How to Find Joy in our Trials

This is arguably one of the most challenging verses in Scripture:

“Consider it great joy, my brothers, 

whenever you experience various trials”  

James 1:2 (HCSB)

After all, life hurts. Just this week I spoke with a woman who recently lost a loved one to a drug-related accident. Another friend is facing infertility and yet another learned that a nephew ran away from home. How do we find joy in trials like these?

Our women’s Sunday school class had our first discussion on James this past week.  The brother of Jesus hits us hard. He briefly introduces himself, then lets us have it with a powerful exhortation to find joy in our trials. Our class discussion was lively, and members shared thoughts on how to comply. Here are three great starting points that I pray might help us all as we face trials:

1) Remember God’s Character.   

When trials come, it keeps things in perspective when we remember:

God restores

He redeems

He protects

He defends

He delivers

He rescues

He helps

He guides

Remembering that God works for our good and His glory helps us see our trial through the lens of a heavenly perspective. I expect we will get through this trial, and when we get to the other side, our strength will increase, our witness will grow, and our testimony will have more power to impact others. Eventually, (as hard as it may be to imagine at this moment) we’ll see our life as better because of the trial that we faced. Clinging to truths about the character of God will help us find joy in our trials.

2) Play out the “What If’s”.

Fear is a great “squasher” of joy and we can allow ourselves to become paralyzed by worrying about the worst things that might happen.  We wonder, ‘What if ... ’ and consider that our life might very well be ruined by a particular trial we face. If we play out the worst-case scenarios and imagine what we believe is the most terrible thing that can happen, we begin to see that  - no matter what - God is still God. He is still with us.  He is still for us.  When tragedy strikes, we might go down hard. Perhaps we’ll be knocked off our feet. But the Lord will help us up. We can think of His character traits (see point one) and remember that we never walk through a trial alone. God is at our side and He equips us for all we’ll face, both now and in the future.  

Our trials/fears/worries often drive us to our knees. They cause us to seek God in deeper ways and when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13) This is a great promise and an effective way to find joy in our trials. 

3) Express gratitude. 

A story that resonates came came from my friend, Kathy.  Read it here.  Kathy reminded me that if we show gratitude for what we have instead of moaning about what we do not have, wonderful things happen:  Our focus moves from ourselves to our Lord.  Our hearts are softened and joy comes quickly. When we’re thankful for what we have, God often responds with surprising generosity.  

Keeping a gratitude journal, or a simple list of things for which we are thankful, will keep our hearts and minds focused on the provision, kindness, and generosity of God. Even as we face trials, we can find joy in gratitude.

One of the things I’m grateful for today is the fragrance of fresh cut lilacs sitting on my desk.  When we look for blessing, we’ll find it. 

If our lives are so clouded with the burden of a trial that we can’t see the blessings, let’s ask God to open our eyes to see what He’s provided. He’ll respond in remarkable ways. 

Your Turn:

How have you found joy in trials?

After going through a trial, how did you later begin to see the resulting blessing?

Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below, or joining me on Twitter or Facebook!

Be Strengthened Today, by His Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

Debunking 4 Myths About Forgiveness

If you’re anything like me, there are days when you feel like you have the forgiveness-thing down pat.  Perhaps someone causes you pain. You examine the situation and discern there was no ill-will or intent involved. It’s easy, then, to quickly forgive and leave the incident in the past.

Other times, when deep wounds are involved, forgiveness seems almost impossible and we realize how much work we have yet to do.  This might happen when…

• We’re physically harmed or assaulted
• Our children become victims
• We’ve experienced infidelity
• We’ve endured years of neglect from a family member
• Words cut to the quick 

I’m sure you have examples of your own.

What causes one person deep pain might seem superficial to someone else.  Forgiveness might come easily to one but feel like climbing Mount Everest to another. We all have different histories and different breaking points.  

Consider the following verses:  

Matthew 6:15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you

  

Forgiveness is a commandment.  Most of us desire to forgive, but over the years, we’ve developed inaccurate ideas about what it means to forgive. At times I’ve condemned myself for unforgiveness when that wasn’t what I carried at all.  Wrong thinking kept me imprisoned until I learned the truth.

Here are four myths about forgiveness that were most difficult to overcome: 

1) Granting forgiveness means I’ll never again remember the offense.

