Jesus knows & will bring you through.

Hello my Sweet Friend.

I love you SOOOoooo much. I wish I could give you an in-person hug right now. I wish I could take away all your hurts, but I know that would change who you are and I wouldn’t change a thing about you!

What I’m about to say will require a lot of trust on your part, but I ask that you read on and seek the truth, based on the only absolute truth we have in this world (God’s Word, which is Christ Jesus Himself).

I see such a beautiful child of God, who’s being changed before my eyes in an amazing way, by the Holy Spirit of Jehovah Himself. You are being made, as a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly, into the very image of Jesus Himself.

He knew pain. He knew suffering. He knew emotional anguish.

He knew betrayal. He knew, really knew, loneliness. 

He knew the daily distractions, burdens, and drudgery.

Jesus also knew the answer…

In order to become the man He was meant to be,

he would have to rely solely on His Abba.

In prayer. In trust.

Through the tears. Through the frustration.
Through the loneliness. Through sadness and loss.
Through losing friends as he made tough choices.

For direction… even when it seemed there was none.

For hope… even when it seemed there was none.

For friendship… even when it seemed there was none.

“For consider Him who has endured

such hostility by sinners against Himself,

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:3, NASB

Jesus is the only one who can fully knows your frustrations and struggles. I'm committed to walking with you as you wait for answers, believing that together He will bring you through this hard season. Together, my friend. Together.

Father God, my friend needs comfort and encouragement. Meet her where she is and, in your faithfulness, let her know how precious she is in your sight. Replenish hope. Help her network of support be the kind of friends she needs right now. Show us clearly how to pray for and love her. Help us be respectful and kind. Protect her from hurtful words. I ask, too, that you clearly show her if there is anything she can do - or should stop - during this time as she waits on You. In Jesus' name...

I love you so incredibly much, and while I cannot take away your struggles or emotional turmoil, I am with you. I will be with you all our lives long. You are so dear to me, and I’m so glad that we can share our journeys together.

You are a valuable gift, and I am so glad to have you in my life!  

With all my love…

Our Deliverer Delights in Us

“He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.”

Psalms 18:19 NASB
 

When He is done squeezing out

all of the usefulness 

that can possibly be pressed 

from each hard trial...
 

Joyful When I Feel Lost?

There’s no warm up in Psalm 33. It’s a full-blown “Hallelujah! Let’s get up and praise God!” kind of song.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

“What about when life feels so hard? What if I don't want to? Why should I?”

 

Those days to go back to the foundational training, the questions we've all had to answer in our faith journey. Is God who He says He is? Will He do what He said He'd do? Is His Word true?

 

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Let’s switch gears a bit… Imagine for a moment that you are a pilot. Trained by the best, and given all the resources you need to fly successfully. Each time you fly, you have choices. Do what you’ve been trained to do... or wing it. Pardon the pun. Be sure to use that instrument panel; flying by sight alone, especially in bad weather, can get you killed.

Do you see the parallel to life?

We can choose to "fly blind" by emotion or use the instruments God provides for proper perspective. He is the Master Trainer. He made the rules of the universe and knows how to help us navigate life.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap...

For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

 

Believing these verses are true, what can we do when we feel lost in a cloudy mess?

1. Breathe. Take a breath. Breathing helps us separate THIS moment from the moment we just left. It gives us a bit of oxygen to think better. Breathing is good.

2. Trust. Get your bearings and trust those instruments. Remember what God’s taught you and choose to trust Him.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

...the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 

3. Remember grace is on-going.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

 

…I am confident of this very thing,

that He who began a good work in you

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6, NASB

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 

Somehow, in all of life's messes, Abba God meets us - FAITHFULLY. We might not FEEL peace or joy today. We don't know when we'll come through the clouds to a blue sky. Yet we have TRUTH printed on pages that we can pick up. We are held in the hands of a mighty God who is much, much bigger and stronger than any storm we face.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

That is why we can, and will...

Sing joyfully to the LORD...
it is fitting for [us] to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 

Abba God, You are beautiful. The way You work is beautiful. I'm so glad You know what I face and how to get me through today. Remind me when I look at the sky, that You are the One who made all I see... and when I look down, that You direct my paths. Give me the courage to praise You even in the storms. Have your way in me, Abba God. I know I can trust You. Help me live like it.Sustain those who are weary. Bind us the wounds of those who love You. In Jesus' name.

