Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

(This is a long post. My heart is bursting and I deeply desire that The Body of Christ be encouraged in these truths!) 

I've been deeply reflecting on faith and hope these last few weeks. 

Faith and hope are focused on what we cannot see, but what is real nonetheless. 

We are constantly encouraged throughout God's Word - dare I say - urged to take hold of faith. To believe. To hope. 

Abraham "hoped against hope". Shadrach & friends told Nebuchadnezzar that God was able to save them, but even if He didn't that they would not bow. Paul & Silas singing praises to God in jail, confident that God was more powerful than their circumstances. Also, the many written of in Hebrews 11. 

Faith and Hope. Unseen Yet Real.

Truly we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and are not alone!!! Throughout history, how many people lived fully in awe of God whom we never hear about? Quiet lives who do His work and don't have books written of them. Yet they obeyed and impacted lives around them through their faith... 

Truly, God is at work in His Kingdom here on earth and He is helping us all to do the good works He has given us to do - whether our good work appears clearly to others or not is not the issue. God is revealed through us to those whom God is drawing to Him as we go about His business. 

In all these things, can we not rejoice today? Can we not celebrate His goodness to work in and through us? 

Dear friends, there is something even greater for us to rejoice in! 

When the 70 came back excited from their missionary excursions, Jesus instructed them to have Godly perspective in their victories.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven."” Luke 10:19-20 NASB

Crazy! They had power from The Son of the Real God (not a made up god like cultures around them worshipped). BUT!!!! There was a GREATER gift to celebrate. Their names were written in the Book of Life. They were secure in Christ! 

We also are secure in Christ! We do not shrink back! We are the chosen and equipped warriors of God who seek His face. We work in His strength. We find refuge and encouragement in Him. We are made right with our Maker through Jesus and given authority and power to do the work God gives us to advance His kingdom against the gates of hell. 

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 NIV

The church will not be overcome. She is the Body of Christ. Jesus is in us and overflowing though us. Jesus has all God-given authority and He has given this to His followers so we can do the work God gives us to do. Our names are written in the Book of Life. Nothing can separate us from God's love.

“But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 NIV

Father God, You are glorious! Mighty! Holy! You have not only saved us from sin and death, but also given each of us work to do today. We all have different jobs to do, and all are important. Speak through us to the lives around us. Let our lives be so full of Your Holy Spirit that even strangers would notice and be drawn to You. Open our eyes to opportunities to share Jesus, using words when necessary. Love boldly through us. Reach the individuals who feel lost and unloved. Let them know You are aware of them and that Your love for them is pure. Heal those with diseases, and if not healing in this lifetime, we ask for a mighty outpouring of Jesus through them. Give increased faith to those struggling with anxiety and depression, that they can build their 'believing muscles' today. Thank You for working in our lives and giving us work to do... That we get the awesome opportunity to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus with others! In Jesus' name.

Mary knew (1)

A young girl goes about her typical daily routines, obedient to her parents and preparing for her marriage to a carpenter. She doesn't know her routine is about to be interrupted in ways she never imagined possible.

 

“Greetings, favored one!”

 

Huh? Who are you? Why are you here? Did I eat some bad mushrooms?

 

“The Lord is with you.”

 

What? This guy –angel or not - must have turned down the wrong street. Surely he doesn't mean to speak with ME...

 

“Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”

 

Ok, so you obviously know my name. Why are you here, exactly? What could possibly be important enough for you to come to me?

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Uh… let me get this straight. You are saying that I will give birth to THE descendant of David? Am I dreaming? Hold on... “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Oh, wow. Elizabeth's expecting? Wow. Wow. Oh. Wow. This is a lot to absorb. YHWH is sending our Messiah! He blessed Elizabeth in her old age! And now He’s chosen to bless me??? “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”

Mary knew her life had been changed.

Abba God, thank You for changing Mary’s life forever, for changing Elizabeth’s life, for changing my life. Like Mary, I don’t deserve to have your life-changing favor. You meet me in my routine when I don’t expect You to. You don’t come when I want, but You come when the timing is just right – not just for my benefit, but for others around me. You know how to plants seeds of Truth in my heart, changing the way I think and act. Abba, strengthen the Body of Christ that we would seek You first, bear with one another graciously, and meet needs around us. I can’t live richly unless You continue to change me. I’m so glad You do! In Jesus’ name…

This week's reflections are based on Luke 1:26-38, NASB (click here to read online).

