The God Who Sees and Hears

"You are the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13).

 

Statistics reveal that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life, especially when it involves relocating to another city. I've done this before, but it was always my choice to go. This time it's driven by corporate decisions and God's providence. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart I'm learning to embrace the transition. It's hard leaving the place my husband and I have loved more than any other, and the people who made it so special.

Still, there are blessings that arise if I silence my whimpering voice long enough to hear God's whispers of comfort. They come in the most ordinary and mundane moments of every day life, yet they are extraordinarily sweet like honey for my soul. Praying for favor with a buyer, while scrubbing the floor for our home showing, God assured me that somewhere in another kitchen another wife is doing the same thing. And He sees us both and hears our cries for answered prayers.

El Roi, "The God who sees me". That is how Hagar described the Lord who met her in the desert and spoke to her. Alone, abandoned and pregnant she was cast out from Abraham because of Sarah's jealous rage (Genesis Chapter 16). But God saw her anguish and came to her rescue. The same God sees me and He sees you. He hears our prayers and will provide for us. 

Before a single word is uttered from our lips the Lord's ear is attuned to our needs (Isaiah 65:24). Like a loving parent He watches over us day and night, and delights in hearing our voice. Won't you take your cares to Jesus who brings them to the Father? While we may feel invisible and unnoticed by the world around us, praise God He is our everlasting and all powerful El Roi! "You are the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary  

You Will Find Me in the Garden

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

September is one of my favorite months--a time to welcome the harvest season as we savor the last kiss of summer. All my life, September represented change. It was the start of each new school year, the month I moved from familiar surroundings to begin anew elsewhere, and the month I got married. September generally finds me full of life and energy; welcoming the new beginnings I have been afforded. This year, however, some events feel more like endings. The season of plenty has been shaken up; I question what seeds I have been sowing in life’s garden.

The first jolt struck after our San Francisco trip. Prior to vacation there were three recruiters in my corporate job, whittled down from eight this spring. Last Monday I discovered I would be working solo. Grateful for a paycheck but upset over logging in fifty-hour weeks; I feel completely depleted. I want to write, want to do my Bible study, respond to social invitations all without labeling these another “project” I have a deadline to complete. The under tow of life’s current is strong right now. I have to fight to breath in God’s truth that sustains me. As if this news wasn’t challenging enough, another wave came that toppled my spirit.

A loved one is drowning financially and spiritually. My husband and I have been one of God’s lifelines for them over the last four years, supporting them in prayer, monies, words, and temporary shelter. There have been glimmers of hope along the way when employment filled the gap, but it never lasted. Neither has love for this individual. They are alone and getting harder to reach despite our best efforts. They tell us they have all but given up on life and anything good happening. Bankruptcy is in their future, and we are deeply saddened. I found myself grieving the last week or so, wondering why this torture continues to haunt our lives. I know God loves this person more than I do, yet I am conflicted over why someone I have battled for is sinking deeper. Through tearful eyes I read my Bible and wait for the Lord to answer, and then He does.

At present, God does not give me insight into why these events are happening. He only promises me peace that comes when I trust in Him, and that He is longing to gather others into His family. Surely the Lord can do this without my help. He is Almighty and needs no one. But He has asked me as His child to join Him in this task, and harvesting requires action. Taking my focus off my feelings and listening for God’s voice, I hear a stirring in my soul that has emboldened me to share His love with others like never before. With my co-workers I reveal I am praying for them, and that God will be their protection in this storm. People seem more open to hear these words of hope because they are disillusioned by the empty promises of man. In all of the brokenness of life Jesus is making a way for His light to sign into dark lives. Although I may not feel like it, He assures me I am one of His small lanterns.

As I pray for and minister to my loved one who needs a spiritual and financial miracle, I sense God asking me to have faith that He will answer my pleas. He is not guaranteeing bankruptcy for this person will be avoided, but that He can use these tragedies for good. My greatest desire is to walk beside those I love in heaven with Jesus forever. My joy is not complete in knowing I am saved when my heart’s burden is so heavy for those who are lost.

Looking out my window I see a rose bush filled with tiny pink blossoms. This variety is a fairy rose with petite petals and flowers. It blooms in every season here, and thrives in the worst of drought. Gazing upon its beauty I have often overlooked the fact that this delicate flower is surrounded by thorns, yet never stops growing and glorifying its Creator. This is where I want to be found, working alongside God cultivating His garden. With Christ’s help the thorns of life cannot choke out the beauty of His light in me. All is not in vain. Jesus at work in me will produce a great heavenly harvest where the eternal rewards are spectacular. That’s the best workforce I could be a part of! Care to join us? “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

My Heart's Desire Book Trailer

The video my publisher uploaded on You Tube promoting my book in June, 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTFlL9ZghGk

I've also included a photo of where I first began writing the book, on our screened-in back porch. It's a place of tranquil beauty where I've done many Bible studies, and had precious quiet time with the Lord. Guests are often drawn to our back porch to gaze upon the gardens as they greet the day with coffee or tea. We're shared many simple evening meals and pleasant conversations there too.

