The Scary Place of Grace

"For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Habakkuk 1:5).

This was the summer of change. Two years in the making, my husband's company merger was completed and our tenure in Raleigh ended. An offer on our house came from the first viewers hours after being listed. The sale closed on September 13 seventeen years to the day I came to Raleigh from Boston. It is God's plan that wisked us away from the home and friends that we loved. Change is scary and so is grace.

Why is grace a scary place to be? Because it means we're not in control. It was only an illusion that we ever were to begin with. We do our best to execute our plans, but it's the Lord that determines our path. God's grace is our hope and peace when the uncertain future frightens us as we mourn our comfortable past. Grace helps us to let go of our tightly clenched hands and reach for God's ever-loving hand. 

With big dreams and big sunglasses to cover the big tears I cried, I drove behind my husband's overloaded pickup truck to Charlotte. It's been almost two weeks now. We are living in a hotel in Uptown Charlotte as we house hunt in the suburbs. Each morning God meets me in my prayer time and His Spirit comforts me. I feel Him as I walk the city streets breathing silent prayers for family and friends as well as strangers passing briskly by. Grace has helped us adjust to this change.

These days Jon and I feel God's presence in magnitude. He has steered us away from houses we thought were right for us, so we are confident He will confirm the exact place we should purchase. Change is unsettling and that is good! Christ needs to shake us up to wake us up. Grace is becoming less scary as our trust in Him is increasing.

Are you scared of major change in your life? It's natural to be hesitant but don't let your worries consume you. Take them to the Lord and watch His supernatural power work miracles in your life. This journey is where you will see His grace in abundance and your trust in God will increase if you release your fears. Don't be scared, be excited! "For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you wer told" Habakkuk 1:5.

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

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  

An Elizabeth and Mary Weekend

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

We were an unlikely pair, no one would have picked us to become close friends. She was outspoken and exuded confidence whenever she entered a room. Quieter and insecure, I was both intimidated and fascinated by her. She was my co-worker and I admired her accomplishments. She requested to be transferred out of state, I never gave it any consideration. But one day we were approached by our management and both of us accepted the offer to go. Young and single we had stars in our eyes and dreams in our hearts as we set off together for a new land. God was paving the way for a beautiful friendship.

Those first years of living away from family and friends bonded us. We learned to rely on each other for comfort and encouragement. She was the first among us to give her life to Jesus. In fear and awe I watched the Lord work in her wild spirit as He made her into a gentle mentor for me. My pride was strong. I believed I was right with God even when I was very lost. Yet she never ceased praying for me and witnessing to me, even when life took her far away and out of state. Mentors don't have to live next door to be used by the Father. 

We have not lived in the same state for many years, but we continue to walk through life together. She has always appeared like a bright luminary in my life at the most critical seasons of change. We have shared the joy of becoming brides later in life along with the sorrows over the death of loved ones. She's trustworthy and true when I need to share a confidence. The Lord has blessed me greatly with her words of encouragement. She always points me back to my Savior. There is no truer friend!

With a relocation on the horizon as my husband's job transfers us, she made time out of her busy schedule to fly here and help me pack. Oh, what a gift it was to see my friend! I couldn't help but think that perhaps this is how Mary and Elizabeth felt when Mary went to stay with her cousin. God is so good to bless us with hugs and smiles from those we love just when we need them most! I know He reveals His love through the compassion of others who keep close to Him.

Just as Mary and Elizabeth were able to share their fears and joys in a time of great change, so it was with me and my friend. Sitting in my dining room we packed up my Christmas decorations. Tears flowed but so did the laughter as we rejoiced in what Jesus had done in our lives. Would not Mary and Elizabeth have done likewise? I praise God for using my dear friend to refresh my spirit! Is there someone you could be a blessing to? Don't miss the opportunity to be the Lord's hands and feet in a practical way. With God, the blessing always comes full circle. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

The Promise Commandment

"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).

A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.

The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships. ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.

When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.

But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents. ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.

Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary

From Mad to Glad

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36)?

 Not so many years ago my attitude was more mad than glad. Smiling and cheering for others on the outside, I was weeping and coveting on the inside. To be married with children represented completeness to me. Without them I was convinced I could not be happy with my life. So I prayed to have all my dreams come true so I could be satisfied. Yet the harder I pursued my desires the further the Lord removed the manifestation of my dreams until they became impossible to fulfill myself.

 To medicate the pain I looked for comfort in many places—a new job, new clothes, or an exotic vacation. They were short term fixes that eventually left me financially and spiritually in debt. I thought things couldn’t get worse. Then my health began to deteriorate along with my love life, and so did my faith in God’s goodness. I thought He was mad at me and could not understand why the good things I did in life did not outweigh the bad things. Something had to change, but I did not know how to fix myself. Then Jesus broke through.

On a week-long hiking trip as I grumbled to God His divine finger reached from heaven and touched my heart. In an instant He changed me from mad to glad; melting my anger with His love. It wasn’t the time away that changed my attitude, but that I gave my life away to Christ on that vacation. My circumstances hadn’t changed. In fact, they worsened over the next several months. Yet my joy increased.

How can you explain that other than a work of God’s grace?! You may be discouraged by unanswered prayer and hanging your happiness on the fulfillment of your dreams. But what if God wants to give you a different vision for your life? Will you put your trust in Jesus for the salvation and satisfaction of your soul?

Your best days on earth will one day pale in comparison to the treasure that awaits you in heaven. Whether married, single, widowed or divorced, let Jesus walk beside you in this life so you can walk beside Him in eternity. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36)? Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary

Believe and Receive

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

If ever a story gave evidence that you cannot “work” your way into heaven, the story of the thief to the right of Jesus on the cross does. Time for “doing” good works had run out as two criminals hung on either side of their Savior. Both were given the same opportunity to believe Jesus was the Messiah from whom they could receive forgiveness and eternal life. With his critical words the thief on the left condemned himself while the confession of the thief on the right freed him. How could that happen?

Pride can blind us from humbling ourselves. We think we can earn our way into heaven by acts of service or by saying all the right prayers. If there was anything more the repentant thief could have “done” besides believe Jesus was his Redeemer, than would not Jesus have told him what else was needed? Of course He would have! But He didn’t. Christ’s response when the thief asked to be remembered in the Lord’s kingdom is pure freedom for doers and legalistic people. Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Our good deeds will not save our souls. They were never meant to. If they could then why would Jesus have to die for our sins? Jesus made full recompense on our behalf. When we believe this truth our future in heaven is secured. Our works then become an outpouring of love and gratitude that bless the Father’s name instead of drawing attention to our own. This Easter season will you thank Jesus for His victory over sin and death? Believe and receive!

Your fellow sojourner and 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