 

Callouses are tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Painful. Healthy. Sensitive for a time. Strong protection if maintained.

Awful until they're built up, they're very useful and worth building. Thick calluses allow guitar players to focus on improving sound and technique. Calluses protect the hands of farmers, builders, and artisans – dabblers and experts alike. 

So, callused hands are good but calloused hearts are bad? Well, no. Call it semantics if you want. I propose that callouses are good. It's the infections you've got to watch out for (ex: bitterness).

When life’s cuts and bruises cause me to run to God, He bandages me up, checks for infections, corrects faulty thinking, and gets me ready for the next task. Why? So I can better love and serve those around me. With thicker callouses, I'm more free and better equipped for whatever today brings. 

I cherish these calluses, on my hands and my heart; they’re tools in the hands of a gracious God.

Abba God, thank You for calluses. Even though they hurt, I know they are a gift of protection. Thank You for walking me through hurts and making me stronger in Christ Jesus, enabling me to love others without fear and without enabling unhealthy behavior. Protect me from evil, and when I face temptations, give me the audacity to RUN without looking back. Thank You for loving me as I am. How amazing that YOU want to be with me even when I’m not the best of company. Wow. I love You, Abba. In Jesus' name and for your glory I pray...  

Listen!

I wonder how often God stands beside me. Waiting. Ready to help me.

Yet I'm unwilling to stop my attempt at controlling the situation long enough to look into His eyes and ask.

Repeatedly, He offers His help, His kindness, His love... No, not repeatedly. Constantly!

While Isaiah 30:15, 18 (click to view) is written to Israel, hasn't God echoed this same message throughout history to all people?

Listen!

Do you have trouble? Are you tired, bruised, or burdened?

I will provide all you need. No one else can.

Simply COME TO ME.

I will help you.

Gracious... Abba God... You are pure, holy and good. I don't deserve your help, but You graciously long to give me help to live well. Give me eyes to see Your constant love for me and courage to trust You to provide all I need. Thank You for loving me so well. In Jesus' name... 

You may be the only one... (part 2)

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

I simply love to stop and look at trees, but I can’t stop there. I have to touch them, too. Words fail me to describe the joy and refreshment I experience when I touch pine needles (the bluer, the better!) and trace leaf designs.

Yet, I can’t tell you know how many trees I’ve stopped and touched, or which trees I’ve touched in places I’ve frequented. There’s no way I could even begin to figure out which leaves I’ve touched!

I can say that I’ve touched leaves, observed trees and enjoyed the detail God’s put into those trees. I don’t need to know which ones I’ve touched.

So it is with people. I can’t say who or when or where I’ve made a difference… I don’t need to. It’s not my business. It’s not a contest or a checklist to cross off on my way to heaven. Instead, I’d do well to simply trust that God’s so incredibly ABLE to use my life – no matter the circumstances – to bring glory to Him and to “touch a life”. He’ll use me to encourage, enlighten, or edify as He sees fit. He’s so much bigger and wiser than I am – I cannot do anything worthwhile outside of Jesus’ help through His Spirit and His resurrection power! I’d best simply continue to trust Him and not worry if I’m doing enough. He’ll let me know if I’m not.

Abba God, how gracious and kind You are to bless my soul and remind me of You infinite ability to touch lives through me. I’m nothing on my own, and You’re everything good. I want to please You and bring You glory; I’m so thankful that You’ll accomplish this through me! Give me eyes to see truth and courage to stand firm as You use me to reconcile others to You, one little minute at time – just like You use one little leaf on one small tree to change the air I breathe. In Jesus’ name…  

You may be the only one... (part 1)

Recently a Children’s Sunday School teacher shared a precious moment her grandpa gave her as a child. 

“I want you to walk over to a tree over there. Then pick a leaf and touch it." When asked which one she should pick, he told her it didn't matter, because "No matter what leaf you choose, you will probably be the only person to ever touch that leaf." 