- Scripture portions from Psalm 33

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...  

Hello Trouble. I'd like you to meet my Abba.

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears

And delivers them out of all their troubles…

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, 
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” - Psalm 34:17 & 19, NASB

How cool would it be to have my brain so retrained that when trouble comes, I can sweetly smile and say, “Hello Trouble. I’d like you to meet my Abba. Oh, by the way, He’s not just my Abba, He’s God…”  

I will have trouble, but God delivers me out of them all. So, whom – or what – shall I fear? Nothing can separate me from Him. He is my ever present help and comfort. He supplies my strength. He hears me and always has time for me.

My God is BIG, STRONG, and ABLE!

“Hello, Trouble. I’d like you to meet my Abba… “

  

Abba God, How gracious You are to deliver me out of my troubles. Yes, this life has many troubles, but You are faithful and true to bring me through them. They do not have any authority or lasting power over me. Thank You for always hearing me, for continually being present with me, and faithful in answering my cries. You are good, and your love does endure forever! May my lips, thoughts, and actions bring You glory and delight today. In Jesus’ name…  

Anxiety's enemy? God's consolations which delight my soul!

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,

Your consolations delight my soul. – Ps 94:19, NASB

But the Lord has been my stronghold,

And my God the rock of my refuge.

He has brought back their wickedness upon them

And will destroy them in their evil;

The Lord our God will destroy them. – Ps 94:22-23, NASB

Abba God, there are times when my soul is so distraught that I do not know how to pray or what to do. Sometimes I feel so alone and wonder where You are. 

In Psalm 94, You remind me of sweet truths: 

You have been my faithful stronghold.

You are the rock of my refuge.

You defend me from - and destroy - those enemies I cannot fight in my own strength.

You have been faithful to me and sustained me - through all of my choices, my fears, my doubts, struggles, etc. You have saved me from sin and death. You promised to never leave me, and yet there are times when I feel so lonely. What then, Father?  Oh, Father! Increase my faith and strengthen my resolve to trust You when I  feel abandoned or unable to cling to truth. I cannot fight alone, but I want so much to glorify You and delight You! 

I praise You, even in the hard times. I don’t understand, but I make the choice to put my hope in You. One day all will bow their knee before You, and I have full assurance that my enemies (seen or unseen) will not prevail; in the end You will vindicate your own. Help me as I wait for what I cannot see. Remind me of your deep love and constant companionship. Give me strength to persevere today. Open my eyes to see how You are helping me in my weakness. Have mercy and compassion on me in my unbelief, remembering I'm merely human - walking clay that only breathes because You have put life into my frame. I submit to You once again, and choose to put my trust in the One who died for me. Help me understand what sufficient grace means, and to take delight in your consolations when anxiety threatens to choke all hope. In the name of my Mighty Warrior Prince Jesus I pray…

I find hope... in David's story (part 2)

I find hope in the Bible when I ponder and dwell on

the brutally transparent struggles David faced and described in the Psalms.

Here are 2 keys shared in David's psalms, received through his trials and troubles.

Humility: Nothing good was in David, apart from God. (Ps 16:2) Same is true of me.

Brokenness: David wrote a lot about his brokenness. He was misunderstood, betrayed, and endured much unfairness. Those trials taught him that God’s close to the broken. (Ps 34:18)

Now, I don’t often think of trials as gifts. However, God offers us these same 2 keys to His heart through each struggle we face. Hmmm... that's something to consider. 

Abba God, I’m not so thankful for the struggles, but I’m grateful for the gifts which lead me closer to You. Thank You for loving me enough to lead me through the struggles and bring good out of each one. Thank You for helping me endure. You’re so good to me. In Jesus’ name… 

God supports me

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." 2 Chronicles 16:9, NASB

Abba God, You are so kind and loving. How amazing that You care enough for me to strongly support me and teach me the right way to live. You are incredibly interested in the details of my life. When I walk through dark valleys, You still know best and You strengthen me. I want to finish strong and to know You as deeply as possible before my time on earth is over. Thank You for caring enough to support me, to make me victorious in Christ Jesus, and to help me where I still carry unbelief. I love you so much, Abba. In Jesus’ name… 

I wonder what a canning jar feels like when it's in the pressure cooker?

