To It and Through It

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Hiking through the lush forest covered in dew I'm lost to all that is around. Lost in thoughts that entangle my spirit and smother my soul with distress. Lost to the beauty in my midst because I'm blinded by trials I'm mulling over in my head. Lost to the reality of God's presence on this crisp early morning as my feet hustle through the rustling leaves beneath me. The sound of a twig snapping breaks my concentration forcing my gaze to the left. In a small meadow my eyes behold a previously invisible wonder that captivates me and stops me right in my tracks.

As the mist clears and the sunbeams appear, I'm treated to a field of silk saucers suspended in air between the brush. Beckoning my husband near to view this pretty scene our curiosity moves us closer to these objects. They are hundreds of spider webs in the shape of cups about the size of our hands! They sparkled like tiny angels for a few minutes before disappearing behind the cloudy light. What a beautiful reminder of all the things God sees that escape our sight each day!

That memory revisits me every time I walk in the woods. It's a reminder to me that we who walk with Jesus are never alone. If He brings us to a wilderness life experience He not only brings us through it, but He'll give us glimpses of beauty along the rough path. We just have to call out to Him and be on the watch for His reply. Miracles and the splendor of God's glory become visible when we humbly seek His face daily. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

Healing Thorns

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7).

It was 4:00 AM when a searing pain in my foot roused me from my restless slumber. Six days post surgery things were worsening instead of improving. The pain medication did little to dull what felt like a stake driven through my foot. Exhausted and scared that something was seriously misaligned I poured out my fears and begged God for relief. Three years I struggled on and off with foot pain praying God would heal me without surgery, but He didn't. Now that I had succumbed to the surgeon's hand I wanted no part of suffering. But the Lord had allowed this thorn to show me a great revelation that humbled my proud heart.

As tears streamed down my face I felt a stirring in my soul as the Holy Spirit brought to mind this profound truth--Jesus Christ understands. My prayers for a pain-free life suddenly turned to praises that Jesus knows what horrific pain feels like. I thanked my Savior that He endured much worse when a nail was driven through His perfect feet on the cross. I blessed Jesus for His willingness to suffer and that He comforts me in my pain whether it is physical or emotional. He gets it because He experienced it too!   

The Bible records the prophecy given to Isaiah about the Messiah hundreds of years before Jesus was born. "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Still think God doesn't care or relate to your pain? No other earthly king ever suffered out of love for his people as our heavenly King Jesus did. Knowing that Jesus cares and understands comforted me while my foot continued to throb.

Most days I live under the illusion that I can control events in my life until God allows suffering to remove conceit from my heart. My thorns have taken many forms over the years: financial hardship, devastating loss of a loved one, a barren womb and empty arms that longed for my own children. Even Jesus had His own thorns to bear as He prepared to be crucified for us sinners. "The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head" (John 19:2). As the Father weaves together thorns for our lives they can be transformed from a crown of shame to one of glory as we humbly submit to His will in thanksgiving.

The Apostle Paul also beckoned the Lord three times for relief from his thorn only to be told that God's grace was sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12:9). The power of Almighty God was more visible in the sustaining of Paul under torment than if He had removed what tortured Paul. God's grace and strength enabled Paul to praise God while he was in pain. Recalling those Scriptures in my hour of need carried me through my own suffering as I praised God for His mercy and love.

Life is messy and it hurts. For some it's more painful than it is for others, but the challenge is always the same. When we reach a crossroad will we look to the cross and follow Jesus who heals the brokenhearted, or will we let the thorns that pierce our hearts drive a bitter wedge between us and God? I was fortunate. A doctor visit revealed my foot pain was caused by friction between the bandage and my wound. It had rubbed the skin raw. Applying balm and getting rest healed me within a few days. While I'm still recovering from surgery I am no longer experiencing intense pain.

What about you? Are you making regular appointments with the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who can help you find relief and insight regarding the thorns in your life? Suffering hasn't been fun or easy but it led to my salvation and gave me compassion toward others in pain. Will you trust God to use your thorns to heal you spiritually if not physically? "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

 

Take This Away

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

There’s a common misconception that if you are “living right” with God life will be trouble-free. Sadly, many Christians inadvertently take God’s word out of context. They say, “If you had more faith your prayers would be answered.” Maybe you’ve agreed with that statement and falsely judged a fellow Christian who suffers perpetually despite ardent prayers. Perhaps you’ve questioned your own lack of faith as you’ve begged God, “Please take this away!” We know God “can” answer our petitions, but do we trust Him when our condition remains unaltered (or worsens)?

Walking intimately with God does not mean we’ll escape pain. Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul provide examples of suffering that God used for glorious purposes. In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ’s fervent request to His Father did not fall on deaf ears. How it must have grieved the Father to see His Son in anguish shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. Did God abandon Jesus because He lacked faith? No! The Father could not spare His Son; the salvation of mankind was at stake. Praise Jesus for His submission and obedience, and for unanswered prayer!

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we find Paul thanking God for refusing to remove a thorn in his flesh. Although he was tormented and repeatedly pleaded with God to take it away, he was given something else instead—spiritual discernment. In his spirit Paul understands his affliction has kept him from becoming conceited. The closer Paul drew to God the more God revealed to Paul. The thorn served to keep him humble and dependent on Christ. Because he was not healed, Paul could boast of Christ’s grace and sufficiency to strengthen him in his trials.