As I reflect on the countless times I’ve stopped and enjoyed trees, often reaching out to touch the needles or leaves, I honestly don't think I've ever considered the countless leaves no human will ever touch... How many leaves have I touched? Hmmm... How many leaves are on the tree I'm looking at right now? How long would it take one person to touch every leaf on that tree? (There. Now you've had just a glimpse into my brain. lol!)

I love observing the different shapes of trees, leaves, and how they move in the breeze. They are breath-taking reminders of my Abba God who loves me so much. 

Truly, The Lord God is so full of wisdom and grace! I'm humbled when I consider how He made trees to provide for our needs (oxygen, shelter, firewood, pollutant-remover, etc.) and made sure they'd grow again after The Great Flood - in vastly different geographical regions all over the world. He made them plentiful, beautiful, and full of variety. Wow... 

What other blessings has Abba God put into the details of my existence that I’ve missed? 

Abba God, thank You for the details You’ve taken care of in my life – many of which I’m sure I’ve still not noticed. Your perfect love and attention to detail is mind-boggling and brings awe into my heart for You incredible power and wisdom. You are powerful enough to overturn thrones and create this world, yet your giant fingers were full of great care when You knit me together in my mother’s womb. This piece of the world that I see is such a tiny part of the planet, and You’ve provided just want I need to be able to do all that You’ve called me to do while alive. I ask for eyes to see more of Your perfect love in the details of my life, so that I might praise You more each day. In Jesus’ name… 

My life. His way.

The mind of man plans his way,

But the Lord directs his steps. – Pr. 16:9 NASB

I make plans in my schedule, goals, relationships, etc. Not much goes as I’ve planned in my life. And that’s ok.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.- Pr. 16:9 NIV

I’ve made lots of plans that never panned out. I suppose it’s like any adventure throughout history. We make plans and preparations, hope for the best, and adapt to survive.

I’m learning that’s ok, too. Abba knows where I need to be – and when. He’s rooted my faith and determined my steps in life. He allows me to make my plans and He aligns them to His plans when necessary.

We plan the way we want to live, 
but only God makes us able to live it. – Pr. 16:9 The Message (Paraphrase)

Abba God, how gracious You are! You know what provisions I need so that I can do what You have planned for me to do. You know when I need to rest and when I need to work. You know when I need times of stretching or times of refreshing. You know how to make my next steps firm and solid. I can rely on You, through all of my plans, to get me where I need to be. Give me wisdom to listen when You whisper and courage to trust You. I want so much for my life to glorify You and point others to Jesus! How can I repay You for your grace, mercy, and kindness? Thank You for loving me and patiently guiding me. I’m so glad You love me and care more about my life than I do. In Jesus’ name and for your glory… 

Struggles Don't Stand a Chance!

Yes. Struggles, trials, and waiting is my lot for now. Truly, it's overwhelming at times.

BUT. 

Who is like my God? Who can stand against me, if my God is for me? 

The Lord knows my past, the NOW, and what lies beyond. Jehovah God goes before His people to say “Destroy!” to enemies, just as He did with Israel’s enemies (Deut. 33:27). It is His nature.

Like Israel, I must choose to do battle HIS way, trusting Him to bring the victory. He knows what good works He’s prepared for me to do, and what it will take to get me “there.” He knows what I want – more than I do. He knows what dreams and goals I’ve chosen which are (or aren’t) the best for His daughter.

Today, I choose to fight and shout/sing Psalm 124 with all of my inner strength.

“Had it not been the LORD who was on our side when men rose up against us, 

Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their anger was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have engulfed us, The stream would have swept over our soul;
Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”

Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper;
The snare is broken and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” - Ps 124:1-8

Abba God, You are powerful and good. You know exactly what I will face today. You are here with me now. Thank You for being my Rock, my Redeemer, my Father, and my Friend. Thank You for doing what I cannot. Give me courage to BELIEVE that You will give me strength to stand firm. Help me to BELIEVE that You know and You provide. After all, You are the One who’s prepared the good works for me to do… it’s only logical that You’ll provide a way for me to do them. Thank You for bearing with me and remembering that I’m only human. I praise You for all that You have done and will do for and through me today… for your glory! In Jesus’ name…   

Deliberate Choices... Deliberate Ruts...