I suppose it's pretty much how I feel when circumstances cause the air pressure in my sphere to push down on my fragile frame. My legs feel like they'll crumble, my lungs won't accept the oxygen I once took for granted, and the head feels like it will explode! On the brink of bursting - like a jar might if the temperature of the food in it were vastly different than the boiling water outside.  

What frustrates me most in these trials is that my response isn't exactly lining up to God's very Word, which says I'm to do something different than buckle under pressure. Hebrews 12 calls his discipline an encouragement, and proof that He accepts us. Elsewhere He teaches me to: 

strengthen weak knees, be strong, be courageous... 

do not despair, do not give up, do not fear

"And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 

"My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, 

and don't give up when he corrects you. 

For the LORD disciplines those he loves, 

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."" - Hebrews 12:5-6, New Living Translation

This I find hard to do. Resilience, endurance, and persistence aren't exactly my strengths. Abba knows that, and He continues to show up daily as my personal trainer in righteousness. The training routine I'd prefer: Abba reaches down to feed me His manna when I awake, which suddenly strengthens me so I may bound throughout the day with a Mary Poppins smile and song. Naturally I'd be able to produce a solution for every problem that comes my way.... 

Oh, but I remember.... 

pruning takes time, 

intimacy takes time,

maturity takes time. 

What Abba wants most for me is to be holy, so I can reap the benefits of knowing Him more fully - leading to more joy, greater peace, and so much more. 

So, today I will once again choose to REST against His bosom, wrapped in His strong arms. After some time there in close companionship with Him, I'll go about my responsibilities, resuming the struggle to fully trust that He will provide exactly what I need WHEN I need it. It won't be easy, but it's worth it. The alternative is to lie down in the valley of despair and go no further. That doesn't sound good to me. 

Abba, I'm so glad you accept me. You know I don't like the pain and suffering, but you also know that it's necessary. I do believe, help me in my unbelief! Ultimately I want to be in alignment with you. I want to be filled with your Spirit so that the outside stress doesn't affect my countenance - or affection -  for you. Lead me in your everlasting way and give me courage to accept the trials as a show of your love and affection for me. In Jesus' name.. 

My head feels like a blender!

So many thoughts are swirling around, intertwining themselves among each other. That's common for me, but the speed is crazy. Turbo mode even! 

At least today, the thoughts are all swirling around truth. I'm trying so hard to stand on truth, using simple logic to talk myself into believing (if nothing else, it'll keep me from going insane, right?). 

If Abba was pleased to crush Jesus (Isaiah), knowing the outcome... As the Master Gardener, it surely pleases Him to prune me because He is focused on the resulting fruit and making me mature in Christ Jesus so I can share in his holiness (John 15, Hebrews 12:11).  He's made me with that view in mind, and He always finishes what He starts. He is the author and finisher of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) HE IS, not me. 

Abba, it's hard for me to believe that you can create this attitude in me... to humbly accept each trial, being always obedient. Thank you for continuing to work in me to will and to act according to your good purpose. Give me faith to believe that YOU WILL FINISH this work, and that YOU CAN CHANGE ME. If you can purchase me with Jesus' blood, give me the right to eternal life with you through the resurrection power, surely you can transform me in spite of myself. I want so much to be obedient. Help me in my unbelief. In Jesus' name...

Philippians 2:5-13, NASB, Amplified, Message

Hebrews 12:11, NASB;AMP;MSG

Thanks, Mom (and a few faithful Sunday School teachers), for teaching me that the Bible is God's inspired word, wholly true. That truth keeps me in the fight when I want to quit. 

Ouch! Is it over yet?

Hi Abba. It's me... Over here... Oh, nooooo. Did you HAVE to bring your pruning shears? 

"every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2b, NASB

They're HUGE,  sharp, and scary! I know you're the Master Gardener, but can I just say (once again) that pruning really hurts. I'm tired. I'm weary. I'd like to hibernate and rest my hurts, but there seems to be no rest. Didn't you just prune me? Isn't there another way? 

Oh, I know... You don't have to say it... I know the truth. I can see it in your eyes. As the Master Gardener, you are never rash, brazen, or sloppy with your work. For each cut, you carefully measure the exact place, the perfect angle, the right season. It's only through pruning that I can produce fruit, which is important to you. 