What unanswered prayers have discouraged your faith in God’s goodness? Are you tempted to believe you can control His response if your faith is stronger? Share your fears and doubts with the Lord. He cares and longs to comfort you. Ask Him for wisdom to see the spiritual lessons He’s teaching you. Then watch Him use your trust and obedience to His will to bless others who see Christ at work in your circumstances. One day you, too, will be grateful God did not let this suffering pass you by as you witness the glory it brought to His name. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,

Mary

More Than We Can Handle

“I will lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Crushed in spirit by an unexpected crisis, I broke down in tears. How much more can I handle, God? My already full plate shattered when the news that a family member was in serious trouble was heaped upon it. It was the kind of trouble I was powerless to fix. Looking for encouragement from friends their cavalier response, “You’re strong, have faith, God won’t give you more than you can handle” made me want to scream in rebuttal. Can you relate?

Does God give us more than we can handle? I believe He does. Is it because God is unsympathetic and delights in seeing us suffer? No, it’s because He wants us to surrender the problem to Him for help. Have you ever posed the question of God’s goodness and mercy to your friends only to receive a reply that made you feel more discouraged and alienated? We interpret this as unfair when Jesus allows comments from well-meaning friends to baffle and frustrate us. But if we probe the Scriptures we begin to see that the Lord longs to be our greatest source of comfort.

Honestly, if we could solve all our problems ourselves, or by following the advice of others, why would we need God’s help? As life clutters our minds we forget we were created to know God, to love God, and to worship Him. Often it takes a “beyond our control” situation to bring us to our knees in prayer. Jesus is not being cruel when He allows trouble to befall us. He’s using it to draw us near to Him because He is the one person who will never abandon us.

God who is perfect created us for human relationships, but we are all imperfect beings. None of us can adequately meet anyone’s needs no matter how much we love them. It’s not that we shouldn’t seek human advice, but what happens if that person cannot help, or they die? Are we left without counsel or comfort? No, because God is all powerful and everlasting. That is why we seek Christ first. Sometimes He speaks to us through others, but always He talks to us through His Word.

Learning to trust in the Lord takes time and practice. If you spend time talking with God about life’s heartaches you will find the peace you are seeking, even if the problem hasn’t been resolved. Psalm 121:8 says, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” He can and will handle whatever you give Him.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Tunnel Vision

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Looking around my neighborhood this January evening there are many families, like ours, whose homes still brightly adorn their Christmas lights. We are one of the first households to put ours up, as well as the last to remove them. Their vibrancy is such a comfort to me at a time of year when the days are short, the nights are long, and the skies are cold. Yet in the midst of all the festivities of the 2009 holiday season I found myself wandering in mental and emotional darkness. Was your vision was obscured too?

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In essence, I let the cares of the world weigh heavy on my small shoulders and exhaust me to the point of tears. Perhaps you were like me; one who took her eyes off of the Creator of light while trying to conjure it up yourself. Praise God for forgiveness of confessed sin, and a revelation of what my New Years resolution should be. Maybe it is your resolution too.

It’s hard for me to resist entertaining any time of year. Much as I’ve tried to shelve it, my God-given gift of hospitality cannot stay dormant for long. The promptings of my heart always lead me to volunteer to host an array of celebrations. Many times the Lord uses these occasions as ministry opportunities. My dilemma this Christmas wasn’t the parties we hosted, but my frustration over lost peace and joy. I’d shut down my spiritual lantern.

The demands of work were robbing me, and I was angry. I wanted a slower pace to be able to delight in the mystery of the nativity more. Instead, my mind was cluttered with an endless list of tasks to complete. The harder I worked the further away from soul-rest and physical rejuvenation I ended up. My reaction to life’s hectic pace sent me out of balance.

Crying out to Jesus I confessed my anger and waywardness. To an outside observer I was functioning normally, but God and I knew the real truth. My energy was drained because I’d rushed through the most important part of the day, my quiet time with God, in my haste to tackle my to-do list. Falsely believing my normally perky personality was enough to carry me through the onslaught of Satan’s daily attacks, I neglected to let my Savior fight the battles for me. His light implanted in my spirit was dimmed.

Thankfully, God left me in the blackness long enough for me to discover that all my best attempts cannot create a light that sustains life. Only the Giver of all life Himself can. Today Jesus illuminated my bleak thoughts with John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, and Genesis 1:3-4: And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”  

     

Several truths brightened my mind after pondering those Scriptures. First, the source of the light’s existence is God, not I. Second, God said the light is good and the light of the world is Jesus. Third, God separated the light from the darkness. This indicates a life of distinction that shines, not one that blends in with the dark side. When light mixes with blackness it becomes gray, just like my mood was. If I want more peace, joy and fulfillment my luminary has to be the Holy Spirit. I project whatever is inside me, good or evil. The only good light is the heavenly One, the holy One Jesus Christ.

As God’s daughter I am asking Him to ignite my soul afire with His passions for my life so the only resolutions I make and keep are the ones He’s purposed for my life. May we all desire His glory overshadow the demands and pleasures of earth so that the glow beaming out of us is ever-pointing others to Jesus. In a world that is often gloomy, I pray many in 2010 will be drawn out of their tunnel as they believe these words: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Your fellow sojourner,

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

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