Forgiving is far different from forgetting. Looking at forgiveness as an accounting concept instead of one tied to memory and emotion, we’ll soon understand the separation between these two ideas.   

In Jeremiah 31:34 (Their sin I will remember no more) and Hebrews 10:17 (And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more), God is using human language to illustrate a heavenly reality.  

Think of it this way: God knows everything. If He is truly omniscient (all knowing), then He cannot be taught. If He needed reminding about an offense that He forgot with His memory, He simply wouldn’t be the God of the Bible.  When His Word says He “remembers no more”, it means He will no longer take action against the offense.  As He judges sin and accounts for the wrongs in our life, His forgiveness blots them off the records. 

Forgiveness is a release from action toward an offense and the acknowledgement that the penalty or debt is paid in full.  It is not tied to the biological idea of memory.  This means that we may continue to feel pain, anger, or frustration over an offense. We may continue to bring the offense to mind. As we do, we can also remember that God has an eternal plan and a purpose and will work all things for our good and His glory. 

2) Granting forgiveness means acknowledging that what happened is okay.

Can God forgive a murder? Of course He can. Does that mean that murder is okay? Of course it does not!  Forgiveness doesn’t correct a wrong or imply that we’ve deemed an offense as acceptable. It does not provide permission to continue in ways that cause pain to others. 

Part of this misconception comes from how we learned to grant forgiveness as children.  When we were hurt or offended, our offender would say “I”m sorry.” We were taught to reply with, “It’s okay.”  At least that’s the way it was in our home.  Saying “It’s okay” carries strong implications that the offense itself is okay.

In contrast, others may have learned to instead say, “Will you forgive me” instead of (or in addition to) “I’m sorry.”  Replying with a positive response does not imply that the offense was okay, but grants forgiveness to the offender. There’s a significant difference. We’ve forgiven a person while still rejecting an offense.

Forgiveness doesn’t make an offense okay, it makes us okay. It sets us free from carrying a large burden and allows us to embrace God’s best.

3)  Granting forgiveness means we’ve fully reconciled the relationship.

Reconciliation can occur as a result of forgiveness but does not always come simultaneously with forgiveness.  We can decide to release penalty or debt for an offense but still need a great deal of work to achieve reconciliation.

In cases where threat of physical or emotional harm continues, reconciliation might never occur.  In these instances, some may judge an act as unforgiven, but the two activities (forgiveness and reconciliation) are separate from one another. 

4) Granting forgiveness means trust is re-established.

Forgiveness is granted. Trust is earned. As with reconciliation, trust may require years of work to rebuild. There are times when we (as the offended) have a willingness to restore trust and a we’re amenable to work toward that goal. Our offender, however, may not choose to put forth the effort. They may find contentment in the status quo. 

In these instances, it’s good to remember that the only hearts, minds and actions that we can change are our own. We continue to pray for those who hurt us and trust God will work out every detail in His perfect timing.

Misconceptions may convince us that we harbor unforgiveness when that’s not the case.  They are used as tools of the enemy to leave us feeling paralyzed and unable to move forward.  As God’s Word says, the Truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Your Turn:

Have you believed some of these same misconceptions about forgiveness?

What other misconceptions about forgiveness have you believed?

How did you overcome?  

What were the benefits of finding the truth?

Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below, or meet me on Facebook or Twitter!  

Be Strengthened Today, By His Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

Faith Builders: From a First Responder

Today's Faith Builder post is from my dear friend, Debbie in Nebraska.  I trust her story will inspire you as much as it does me.

For approximately 10 years, his heart has wanted to serve others in emergency situations as a Volunteer Fire-Fighter and Emergency Medical Responder.  Throughout the years, he never knew the outcome of his selfless service.  The risks he had to take were worth it in order to help others.

Many people have been transported to area hospitals or coroners were called, and he was left with many unanswered questions after his duty was done.  On to the next call, always ready and willing to do whatever he could.

This Volunteer Fire-Fighter/Emergency Medical Responder is my husband, Charlie.  On October 28, 2014 after leaving a restaurant in a town 2 hours from our home, Charlie and I came upon a very serious car accident.  No emergency help had yet arrived.  Without hesitation he immediately stopped to help.

