you have the opportunity to pattern your life after the One who gave you life. My heart's desire is to be an accurate reflection of my Father, but when I fail, I'm thankful that because of His grace, I can repent and begin again. Thank You, Lord, for new beginnings!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Passion
We had no idea that we'd encounter a medieval-style battle when we set out on our bike ride in the evening. The refreshingly cool, Michigan air inspired my husband, daughter and I to slip on warm clothes and begin pedaling toward the Midland tridge. With each revolution of the pedals, familiar places reminded me of days gone by: my best friend's house where I'd often spent the night, the elementary school I used to attend, the route my school bus used to take when I was in junior high and high school. Lots of memories, good memories.
As we biked across the tridge (a bridge that touches land in three locations), we could hear faint strains of Celtic music. It didn't seem like an ordinary evening. Unusual weapons littered the ground and several people were fighting what appeared to be a medieval battle. Naturally our curiosity was piqued. As we pulled out the video camera to capture the odd 'battle' being enacted before us, one of the participants asked us if we'd like to join them. Although we didn't join in their sport, one of the young men enthusiastically gave us a brief history of Dagorhir.
Over 30 years ago, a group of college friends who shared a passion for J.R.R. Tolkein's, Lord of the Rings and medieval history began the combat-driven battlegame that was given the name, Dagorhir, meaning battle lords. According to the Dagorhir website, "combatants engage each other in battle with boffer weapons and foam-padded shields." Each member makes a costume, which can include armor, and 'safe' weapons for use at scheduled battles.
The young man explained that Dagorhir was a LARP - a live action role playing game. He had taken the name, Omega, and was so passionate about his character that he willingly had the Greek omega symbol tattooed on his chest. I was gripped by the fact that he made it clear that this was his passion and he spent his free time participating in these battlegames all over the country.
As we continued our bike ride, I began to think about what I am passionate about. Paul wrote about his passion in I Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV) Do I consider it a privilege to share the gospel with those I come into contact with? If someone can get so excited about a game that is mere role-playing, why is it so difficult for us to get excited about what God has done for us in real life? I want my passion to point others to Christ and His saving grace. What's your passion?
As we biked across the tridge (a bridge that touches land in three locations), we could hear faint strains of Celtic music. It didn't seem like an ordinary evening. Unusual weapons littered the ground and several people were fighting what appeared to be a medieval battle. Naturally our curiosity was piqued. As we pulled out the video camera to capture the odd 'battle' being enacted before us, one of the participants asked us if we'd like to join them. Although we didn't join in their sport, one of the young men enthusiastically gave us a brief history of Dagorhir.
Over 30 years ago, a group of college friends who shared a passion for J.R.R. Tolkein's, Lord of the Rings and medieval history began the combat-driven battlegame that was given the name, Dagorhir, meaning battle lords. According to the Dagorhir website, "combatants engage each other in battle with boffer weapons and foam-padded shields." Each member makes a costume, which can include armor, and 'safe' weapons for use at scheduled battles.
The young man explained that Dagorhir was a LARP - a live action role playing game. He had taken the name, Omega, and was so passionate about his character that he willingly had the Greek omega symbol tattooed on his chest. I was gripped by the fact that he made it clear that this was his passion and he spent his free time participating in these battlegames all over the country.
As we continued our bike ride, I began to think about what I am passionate about. Paul wrote about his passion in I Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV) Do I consider it a privilege to share the gospel with those I come into contact with? If someone can get so excited about a game that is mere role-playing, why is it so difficult for us to get excited about what God has done for us in real life? I want my passion to point others to Christ and His saving grace. What's your passion?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Storms
Today we are waiting for the weather to clear. Yesterday was a picture perfect day in Ohio - low humidity, with deep blue skies and wispy white clouds. I couldn't have imagined a more beautiful day for us to explore Cincinnati while Riley and her Aunt Jill were hunting for the ideal settings for her senior pictures.
Some time in the night, I was awakened by the deep rumble of thunder. There was something about the rhythmic pattern of rain on the roof that coaxed me to snuggle deeper under the covers and doze back off to sleep. By eight o'clock this morning, the rain was still coming down, although the weather forecast had only predicted a twenty percent chance of rain. A look at the radar convinced us that it would be a big mistake to try taking our bikes out on the trail any time soon. The storms are continuing to build and roll across Ohio as we rearrange our plans.
The huge difference in the weather between yesterday and today reminds me of life. One day, things can be picture perfect, while the next day can bring one storm after another. I can't count the number of times that circumstances have been going along favorably for quite some time, then suddenly something happens that makes me slam on the brakes of life and re-evaluate. The book of James gives me some great insight: "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4 (KJV)
I know the wording used in these verses is no mistake. Verse two uses the word 'when' not 'if' in referring to troubles occurring in our lives. So I know that I will have trials and temptations. I don't need to question why I'm experiencing challenges. God's word is clear that when my faith is tried, I have the opportunity to grow, mature and be complete in Him.