I wish I could say that I wake up each morning, brimming over with affection for my Prince Jesus, and anticipation for what glimpses of Abba I might catch during the day. I don't. 

Daily I talk myself through a barrage of logic, based on Scripture, so that I am able to make the deliberate choice to die to the old fleshly girl who wants it her way, right away. I must choose - repeatedly throughout many days - to lay down old hurts which still haunt my mind and pierce my soul. I must choose to rip off those worries and concerns which crept back into my heart and mind when I wasn't looking. 

Two truths are in my arsenal to fight the Daily Battle of Choice to seek God (when I'd rather stay  in bed all day - or worse - treat others as badly as I feel inside). 

1. God did so much for me - none of which I deserve. 

I'm so embarrassed to say (I guess because of that "I have it all together" poker face we think we all have to carry.) that I often have to logically walk through Scriptures to convince myself of this truth. It's not a quick process and it is painful to lay aside the lies and doubts. Some days I'm not so successful, but after 20+ years of fighting this battle, the Stubborn Doubt Mode days are starting to lose out to the Truth Really is Reality days. 

2. Abba God has so much more to show me, which I cannot comprehend. 

I have to convince myself to leave the Valley of No Hope and step into the Realm of What I Cannot Yet See (aka I'm Going Home & It's Not HERE!). God didn't ONLY raise me from death into life so that I could live in a boring "heaven" - whatever your view is of heaven, it's not good enough. =). God's ways and thoughts are vastly beyond what we can imagine and His ability beyond what we can hope for. Therefore, I cannot help but think that we just don't grasp how amazing our heaven-citizenship is/will be. 

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7

He's raised me up so that He can show what??? Incomparable. Riches of His grace.

Just when will He be showing us? In the coming ages. 

Most of us find it refreshing when someone holds open the door for us when our arms are overloaded. Yet, how much greater are God's acts of kindness to us! He will continue to show His grace to us for all of eternity. He deeply desires me (even when I wake up not really feeling "in love" with Him). He wants me. He wants to love on me for... ever and ever after. 

He's an active God. He actively creates, and recreates. He brings grace and beauty to ashes. He gives life to bones. He saves from death. He went through great lengths to seek ME - AND YOU - out in the crowd. (Squeal with delight, girl. He loves and chose YOU!!!) He spent much patience and blood to draw me tenderly toward Him. His eyes are continually loving toward me. His mighty arm is ready to catch me, to support me, and to uphold me at all times. (He's so big and strong that He doesn't need to use two. ha!)

Abba God, Thank You so much for loving me in spite of the ugliness that daily rears its beastly head inside of me. Thank You for giving me choices, even I choose poorly. I can't imagine life without your words which speak truth into my innermost being. Give me courage to fight each morning against discouragement and doubt. Give me the determination to persevere so that I can stand firm even when I feel weak. I do believe, help me in my unbelief. May YOU be glorified in my weakness and be seen by others in my life. In Jesus' name. 

Do you remember what He has done?

Ps 107:43 keeps coming to mind, often when I’m struggling with Abba’s seemingly slow answer to my prayers.  You can read it here, in 4 translations.  That’s just like my Abba. He reminds me of hard truths when I feel weak and unable to do anything about a situation. It used to frustrate me. Ok, so it still often does. 

I’m starting to gradually learn that He does this in kindness. He extends His strong arms toward me, looking into my soul’s eyes with tender kindness. He offers me a yoke that is easier, a burden that’s light. He asks me to trust Him to carry my burdens, which I wasn’t shouldering well to begin with. He beckons me to focus on HIM instead of whatever burdens me. He longs for me to turn my eyes, my heart, and my mind solely toward Him. He reminds me that He alone

Is the way, the truth, and the life…

He brought me into an intimate relationship with Abba through Jesus, and He will lead me to the land of Fully Living (where nothing can touch my joy or peace). He teaches me what it means to abide – rest, trust – so that He can do the lasting work of creating fruit and answering prayers (as only He can).

He reminds me of what He’s done for me individually, and what He has already done for those I care about. 

He teaches me to remember… and rest in His ability.