A young couple had been hit head on.  David, the husband, was out of the vehicle trying to help his wife, April, who was seriously injured.  Sticking his head into the car where April sat, Charlie introduced himself and assured her he was there to help.  He crawled into the car to stabilize her and ensure she stayed alert.  Within a few minutes help arrived.  He and the paramedics worked quickly and efficiently, side-by-side, ensuring she was stable enough to move to the ambulance.  Once April and David were loaded, Charlie walked slowly back to our car where I waited, praying without ceasing.  Our 2-hour drive home was full of conversation by him trying to figure out what happened and wondering if April would be OK.  Again, lots of unknowns.

The next day at work Charlie told a co-worker about the accident.  Days passed and we prayed and he wondered.  Once again, no closure for him.  When appointments took us back to that town, we would go through that intersection and wonder again.  Then one day his co-worker said, “My niece’s boss was in a really bad car accident.”  Yes, you guessed it - - it was the same accident.  Immediately, his co-worker called her niece and told her about Charlie.  When April found out a common friend knew Charlie, she asked if it would be OK to contact him.  This was definitely a blessing from God.  God had a plan that this time there would be closure for Charlie, as well as for April and David.  The three of them could answer questions for each other.

This week (18 weeks after the accident), a doctor’s appointment summoned us to that same town, just minutes from where April works.  Walking into her place of employment was exciting as he decided to surprise her.  When Charlie introduced himself, her face lit up with a huge smile and she screamed, ran to him and hugged him so tight.  She told everyone around her this is my hero, he saved me.  She touched his beard and said all she remembered was he had facial hair, told her he was there to help and she would be OK.  She called her husband and he came right over to meet us.  After talking through the events of that night, taking pictures, trading phone numbers and hugs, we vowed to stay in touch.  She said, “You are now family.”

Charlie has received many comments of gratitude from her friends and family including her dad and father-in-law.

April and David’s story is amazing how family, friends, and co-workers have stood by them.  She is recovering well, yet their life is forever changed.  So is ours, we have new friends who are amazing people.  Serving others brings great blessings to those who serve.

We never know how or when our acts of kindness and love will be needed, but God does.  He calls us when needed and wants us to service with all we have, even if we never know the outcome of our service.

I Peter 4:10     Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Romans 8:28    And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

The Space Between Sleep and Awake

It’s not unusual that I find myself, early in the morning - somewhere in the space between sleep and awake - in the midst of a difficult dream. Usually it happens while the birds sing and celebrate outside my window, or the neighbor’s roosters call out to the morning sun. It’s the time of day when I’d rather sleep, but the world is waking and nudging me to do the same. I drift in and out of a doze, and occasionally I’m haunted by a dreamed assault from an enemy who attacks while I’m exposed and vulnerable. 

More often than not, the dreams pertain in some way to past sin. Several times a month, I wake with disturbing thoughts about my marriage - a message from the evil one who constantly accuses and whispers the lies that I’ll get what I deserve.  Some have suggested the dreams come from a “taunting spirit,” since they’ve stayed with me for so many years.

In the past, I’d carry these dreams with me for days. I’d allow the doubts and the insecurities they introduced to manifest in my thought life. I’d share the dreams with no one - they were too ugly to verbalize.  Sometimes in those morning hours, I’d cuddle into my husband, Mike, and let his arms protect me from the assault. Since I was still carrying the burden alone, It’s wasn’t an effective defense. It didn’t stop my hurt feelings, anger, or imagined betrayal of my husband who was purely innocent.   

Over time, I eventually learned the benefit of sharing the dreams with Mike. Now, he reassures me of truth, of his love, and fights for me with prayer. Instead of carrying the assault for days, I now can release it after a few short minutes and celebrate victory.  The dreams haven’t stopped, but they no longer grip my mind and emotions. Together Mike and I band together, put on the full armor of God and extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy.  

Well - most of the time we do, anyway.  

Recently I had one of those difficult dreams. In the dream, Mike and I had been called in separate directions for work-related tasks and I found myself in an unusual situation of sitting with one of his employees. Out of the blue, she said to me, “I’ll just bet that he was the one who cheated first.” In the architecture of the dream, I came to realize that Mike hadn’t been called away for work - he chose to leave our marriage and everyone except me knew of the infidelity.