Knowing your perfect love and the results of your handiwork, I really do want to surrender willingly, but frankly if I had legs I think I'd run. I suppose you knew that. That must be why - in your perfect wisdom - you grafted me into this Vine... so I couldn't run.

Well, I can't say I'm joyful about you bringing your shears during today's visit, but somewhere deep down I do trust you to know what you're doing. 

So, please, Sir, as you prepare to make another cut, I ask for courage to trust you once again and for HOPE that this cut will produce fruit. Ok, I'm going to close my eyes now. Ouch, ouch, ouch...ewwww...  In Jesus' name...

 

“What did I do to deserve this?”

When troubles torment me, I mistakenly wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?”

I fall prey to lies, as the Pharisees did. Surely trouble only comes to those who have sinned. A man born blind was sinful from birth. Job’s friends believed this; and scholars claim they came before the Law. So, I at least have assurance that this thought is very, very old.  

However, it greatly bothers me that I think this way, because I know better. I know sunshine and rain fall on all people, regardless of their deeds. I know I don’t deserve anything good.

I’m a life-long student of the Word. I live on this side of Christ Jesus in history, have both Old and New Testaments to study, and all sorts of other resources! (I do not say any of this with any pride, but with great humility and frustration, because I STILL don’t get it - and YES, I mistakenly expect perfection in myself. Does anyone else relate?)  Scripture is clear.

Jesus was perfect. There was no blemish in his life. 

No sin.

He was pure, holy, righteousness, noble, good.

“But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;”

Isaiah 53:10

Abba God, I am grateful that you saved me through Jesus. Still, it is hard to accept that his cruel death was the only way to save me, AND that you are pleased to “crush” when it is the only way... Your ways are higher; your thoughts are deeper. Help me abide and trust when I can't comprehend (Abba, you KNOW how I crave context & to grasp a concept fully!). Give me courage to trust in darkness, knowing you DO know best. Let me always believe that my story will never, ever, ever end on a negative note. Jesus himself is the author and finisher/perfecter of my faith. Your Spirit helps me do the good works you planned long ago! So, when I leave this world I will be done with "my jobs" and face-to-face with my sweet Prince Jesus. It's in his precious name I pray... 

Abide, Deny, Trust - part 4 - Trust Abba

Finishing up a series on lessons learned through recent storms:

1.    Abide in Jesus

2.    Deny self

3.    Trust Abba

Trusting Abba. Sigh… Sounds so easy, but in reality: simple, not easy!  

In the storms and valleys, it’s so easy to take our eyes off our precious Savior and stare at our circumstances. (Yeah, Pete, we can relate with why you didn’t walk on water long.)

When it’s hard to believe, we must choose to believe.

§  He really does know best… so I will gaze into Jesus’ face (not merely a quick glance).

§  He really does care for me the most… so I will SOAK in His love, abiding.

§  He is really continually working toward His goal of bringing me into the full image of my Savior, Christ Jesus, so I will stand on HIS WORD. He’ll do the rest.

John 15:9 is such a beautiful verse to reflect on…

Just as the Father has loved Me,

I have also loved you;

abide in My love.

Isn’t this what our relationship with Jesus is all about? No matter what happens – through good and bad times, in plenty and in little - contentment is being wrapped up in Jesus, believing that He loves me just as much as Father God loves the Son.

Oh, Abba God. I’m so glad you are trustworthy! You do know best, you do care for me better – and more – than anyone else ever has, and you truly are bringing about the best for/in me. All I have is for you, do with me as you will. Thank you for showing me your love for Jesus, so I can start to see that same love for me. Thank you for your Spirit who trains me up in the way I should go. Truly, I can be such a child, but at least I’m YOUR child! Thank you for the storms – not that I fully appreciate them, but I do understand that they are valuable. Help us remember what we’ve already learned and to embrace your love for us each day. In Jesus’ name…

Abide, Deny, Trust - part 2 - Abiding in the struggle, During storms

DURING THE STORM. What might abiding look like when I'm in the midst of the storm???  

 

Stay focused. Stand firm. Hold to what you have already attained. Do what you've been doing, and remember, if nothing else, keep it SIMPLE! Love Jesus by obeying His 2 commands: Love God and love each other. Go to the basics. 

NOTE: This is not a to-do list - just some reminders that help me. I hope you can find a useful reminder as well.
 

Finish the sentence

Keep putting on that armor; stand firm at your post. Endure. Sometimes that’s all you can do. Hold to Jesus. Don’t make decisions in the valley.