Abba God, thank You for Jesus and the gentle teaching He offers through the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the imagery in Scripture which helps me to understand truth. I’m so glad You are patient and kind toward me. Help me to remember what You have done throughout history, from creation until now, and to remember that You are still at work. You are faithful and hear my prayers. Thank You so much for being with me, for going ahead of me, for surrounding me with great care and kindness.  Give me courage today to believe that You will never stop fighting or being faithful. Give me courage to pray for the lost, that they will have this understanding, too. Lastly, I ask that You give me courage to keep praying for what you lay on my heart. In Jesus’ name…

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 3)

We're looking at 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter what our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. Beauty and encouragement are pleasant. Today’s item isn’t guaranteed to be pleasant, and it isn't always appreciated, but it is crucial.

3. Adventure – like it or not  –  also waits around the corner. Adventures vary in enjoyment and hardship, but always offer us invaluable life lessons in hindsight. To the believer, adventure is a valuable tool in the hands of The Mighty God.

adventure

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Adventure always brings me to a place of awe. How incredible His love is for me – and you! He knows that these adventures (both the “good” and the “bad”) are tools used to reveal Himself to and through us. Wow.

Abba God, thank You for adventure - even when it scares me. Give me faith to believe that You have hemmed me in on all sides, that all adventures are useful to You in making me more like Jesus, and that always have kind intentions toward me. I do want to learn to count it all joy when I face troubles, but I'm still not grasping how that can happen. You do, and I'm trusting You to finish what You've starting in me. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 2)

I’m sharing 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter what our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. The first one mentioned was beauty. Let’s see what’s next on the list.

2. Encouragement also waits around the corner. I’m so grateful that our Abba is the God of encouragement and that His eyes are on us. In His utmost wisdom and kindness, He shares the perfect timely word (or silence) we need, when we need it. He may speak through nature, a song, His Word, or a person. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, my encouragement to persevere came from a complete stranger in a fast food restaurant, of all places. 

encouragement

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Encouragement from my Abba always brings me back to a place of humble wonderment. How incredible His love must be for me – and you! He shows kindness to the undeserving. He lifts us up, gives us firm footing, and delivers us from evil.

Abba God, thank You for encouragement - even when it seems to take too long. Give me faith to believe You always are on time with the best and most timely word and that You give me the strength I need. Remind me focus on truth, what is right, pure and worth of praise. Give me a heart which seeks to praise You continually, remembering what You have done for me. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items God knows we need for spiritual growth (part 1)

This week, we’re considering 3 items common to all Jesus followers – no matter our circumstances, background, or age. From mountaintops to beaches to slums, there are (at least) three items necessary for our survival and maturity in Christ Jesus. (I hope you’re working on Phil 4:8-9 with me, too!)

1. Beauty is just around the corner; you never know where you’ll find it. Sometimes beauty shakes our core being, but more often it gives us a glimpse of the peace offered to us by Jesus. It’s in nature, human-creativity, and in people. Beauty lives in the best - and the worst - of places. 

beauty

can turn our gaze 

to the One who is holy, pure, and kind

Beauty brings me to a place of wonder and joy. How incredible His love must be for me – and you – that He would create this world for us to enjoy and seek His face. He gives us glimpses of our homeland that we will see one day soon. He does not leave us sitting in ashes or focusing on dross. No, He gives us so much more to consider and dwell on.

Abba God, thank You for beauty - even when I struggle to see it. Give me eyes to see beauty You created in my life. Give me the desire to look for beauty and dwell on it. Use beauty to remind me to focus on You and whatever is lovely. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name and for your glory...

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

3 items necessary to believer's growth and survival (intro)

Travelling is one of my favorite pastimes. Learning experiences, fun memories, the invaluable reflections on life… Ahhh. You might not agree with me; that’s ok. I think you’ll still find some nuggets of reflection applicable to you this week.

I recently visited a little town in the middle of “nowhere.” Nestled in the mountains, it was refreshing to find a simple community, full of peaceful country charm and a rich history – still a secret from most of the world. Beautiful.

This week, I’ll be sharing 3 items which are common to all of us, no matter where we are or how old we are. From lovely “nowhere” to Calcutta slums to the Grand Canyon to the beach… these three items are necessary for us believers, in both our survival and our maturity.