Soon I was awake enough to take action. I swung my feet onto the floor, tiptoed around our sleeping dogs, and navigated my way to the bathroom.  When I gathered my wits, I returned to our bed to share the dream with Mike.  I found him, however, in his own space between sleep and awake.  When I said, “I dreamed you left me,” he somehow mistakenly heard, “I dreamed you loved me.”  

His reply:  “It’s more than a dream, baby.”

As you can imagine, that wasn’t at all what I needed to hear.  We had to replay the conversation a few times before we got it right. By the time we understood one another, we were laughing over the entire exchange.

Had this same conversation taken place a few years earlier, before I’d learned to navigate and combat the dreams, it could have been disastrous. Over the years, I’ve learned to overcome the temptation to be offended by my husband for things I’d only dreamed he’d done.

We sometimes feel hard-wired to react with defensiveness, to put up a fight for our own honor, or to show the world that WE are right.  When we feel wronged, we hold a grudge, we build a proverbial fortress of protection around our own hearts, or turn our backs on anyone we see as dangerous.  

This is a troubling place to reside, and one that hinders us from living in the fullness of Christ. Our thoughts stay fixed on ourselves instead of facing our problems and walking in redemption.  I want no part of living here.

I’m grateful for what I’ve learned over the years. If the dreams continue as a reminder - as a memorial stone - of the journey we’ve navigated, I’ll accept them. Today, unlike my past, the dreams remind me of victory in Christ and the beauty that comes from recognizing and embracing His best.

Your Turn

Share spiritual growth you've achieved that set you free from a plaguing situation.

What are your best tips to help others overcome something similar?

Continue the conversation by leaving a comment below or commenting on Facebook or Twitter.

Be Strengthened Today, By The Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

An Unexpected Encounter

A series of events led to an unexpected encounter this afternoon.  

I’m in Las Vegas (a place I generally despise) with Mike as he attends a Western State’s Sheriff’s Conference. To my pleasant surprise, the conference is a couple of miles off of the strip in a beautiful resort and spa, which also happens to have an equine center and arena. (I was looking forward to watching a few horse events, but none are scheduled while we’re here. That disappointment is beside the point, entirely). 

As we filled the luggage for our trip, Mike held swim trunks in his hand and asked if I packed my swim suit.  “No,” I said, imagining the long trek through a smelly, smoke-filled casino to get to a pool area. I planned to visit the pool, of course, but in capris rather than a bathing suit.  

A few minutes after I gave my answer, our daughter posted a photo on Facebook. I can rarely resist the temptation to look when I receive that particular notification.  Opening the app, I saw a photo from Mike’s cousin. It showed her pedicured toes against the sparkling blue backdrop of a pool. “On second thought, I’m taking my suit,” I said to Mike.

This afternoon, I sat poolside in Vegas for nearly two hours of glorious sun, made possible only by immersing myself in the cool water a time or two. There were more children than I believe I’ve ever seen in this particular city, and no ridiculously skimpy attire in site. The unexpected family-friendly atmosphere was a comfortable setting to spend an afternoon in solitude.

For a Colorado girl just coming out of spring snow storms, the pool deck was rather hot and I eventually moved my towel and book to a lounger in the shade, adjacent to a beautiful hot tub area. A few steps in front of me, I noticed a man who sat in the jetted oasis. He had his back to me. I don’t know why he held my attention, but I watched as he lowered his face into his hands. His whole body began to shake as he sobbed. His grief seemed raw and I doubt he realized anyone was watching.

My heart went out to this man and I was deeply touched by his display of emotion. In all honesty, I wanted to go to him and ask if I could help in any way.  Approaching him would have felt inappropriate, and it's not hard to imagine that it could have risked personal safety. I quickly dismissed the idea and began to wonder about the cause of his grief. We’re in Las Vegas so I imagined that he’d lost a life-changing-sized bet or that his sin had become too heavy to bear. In a more grace-filled second, I wondered if he’d recently lost someone he loved.

It became one of those moments when I thought, “All I can do is pray,” knowing full well that prayer is far more significant than an “all I can do” type of activity. I prayed that this man would find God in his brokenness and that the Lord would provide great comfort for whatever he faced. I asked God to reveal the plan and purpose ordained for his life and to equip him for the next leg of his journey. 