Keep seeking Abba & things above. Focus on Jesus, what He did, and what He’ll do. Colossians 3:1–3, NASB

Keep accepting His love. Even if it hurts, reflecting on His love breaks off another chunk of our heart scars like dried mud on a shoe. When it just hurts too much, that’s ok! One baby step at a time. Abba knows…  Play worship tunes. Read Psalms. Journal doodles. Sit in nature. Be still and know that He is God.

Remember your studies! Remember whose you are! This is hiding, in plain sight. NO, I’m not saying to become a hermit!!! (that’s a note to myself) Remember that you are a secret, concealed (that’s right out of Strong’s, from the Greek). Enjoy that for a moment. It’s just you + Him, sistah! No one, nothing can touch you (Romans 8 says nothing can separate us from His love.)

§  “Your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3);

§  all that Abba allows in your life has to absolutely be given His permission

§  AND is used for your good (Romans 8:28-30. See Romans 8 here).

Get support.

Communicate to Abba. Ask Him questions. His Spirit searches what’s in your innermost places, knows what we are really searching for, and prays for us according to Abba God’s will! See Romans 8:26-27. Just yesterday, I started to ask something and was convicted before I finished the thought… We might not get answers that we want, or in our timing, but it’s absolutely OK to ask the questions.

§  By turning to Him and seeking answers, we are communicating, even if our hearts might look ugly at that very moment.

§  By expressing what we’re going through (especially out loud), we learn what we believe in the inner depths. Lies lose their hold when they are brought into the light & we choose TRUTH.

“… keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:1–3, NASB

Remember the point. Abba prunes, at the right time, with the right tools, as often as is necessary. A rose needs different care than a lilac. Pruning = more of Jesus & less of ME. (John 15)

Expect that the pruning season will end. It will not last forever. The Lord is kind and gracious. Even Jeremiah speaks of God’s lovingkindness in the midst of suffering in Lamentations 3  (especially vs. 20-26, 32-33, 39). 

“For if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness…. Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?”  – Lamentations 3:32, 39

 

Abba, thank you for loving me so well. I don't like the valleys, suffering, and struggles. Still, I know from your Word that these are used to prune me, to make me like Jesus. So, even though I don't fully appreciate them (yet), I thank you for loving me enough to do what's best. I love you and commit (again) to submitting to your will. May your will be done on earth and in me, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' holy name... 

Abide, Deny, Trust - part 1 - Abiding in the struggle, Before storms

Even if the struggle never is resolved, I must continue to learn what it means to:

1.    Abide in Jesus

2.    Carry my cross, denying myself, following Jesus (DENY SELF)

3.    Trust that Abba knows best, cares the most, and is continually working toward the end goal of bringing me into the full image of my Savior, Christ Jesus. (CLING, STAND FIRM)

 

Abide: What does this even mean? “To stay, to wait, to continue to exist…” (from Greek word used in John 15) How is this possible in turmoil? Here are some keys I’ve been reminded of recently. If nothing else, I’ll have them for myself next time I’m hit with a big crisis.

PREPARE before the storm, be ready at all times:

1.   Daily dress your best – in your spiritual armor, prepared for battle.

2.   Practice accepting His love. He cares more than your closest friend. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…” This looks different for each of us. Find the best place for you to be still and know that He is God – day after day. Practice soaking up His love, accepting that you’re so beautiful in His eyes.

3.   Practice finishing the sentence. State issue + truth (what Jesus did/will do). We Take thoughts captive and align ourselves with Truth. Practice speaking truth in easier times, so that the habit continues IN the storm. Bonus: I have a friend who calls and finishes her sentence = POWERFUL encouragement to my soul!!!

4.  Diligently study to learn more about Gods love for you, His character, what He says regarding you-in-Christ. **If you’re not at a point in life where you can study hard-core, just do what you can. Focus on one verse if you have to, committing it to memory. Relationship first! Grace always!

5.   List verses to cling to. Pair up with the most common struggles you face. Store where you can easily find it (inside Bible) & cling to truth when trouble comes.

6.   Be alert, praying always, be ready, be prepared, watch and pray, etc.

7.   Don’t go alone. Find a spiritual partner, someone who’ll walk with you, pray with you, love you through thick & thin!