Today, let’s just soak in these two verses. I’m aiming to learn Phil. 4:8-9 by heart this week. You’re more than welcome to join me!

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9, NASB

I find hope... in ordinary lives

I find hope when I consider

all the ordinary lives woven by grace into God’s Story.

• A carpenter named Joseph, and Mary, a common young girl (probably only 12).
• John Mark. Barnabas. Philemon & Onesimus.
• Many of the disciples were common fishermen. They weren’t stellar in Hebraic religious schools, so it they were sent home to learn their father’s occupation. Rabbis didn’t see anything special in them. They didn’t make the cut. They missed their one chance…Then Jesus spoke into their lives and everything changed.
• Abraham was just another man from a big city. 
• The widow who didn’t have another penny to spare, but gave it to her El Shaddai anyway.

Common people, living common lives, make perfect conduits for Jehovah's strong, merciful arm. 

Truly, it was common people scattered throughout the world who changed culture simply by following Jesus’ commands to love God and people. They prayed, listened to Scripture, and learned to live lives that were above reproach, honoring others above themselves. They had phobias, struggles, insecurities, relational problems, felt alone, and wondered when Jesus would return.

God chose them and they responded to His call. Same's true for you and me.

So, what makes me think I’m so special, so unique, so beyond His ability? I don’t give Jehovah enough credit. I don’t use my imagination to try to grasp His capabilities. He’s beyond everything I could think or imagine. Didn’t He create this world for me because He wants relationship with me? Won’t He create the next one to spend eternity with me, because He longs to be face-to-face with me? Didn’t He promise to finish what He began? Why do I think that His work in me would be any different than all those written about in Scripture?

God is the one who makes Extraordinary happen. He chooses people much like the ones you see every day. Even the woman in the mirror. Even me. 

Abba God, I stand amazed. Truly, there is no one other than You. Your arm reaches further, your love is deeper, and your ability is so much more than I imagine or give You credit for. Thank You for patiently teaching me and for continuing the work You started in me. Train me to focus on You and to fully grasp how extraordinary You are. May others see Jesus through me as I go about my common day. Let me remember that You are way beyond ordinary - You are my hope! In Jesus’ name…  

You think I'm a lot like Jacob? Really???

While it's no secret that I am stubborn, it's just a little disconcerting that God Himself has been pointing out just how stubborn I am. Like Jacob? REALLY? The only consolation I have in the matter is that He hasn't pointed out other traits which Jacob's known for. He doesn't exactly have the best of reputations.

So, Jacob wrestling with the angel. Yep. That's me. I wrestle round and round with God, and refuse to let go until He blesses me - or at least until all I know is Christ Jesus. I want to know joy and peace. I want to believe all the truths that God's told us about. Yet, my flesh - the old me - holds on like hot tar.  

Being stubborn can create strong hindrance, and yet it can also become a huge blessing.  

I don't recall Jacob ever boasting that he wrestled an angel, or saw the face of God. Yet that wrestling match changed Jacob. His name was changed, his walk was changed, and his behavior changed. I think he learned humility that night, also gaining full confidence that the God of his father and grandfather truly was with him, in spite of his sins and flaws. I think Jacob learned to have more faith in God than fear of man. 

So, while I'm not ecstatic for being compared with Jacob, I'm thankful for these reminders:

• God loved Jacob (He is known as being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).
• God chose Jacob even though he was conniving, manipulative, and shrewd.
• God met Jacob alone, at the right moment, to teach him what he needed to know at that time.
• God molded (or chiseled) a very stubborn man into the man he needed to be... (more on that in the next post).
• God's will do what He sets out to do. He keeps His promises.

Abba God, You are wise and know every little detail about me. You know me better than I know myself. Thank You for blessing me continually, because of Christ's sacrifice. Thank You for reveling truth and planting it in the depths of my soul. I want to know YOU, to see YOUR face, to know YOU more. And I don't intend to stop wrestling until my flesh is nothing to me, until I boast in Christ Jesus only. In His name... 

Ok, sisters! It’s time to strengthen our observation muscles!

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