I’ll never know the cause of the stranger’s grief, but today I tried to help him in the most powerful way possible. I realize my thoughts about his troubles were likely far off base but I rest in knowing that God understands every detail and will work all things together for good when this man surrenders to His will. 

Sometimes God’s ways are surprising and unexpected. Several pieces of an oddly-shaped puzzle fell into place today.  In a location I rarely visit and because of a split second decision to pack what I’d once decided to leave home, I was made aware of one man’s grief. May God be glorified through all that transpires from here, though I won’t know the results on this side of heaven.

Your Turn:

When have you helped a stranger?  How did that look?

Do you believe that prayer is the least we can do? Or is it, instead, a powerful tool?

Has God ever knit seemingly ordinary circumstances together in order to reveal something to you?

Continue the conversation by commenting below or visiting Facebook or Twitter!

Be Strengthened Today, By His Word

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

Faith Builders: May Mishaps Bring Blessings!

Thank you to Vicky McClure of Mount Airy, Maryland for sharing this short, sweet testimony!  

A Faith Story

John and I took our car into the shop for repair. The next day we went back to pick it up, paid the bill and were told the car is out front with the keys inside. 

We looked for the car and it was not there. A man from the dealership frantically searched the entire lot without success. The conclusion was, our car had been stolen. They refunded the $300+ for the repairs. 

We called our insurance company to report the stolen car. After several weeks we received a check for $1,300. Wow, that was the exact amount we needed to pay for one of our fees for our mission trip to Nicaragua! We had no idea where we were going to get that kind of money x 2 for our trip. God provided us the way, through a stolen car. Sometimes a mishap, turns into a great blessing! We also bought another car with a much lower monthly payment.

God is good, all the time, in mishaps and miracles!  He is God, Who provides for our every need.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (HCSB)

If you have a story that you believe will encourage other in their walk of faith, please share it here. We can't wait to hear how God is moving in your life!

Making the Most of the Moments

“Don’t wish your life away.” He said the words with lovingkindness, as if he were a wise sage with centuries of experience from which to draw his advice. I looked into the eyes, however, of a young man sharing heartfelt knowledge that was beyond his years.  

He’d interrupted the babbling nonsense of a teenage girl, dreaming aloud about her future. I’d described how I couldn’t wait to get my Master’s degree, earn a substantial income and spend all my money on material delight.  

He stopped me in my tracks. He helped me enjoy the gifts of the present instead of overlooking them to anticipate the future. 

Both he and his discerning counsel have stayed through decades of life together. I call upon his advice often, as unfolding a precious note kept safe in a close pocket. 

“Don’t wish your life away,” rang in my ears when… 

• I wished to see college tests and hectic schedules in my rearview mirror
• I eagerly anticipated our wedding day and felt up to my eyeballs in event planning
• My babies cried for nourishment every 2 hours and I hungered for a full night’s sleep
• Laundry piles grew taller than the washing machine
• Toys - yes toys were everywhere
• The thousandth showing of a princess movie blared from the television
• I surrendered my own desires for sports schedules and school dances 
• A few moments of peace were scarce and I could barely pull my thoughts together 

“Don’t wish your life away,” became my prompt to enjoy the journey. It was my reminder that every phase of life has wonderful blessings attached.  And each season passes far too quickly. It carried me through many challenges and specific points of frustration. The phrase served as my accountability to make the most of the moments rather than becoming disheartened by disruptions. 

With children now grown and independent, I miss the cuddles and intimacy of midnight feedings. I honestly do. 

I’ll never again accept the game ball after my son throws a no-hitter, or spend hour upon hour searching for the perfectly priced purse because my daughter had only $3 of her own money (believe it or not, we found the perfect one).

Sometimes I sit alone to watch those princess movies again. It’s a lot more fun to see them through the wonder of a child.

The blessed words came long ago, but I’m grateful for their longevity. It’s far too easy to feel consumed by the chaos of the moment and to wish for better (easier, calmer, more peaceful) times. It’s easy to long for the future. Instead of wishing our lives away, let’s remember to enjoy the journey and live in the moment. There’s always blessing in the now - sometimes we just have to search a little harder for it. 