8.   Remember the point. We’re nothing apart from Jesus, can do nothing apart from Him. He is our everything (John 15)

“Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints …” – Ephesians 6:14-19, NASB [bolded: my emphasis. We can only stand at a warrior’s post when we’re dressed in our uniforms.]

Abba, thank you for working in our lives, for teaching us how to abide. Give us courage to trust you always. In Jesus' name...

Hope

Hope. On the mountaintop, she is amazingly easy to gaze upon. She is much more elusive in the valley, where I find myself questioning whether she ever existed. I suppose I can lay aside my shame to admit that I’m travelling that valley. The details about my circumstances don’t matter. While I don’t know what this whole string of struggles is about, I do know trust is a large factor.

Intellectually, I know that God is good. Abba is righteous. He is powerful. He is the one who creates the sunrise. Job 38:12, NASB He has every right to do what He wants with my life, because I’ve been bought with a great price. Yet, nothing in my life is excluded from His assurance that “God causes all things to work together for good” (from the Greek word meaning useful, beneficial)... for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. I know this applies to me, that He’s saved me & called me according to His purpose. I do love Abba, and I do want to live as He calls me to.  Romans 8:27-30, NASB

So, back and forth I battle. How discouraging! For He has saved me; I owe Him everything, yet my stubborn flesh wrestles my own precious Abba who gave His own Son for me! Yet hope is found in this: His Spirit prays for me in my weakness, and Abba knows what is best.

So, may He do in my life as He wants. For He alone knows what tools best mold me into the image of Jesus. He is greater and I must become less. His wisdom is beyond comprehension. I am nothing apart from Jesus, and can do nothing apart from Him.

So, even if the struggle never is resolved, I must continue to learn what it means to

•          Abide in Jesus
•          Carry my cross, denying myself, following Jesus
•          Trust that Abba knows best, cares the most, and is continually working toward the end goal of bringing me into the full image of my Savior, Christ Jesus.

Abba, thank you for saving me, for your endless kind benefits, for assurances that you are at work in my life. I really don’t like that I still wrestle with you. I want to persevere (like the great cloud of witnesses who also struggled), even though I feel weary and scared, of what you might be preparing me for. In the end, I know that I must look forward, to Jesus alone. All the answers are in Him. May you have your way in me, as I learn what it means to be made in the image of Christ Jesus. In His name…  

Are you weary?

Hello sweet sister.

I love you SOOOoooo much.

I wish I could give you an in-person hug right now.

I wish I could take away all your hurts.

But that would change who you are.

What I’m about to say will require a lot of trust on your part, but I ask that you read on and seek the truth, based on the only absolute truth we have in this world (God’s Word, which is Christ Jesus Himself).

I see such a beautiful woman of God, who’s being changed before my eyes in an amazing way.

You are being made, as a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly, into the very image of Jesus Himself.

He knew pain.

He knew suffering.

He knew agony.

He knew betrayal.

He knew, really knew, loneliness.

He knew emotional anguish.

He knew the daily burdens.

He knew the daily drudgery.

He knew distractions.

Jesus also knew the answer…

In order to become the man He was meant to be, he would have to rely solely on His Abba.

In prayer.

In trust.

Through the tears

Through the frustration.

Through the loneliness.

Through sadness and loss.

Through losing friends as he made tough choices

For direction… even when it seemed there was none.

For hope… even when it seemed there was none.

For friendship… even when it seemed there was none.

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3, NASB

Abba, we trust you with ALL our hurts, our fears, and our pain. We entrust ourselves to YOU ALONE. Jesus can sympathize best with us, even more than our friends can. Give us courage to trust you today. Give us YOUR strength in our weakness. We love you, even though we don’t understand your ways. Replenish our waning hope. Give us eyes that fixate on Jesus. May our circumstances be peripheral as we lo Jesus to be our everything. In His name…  

He knew what was at stake.

I once heard a passage by Max Lucado which encouraged me. I don't know which book it was read from, nor who read it, but the message is embedded in my soul deeply.

My attitude stinks most mornings.

I fight hard to find truth and goodness to dwell on (Phil 4:13). Rejoicing (Phil 4:4)? Let's not even go there! This morning, the Sinful Attitude Mommy Monster (SAMM) was at it again! Raging, threatening to swallow my family and me whole! I needed help! (surely I'm not entirely alone in my crazy drama). What's a woman to do?