Thanking God for this blessing, and the ability to share it with others.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Learning Contentment in Trying Times

Previously posted on my web site in May 2009: http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The past week I have felt anything but content. I have let the stress of my everyday circumstances steal my peace. While the natural response might be to say “I am only human”, as a born again follower of Jesus Christ this is not true. Yes, I have a fleshly body and belong to the human race, but my spirit is infused with God’s supernatural Holy Spirit. While this does not make me equal with God, it does give me access to His heavenly throne where my prayers for divine intervention are heard, and answered. How quickly I forgot this truth when recently tested.

It began with the announcement of company layoffs that occurred over a seven-day span at my corporate job. Even though I was spared, the news was nonetheless devastating to our entire team. Each day tears were shed as co-workers tragically learned of their fate, and those of us left to pick up their job responsibilities were crying with them. The layoffs were random, often wiping out the best employees, like a cancer that strikes without warning. Despite their best efforts over the years, these employees could not control the outcome. It was just their turn to suffer loss.

None of this “feels” fair or just. It’s not easy seeing people struggle. I’ve been there myself having experienced half-a-dozen layoffs over my working career. No matter how much people told me it wasn’t my fault, a part of me always felt somehow I’d failed. Watching my co-workers exit this time, I can honestly say this is not a result of poor job performance, nor is it anything they manifested. In fact, a part of me wonders why I am still employed. There is only one explanation, God’s grace and His plans.

Does this mean I have more favor in the Lord’s eyes than my downsized co-workers? Absolutely not! While I am fortunate to have a weekly paycheck, my increased workload is nothing to rejoice over. The stress seems unbearable as management’s unrealistic expectations are heaped on our shoulders. The job was already difficult with adequate staff. Yet I know there are others who would trade places with me in a heart beat, and I feel guilty. I have a goal to work full-time in writing in speaking. Many have no vision for their future. They have put all their time and energy into this job; now it’s over for them.

So why haven’t I left? Why not just quit because I’m unhappy and let someone else take my place who really wants to be there? After all, who needs to stay in a situation that’s not meeting my needs (except financially)? That seems like the logical approach, until I take these thoughts and feelings before Jesus in prayer. It is there my precious Lord and Savior impresses upon my mind that something bigger is going on. Ironically, it’s the same thing He wants to teach my former co-workers—the secret of contentment regardless of life’s trials.

Four years ago I was downsized from a company due to market conditions. During my five months of unemployment, I proclaimed to everyone that God was not going to put me back to work doing the same type of job I’d done for the last ten years. I was convinced He would not give me employment in a field that I no longer felt any passion for, so I focused my energies on other pursuits. I had several interviews that produced favorable feedback, but as soon as a new door was ajar the funding disappeared. In the end, I went back to work doing the same thing I’d done for the last decade.

One day, feeling utterly defeated and trapped in my corporate job, I cried to the Lord as I prayed for help. I told God I didn’t like what I was doing; I wasn’t happy. I felt I was going to crumble under the weight of my responsibilities. Each weekend I fussed internally knowing Monday was fast approaching, and I didn’t want to go to work! I was thankful for the income, but not the job itself. My disappointment over the way God answered my prayers was evident; I told Him I didn’t understand what He had done. As is often the case when the Father touches my grieving heart He simply said, “Trust me, Mary. This is for your good despite your feelings. It’s not time to leave yet”. Today He whispers these same words.

As I seek God’s face without concentrating on the “things” I dislike in my life, something exciting is happening. I have ceased asking Jesus to make the job easier for me. Rather I’ve asked God to reveal more of His character to me. I want to bask in the warmth of His love, and trust in His provision. I am learning to surrender my plans to His. All God allows is drawing me nearer to Him for satisfaction. It is one thing to read Scripture and tell others what God can do for them, and quite another to have this belief tested in my life. He longs to show me in this ever-changing world where true happiness is found, in knowing Him personally.

My job can disappear tomorrow, relationships can end, sickness can invade my healthy body, but God is unchangeable. I find hope in that truth. He is faithful to provide the courage I need to endure hardship, and gives me joy. How does God do this? He hears my prayers and extends His matchless grace to me; to all believers of His Son. I am so encouraged the Apostle Paul wrote that he “learned” the secret of being content. It’s a process. Praise God He never gives up on those who hang in there with Him! I pray you learn to be filled with the contentment of Christ too. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Your fellow sojourner,
Mary