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? 

For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 

James 4:14(ESV)

Your Turn:

When have you been tempted to wish your life away?

What is it about this particular season of life that you wish would finish sooner rather than later?

Instead of dwelling on the negative, what are the blessings of this current season?  List them and place them in a visible location.  Express your gratitude to God every day.

Continue the conversation by posting your comments below, or visiting Facebook or Twitter!

Be Strengthened Today, by His Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

When Bondage Breaks

It was an ordinary morning of Bible study with an extraordinary outcome.  

Knee deep in the book of Esther, I found myself identifying with one of the most evil men in all of Scripture. That’s not comfortable insight from self-examination, let me tell you. 

I was face to face with Haman who, after the excitement of dining with the king and queen of Persia, lost his joy because one man didn’t behave as he’d hoped. Haman was on top of the world, thinking himself the greatest in the kingdom. But when Mordecai refused to pay him tribute, Haman’s gladness turned to rage in the blink of an eye. 

The story made me feel like I was studying my own life. I’ve experienced that same emotional roller coaster many times - a feeling of elation that comes crashing down in a split second when considering rejection from someone in particular.

I’ve tried, to no avail, to earn the favor of a specific person in my life for far too long. When I’m brutally honest I can name my desire for their approval as what it truly is: bondage. The decades-long quest for what I cannot gain is like hobbling chains. The shackles come from working to gain the approval of men and women. I’d much rather pursue the victorious freedom of working for the approval of God alone. I prefer to work for an audience of One, but I don’t always accomplish that goal. 

As I meditated on Scripture that morning in my study, resonating in my spirit were the words of Jesus as He asked the blind men,

“What do you want me to do for you?”  

I began to search my own heart and mind, asking “What do I really want? What would fix the situation?” I prayed through one thought after another, considering how I could break free from this prison that’s held me far too long.  

The troubling truth swallowed me like deep waters as I admitted before God that what I really wanted was an apology. I wanted to hear more than the shallow words, “I’m sorry,” but longed for a heartfelt, sober, humbling admission of guilt and plea for forgiveness.  

The Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, “So you want them to bow.” 

“Yes. Yes!” my spirit screamed. “That’s exactly what I want. I want to win this battle. I want to be right and to hear the acknowledgement that I warrant more than I’ve received.”  The realization gave my heart pause, because that’s exactly what makes me like Haman. This picture of my true self makes me shudder and turn my head when I look in the spiritual mirror. Ew.

Again the Holy Spirit whispered in a voice I could only feel and not hear, “Would that fix you?”

No, it would not fix me.  Because the problem had roots running far deeper than that. 

I knew this, but I couldn’t identify the root. I’m learning that I cannot accomplish spiritual things by striving in my flesh, so I asked the Lord to reveal the root problem. Obviously I’ve searched for it for years and can’t put my finger on it. How is it that they push my buttons when I haven’t seen or talked to them in years? Why does their approval hold such importance in my life? How is it - precisely - that they makes me feel? 

And the answer came. I allow them to make me feel unworthy and incapable of fulfilling my God-given duties. They pour hot coals onto my already smoldering insecurities. Because of their rejection, I believe consider me ill-suited as a wife, mother, author, speaker, coach, and other roles that God has assigned. If they feel that way, they can convince others of it too. In fact I’ve seen them use their influence to do just that. The looming threat is that they’ll convince those closest to me. And… what if they convince me?

In an instant, after years of striving, the Lord lifted the weight and allowed me to see the absurdity of the entire situation. I found a new measure of resolve. 

Why do I allow myself to cower under their scrutiny? I certainly don’t believe Mike is disappointed with me as a wife. Looking back through our marriage, I see that God has grown me into a strong and incredibly supportive spouse. I do not say that pridefully - God gets all the glory. The Lord has taken every moment of my entire life to prepare me - as only He can - to be the wife I am today.  Mike and I have walked through fire together and with the Lord’s help, we’ve seen great victory. We’ll face more struggles, but we’ll conquer them, too, with the Lord leading the way.  

I began to look at each of my roles in the same light and finally had to laugh. How many years have I wasted trying to please a person who would not be pleased? The energy, the exhaustion, and the baggage have all been a heavy burden to bear. 