Just as the rain will eventually stop today, the storms of life will also pass by, hopefully leaving us more conformed to the image of our Savior. The choice is ours. Will we be surprised when the trial comes, and choose bitterness as a result of it? Or will we remember that troubles are coming and choose joy in the midst of our trial, knowing that we can allow the hardship to help us grow? What will you choose?
Some time in the night, I was awakened by the deep rumble of thunder. There was something about the rhythmic pattern of rain on the roof that coaxed me to snuggle deeper under the covers and doze back off to sleep. By eight o'clock this morning, the rain was still coming down, although the weather forecast had only predicted a twenty percent chance of rain. A look at the radar convinced us that it would be a big mistake to try taking our bikes out on the trail any time soon. The storms are continuing to build and roll across Ohio as we rearrange our plans.
The huge difference in the weather between yesterday and today reminds me of life. One day, things can be picture perfect, while the next day can bring one storm after another. I can't count the number of times that circumstances have been going along favorably for quite some time, then suddenly something happens that makes me slam on the brakes of life and re-evaluate. The book of James gives me some great insight: "2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:2-4 (KJV)
I know the wording used in these verses is no mistake. Verse two uses the word 'when' not 'if' in referring to troubles occurring in our lives. So I know that I will have trials and temptations. I don't need to question why I'm experiencing challenges. God's word is clear that when my faith is tried, I have the opportunity to grow, mature and be complete in Him.
Just as the rain will eventually stop today, the storms of life will also pass by, hopefully leaving us more conformed to the image of our Savior. The choice is ours. Will we be surprised when the trial comes, and choose bitterness as a result of it? Or will we remember that troubles are coming and choose joy in the midst of our trial, knowing that we can allow the hardship to help us grow? What will you choose?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Purpose
To say he's athletic is an understatement. Our dog, Mighty Joe, sure does live up to his name. I would definitely say he shows great power, skill, strength or force; the words my dictionary uses to define 'mighty.'
This past Saturday, my husband and I were out working in the yard. Our daughter will have her senior pictures taken this week and we wanted to have some of them taken on the bridge overlooking the pond. Weeds needed to be pulled, rocks needed to be placed around the waterfall and pinestraw had to be laid to provide the right background we had envisioned. We let Mighty Joe join us while we worked.
When we first got Mighty Joe, he didn't understand that he was a retriever. After spending a day teaching him how to fetch a ball and consistently telling him, "You are a retriever," he caught on quickly and now is rarely seen without a ball. He literally spends hours dragging his ball from one end of his 'bark park' to the other. Sometimes he amuses himself by tucking his ball into a stack of firewood and going after it with all he's worth.
On Saturday, with tennis ball in mouth, Joe came over to me and dropped his gooey prize at my feet. I threw his ball and returned to pulling weeds. It seemed I could only pull a weed or two before my fine Chesapeake was back, waiting for me to throw his ball again. I could tell it was a bit irritating to my husband, who was also outside working; after all, technically, Mighty Joe is his dog. Not to be deterred, however, Mighty Joe resisted my husband's whistling and coaxing and continued to bring his ball to me.
As he continued to streak after his ball and leap into the air to nab it before returning to me, I thought about his intense focus. No matter where I threw his ball, he knew enough to keep his eyes on the ball, retrieve it and return it to me for the next throw. Although it was uncomfortably warm, his mind was bent on retrieving. He didn't let anything dissuade him from what he viewed as his 'purpose.' I thought about Ecclesiastes 9:10a "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;" (KJV) God used our dog to provide the perfect visual example of this verse for me.
When God has something for me to do, can He count on me to focus on the task, never taking my eyes off of Him, until the task is completed. Or am I distracted when others would have me get involved in another area? Do I let the inconveniences I encounter, become excuses for me to quit, or am I willing to persevere in spite of uncomfortable circumstances?
I love the way God uses the simple things in life to teach us profound truths. My desire is to complete those things God has asked me to do in order to cultivate the characteristic of the person in I Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (KJV) What is your 'purpose'? Will you choose to be a faithful steward today?
This past Saturday, my husband and I were out working in the yard. Our daughter will have her senior pictures taken this week and we wanted to have some of them taken on the bridge overlooking the pond. Weeds needed to be pulled, rocks needed to be placed around the waterfall and pinestraw had to be laid to provide the right background we had envisioned. We let Mighty Joe join us while we worked.
When we first got Mighty Joe, he didn't understand that he was a retriever. After spending a day teaching him how to fetch a ball and consistently telling him, "You are a retriever," he caught on quickly and now is rarely seen without a ball. He literally spends hours dragging his ball from one end of his 'bark park' to the other. Sometimes he amuses himself by tucking his ball into a stack of firewood and going after it with all he's worth.
On Saturday, with tennis ball in mouth, Joe came over to me and dropped his gooey prize at my feet. I threw his ball and returned to pulling weeds. It seemed I could only pull a weed or two before my fine Chesapeake was back, waiting for me to throw his ball again. I could tell it was a bit irritating to my husband, who was also outside working; after all, technically, Mighty Joe is his dog. Not to be deterred, however, Mighty Joe resisted my husband's whistling and coaxing and continued to bring his ball to me.