Christ tells His followers in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

On that particular morning as I wrestled with a very ugly truth about myself, Jesus held my hand and placed my burden upon His kind and loving self. I feel freedom coming. Victory is in my sight as I stop striving to win the favor of others. I trust God will see me through to the final page of this chapter and I’m eager to embrace His best.

Be Strengthened Today, By His Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy

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Faith Builders: Midnight Prayers

You know the moments: We’re sleeping soundly, then abruptly sit straight up in bed with our minds filled with some random worry. That’s happened to me several times in the last few weeks.  

Our kids are grown and I don’t see my son nearly as often as I’d like. He works his tail off for very little pay (we’ve all been there) and barely makes financial ends meet. It’s the season of life he’s in. I know it won’t last forever, but for now he does his best to make due. His car is a bit older and it’s not fantastic in the snow. Since we’ve had a lot of ice and snow in our region lately, some of my “wake up” moments revolved around his safety, particularly while driving.  

Fears are rarely rational, but that doesn’t stop them from rearing their ugly heads at inopportune times. We pray through these moments, surrender to God… again… and then try to get some rest. It brings peace to know that if the very worst thing I can imagine actually happened, God is still sovereign, He’s still in control, and He will work through the easy as well as the difficult.  

Yesterday morning, I received the call I feared: “Mom, I was in an accident.” 

I heard the calm in my son’s voice and quickly understood that no one was badly injured. He was a fraction of a second away from a head-on collision. This could have been very bad - but it wasn’t.  

I don’t have the gift of prophecy and I don’t claim to foretell the future in any way. I do not believe that I experienced a premonition. Perhaps over the past several weeks, the Holy Spirit was prompting me to pray for safety and protection. Maybe those midnight prayers helped deliver my son from a greater catastrophe. I’ll never know this side of heaven.

What I do know is that I am thankful to God for the hug I received from my son yesterday afternoon, and for the laughter that rang out across the table as our family shared a meal together. Both brought tears to my eyes and I received them as a cherished gift. 

Lord, I want nothing to do with conditional faith. I praise you today for working in our lives, and know from the depths of my spirit that You are good. All the time.  We averted disaster as a family yesterday, but had the worst happened, we know that You always rule and reign. You show your mercy and kindness in all of our circumstances. Help us always look beyond what we see with our eyes to what is unseen. Help us walk by faith, not by sight. Help us, Lord, to trust you unconditionally, in blessing and trial alike.

Turn On the Power!

Today I proclaim that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Today, I will NOT succumb to the limitations of my flesh, my past, my selfishness, my pain, my fears, or my weakness.  Today, I will recognize and embrace God’s best for me, knowing that He alone provides all I need. Today, I choose to push my POWER button and walk in the strength that Christ supplies. 

Will you join me?

Through Christ, we can:

• Find freedom from shame (Isaiah 54:14)
• Have peace since I am justified by faith (Romans 5:1)
• Show compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12)
• Pray with confidence and expectation, knowing He hears my requests (1 John 5:14-15)
• Resist the accusations of the evil one because there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)
• Receive His power (Acts 1:8)
• Offer praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord has accomplished (Psalm 66)
• Walk in unity (John 17:21)
• Find victory through Him who loves me (Romans 8:37)
• Extinguish the flaming darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16)
• Enjoy a renewed mind which is no longer conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2)
• Discern the will of God (Romans 12:2)
• Walk in strength and power (Colossians 1:11)
• Leave my past behind me because I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Receive answer to prayer (Jeremiah 33:3)
• Anticipate eternal life with Christ (John 3:16)
• Trust that God will provide (Philippians 4:19)
• Give with generosity (Luke 6:38)
• Dwell safely in God (Deuteronomy 33:12)
• Receive His wisdom (James 1:5)
• Overcome! (Revelation 2-3)

Just for today (and by God’s grace, again tomorrow), let’s allow Christ to do His mighty work in and through us.  I can’t wait to see what He will accomplish!

Your Turn:

Share a time when you walked in the strength that God provided, knowing full well you couldn’t take another step on your own.

Continue to the conversation by leaving a comment below, or chiming in on Facebook or Twitter.

Be Strengthened Today, By His Word,

Psalm 119:28

Cathy