As he continued to streak after his ball and leap into the air to nab it before returning to me, I thought about his intense focus. No matter where I threw his ball, he knew enough to keep his eyes on the ball, retrieve it and return it to me for the next throw. Although it was uncomfortably warm, his mind was bent on retrieving. He didn't let anything dissuade him from what he viewed as his 'purpose.' I thought about Ecclesiastes 9:10a "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;" (KJV) God used our dog to provide the perfect visual example of this verse for me.
When God has something for me to do, can He count on me to focus on the task, never taking my eyes off of Him, until the task is completed. Or am I distracted when others would have me get involved in another area? Do I let the inconveniences I encounter, become excuses for me to quit, or am I willing to persevere in spite of uncomfortable circumstances?
I love the way God uses the simple things in life to teach us profound truths. My desire is to complete those things God has asked me to do in order to cultivate the characteristic of the person in I Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (KJV) What is your 'purpose'? Will you choose to be a faithful steward today?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Right On Time
Her Dad is dying. The hospice nurses say it could be any day now. Eighty-one years of life will soon become cherished memories of the life her father had lived. No one in the family is ready to let go. Although it's easy to understand that with his passing, he'll no longer be in pain, it's hard to imagine life without him; hard to imagine experiencing peace in the midst of so much grief.
I can relate. My Dad was chronically ill much of my life. In addition to having heart surgery in his early 40's, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis just a few years later. Each day was a challenge and he suffered with constant pain. After my brother and I moved away from home, Mom would let us know when Dad was going through a really bad spell. Over the years, we got used to the ups and downs and just figured that Dad would bounce back.
The holiday season of 2002 was shaping up to be really special. After celebrating Thanksgiving at home, we were going to drive up north to spend time with my in-laws and my parents. Our Thanksgiving Day feast, traditional turkey and stuffing with a thousand sides had left me pretty sleepy and I remember toying with the idea of waiting until another day to call my parents. It would have been easy to talk myself out of calling, but for some reason I picked up the phone. That night, I heard Dad talk like he never had before. Usually when I'd ask him about his health, he'd just say he was fine and change the subject. That night was different. I asked him what he wanted for Christmas and mentioned some things I thought he might like - his response shocked me. He said he didn't think he'd make it until Christmas. I told him it was just a few weeks away and that I couldn't wait to see him. After we hung up, I sat at the kitchen table and just sobbed, begging God not to allow my Dad to die. I knew I couldn't handle it...
Just a couple weeks later I got the call. I remember the phone call as if it were yesterday. My Mom's wavering voice, softly letting me know that my Dad had passed away. No time to pack my bags, get in the car and make the drive to Michigan. No more opportunities to call him one last time. He was already gone.
Instead of falling apart, God's peace engulfed me. I was right - in my own strength I wasn't able to handle my Dad's death, but God's strength and peace made it possible. God brought to my memory some verses that I had memorized long ago, Isaiah 26:3-4, 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" In the days and weeks that followed, I experienced the reality of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Death is never easy to face. With each trial, in His sovereignty, God gives us the grace we need at the exact moment we need it. I've learned that God's grace is always right on time. Let His grace be sufficient for you today.
I can relate. My Dad was chronically ill much of my life. In addition to having heart surgery in his early 40's, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis just a few years later. Each day was a challenge and he suffered with constant pain. After my brother and I moved away from home, Mom would let us know when Dad was going through a really bad spell. Over the years, we got used to the ups and downs and just figured that Dad would bounce back.
The holiday season of 2002 was shaping up to be really special. After celebrating Thanksgiving at home, we were going to drive up north to spend time with my in-laws and my parents. Our Thanksgiving Day feast, traditional turkey and stuffing with a thousand sides had left me pretty sleepy and I remember toying with the idea of waiting until another day to call my parents. It would have been easy to talk myself out of calling, but for some reason I picked up the phone. That night, I heard Dad talk like he never had before. Usually when I'd ask him about his health, he'd just say he was fine and change the subject. That night was different. I asked him what he wanted for Christmas and mentioned some things I thought he might like - his response shocked me. He said he didn't think he'd make it until Christmas. I told him it was just a few weeks away and that I couldn't wait to see him. After we hung up, I sat at the kitchen table and just sobbed, begging God not to allow my Dad to die. I knew I couldn't handle it...
Just a couple weeks later I got the call. I remember the phone call as if it were yesterday. My Mom's wavering voice, softly letting me know that my Dad had passed away. No time to pack my bags, get in the car and make the drive to Michigan. No more opportunities to call him one last time. He was already gone.
Instead of falling apart, God's peace engulfed me. I was right - in my own strength I wasn't able to handle my Dad's death, but God's strength and peace made it possible. God brought to my memory some verses that I had memorized long ago, Isaiah 26:3-4, 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" In the days and weeks that followed, I experienced the reality of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Death is never easy to face. With each trial, in His sovereignty, God gives us the grace we need at the exact moment we need it. I've learned that God's grace is always right on time. Let His grace be sufficient for you today.
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