Spiritual Armor

 

     Our defensive armor protects us. Our faith, the truth of Jesus, our salvation and the peace which passes all understanding remain with us daily. But just as in a good football game, the defensive line can weaken, our line of defense can slip and we become vulnerable. The belt of truth loosens and just as Eve heard from the serpent, we hear the words, “Did God really say..?” Seeds of doubt cloud our trust in God. Our hearts are broken and the breastplate of righteousness is taken away. What do we do when our defensive spiritual armor weakens? Thankfully, God gives us two offensive weapons. Let’s look at one today.

…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17b

     The sword of the Spirit, the word of God is our greatest weapon, along with prayer. Our powerful offensive weapons will bring us back to standing firm with our armor safely around us. Our shield of faith is put in place as we read:

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word about Christ.  Romans 10:17

     Our belt of truth fits tightly around us once again as we read:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32

     We place our shoes of peace securely on our feet as we walk out into the world around us:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14;27

     And our hearts are covered once again by the breastplate of righteousness:

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21

     The word of God. It begins and ends there. Jesus is the word come to life in the flesh. (John 1) Christ used the word of God when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. (Matthew 4) Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide you in truth, peace, faith, and righteousness as you wear your armor today with the word of God etched in your hearts. And pray.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions and with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

Dear Jesus,

We thank you for the word of God today. Your word gives us life and hope and truth. When Satan flings his arrows and leads us astray, give us the Scripture verses to use in the power of Jesus. Remind us to read it daily to keep us protected. You are the word. You are the way, the truth and the life.

Amen

Spiritual armor

 

     Our hearts are covered with the breastplate of righteousness. Our belts of truth are buckled tightly around us and our feet walk out into the world with a peace unlike any other. Our spiritual armor continues today with two more pieces to hold and to wear, as we add them to our defense against our spiritual enemy.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation…Ephesians 6:16, 17a

     Our shield of faith allows us to trust God when the circumstances seem impossible. Faith teaches us to be patient in affliction. Faith always returns us to the one true God. This shield extinguishes not some but all of the flaming arrows of the evil one.

     Our last piece of defensive clothing is the helmet of salvation. That moment we hear the gospel of truth and accept Jesus as Savior redeems us forever. Knowing in our minds we are saved forever, that Christ will bring us to heaven forever, keeps us filled with hope and joy.

     Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace and the shield of faith. You are protected with the spiritual armor of our mighty God. There are two weapons of offense we will read and talk about tomorrow.

Dear Lord,

We thank you for your spiritual armor. Our weapons protect us each day as we place our trust in You, as we remember Your gift of salvation, as we offer peace and truth and hope to others.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Spiritual Armor

 

     The battles around us and within us are spiritual in nature. Our flesh battles against the Holy Spirit within us as believers. Satan flings his arrows at us to get us off track, to muddle our mind, and to destroy our trust in Jesus. In the 6^th chapter of the book of Ephesians, Paul gives us spiritual armor to wear. Most of this armor is defensive.

     Today, we will look at a few of the defensive pieces of armor. Place them around you as you wake up each morning.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  Ephesians 6:15-16

     When we clothe ourselves with Jesus, His presence protects us. Daily reminders of who He is and what we can do through Him will keep us safe under our spiritual armor.

     When the world tries to fool us into believing lies about God, we pull our belt of truth around us a little bit tighter. We know Jesus is the One. He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:5). When we fall short or are reminded of our sinful nature, we are protected by the righteousness of Christ. God, the Father, sees the image of His Son when He looks at us. We are new creations. The old has gone. The new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

     Jesus gives us the peace that passes all understanding. It is not peace as the world gives, but the peace of becoming His children. The peace of the gospel of truth. The gospel that will give us eternal life. (See Philippians 4:6, 7 and John 14:27)

     Walk out the door with the shoes of God’s peace. The gospel of truth He gives us as believers is meant to be shared. We are in right standing with God. His righteousness covers our hearts. His truth holds us together, and we can walk out our lives filled with His peace. And tomorrow we will cover our heads, hold up our shields and add another layer of the defensive armor of Christ.

     Is the battle too much right now? Read the first two words of the Scripture verses we looked at today. “Stand firm.” Jesus will fight the battle. He’s got this.

Dear Father,

You give us so much protection. Clothe us with Jesus. Protect us in our battles. We stand firm today with the shoes of peace, the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth buckled tightly around us.

In Jesus name

Amen

Spiritual Armor

 

     Battles are all around us and within us. What type of battle are you engaged in at this season of life? What comes to mind when you hear the word “battle”? There is the battle of the bulge, the battle against addiction, the battle to get through the day with anxiety or depression. There are battles within a family, or wars in our country or overseas. Cancer, chronic pain, grief.

     Satan is the enemy. He and his deceptive angels are fighting in the spiritual realm to keep us distracted, manipulated, fearful and joyless. Their wiles may sound deceivingly good. As C.S. Lewis stated, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”

Our battles are not against flesh and blood.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:11-12

     Satan’s power is limited. He understands his time is short and he is pulling out the stops. God gives us some weapons of warfare. We will talk about some of them tomorrow. In the meantime, think about the battles you have fought in the past and what you are fighting against today. God is on your side. He is within you. Let this verse give you hope.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

     The ultimate battle is won. Jesus has overcome the world with His sacrifice. Let’s continue to be His soldiers in the world around us, shedding the darkness with His light. Do not be discouraged or dismayed. God is with us. Onward Christian soldiers!

Dear Lord,

Give us strength and confidence in You to face our battles today. Help us to remember our battles are not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of evil. You will get us through.

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Are Scared

 

     Joshua took the place of Moses as the Israelites finally made their way into the promised land after 40 years in the wilderness. Those wilderness experiences in our own lives can leave us feeling lost, confused and filled with fear for the futurer.

     Taking a step into the unknown future can fill us with uneasiness and trepidation. There are obstacles in the way and we can’t see our way around, over or through them. And we stop and ask, “Why, Lord?” or “When, Lord?” or “How, Lord?”  The key word in all of those questions is, “Lord.” Keep Him involved in your questioning. Allow Him into your deepest fears. Ask Him to help.

     Before the Jordan River dried up and the Israelites were able to cross into the long-awaited promised land, God asked that the priests take a step into the river. Maybe we need to take a small step of faith right now, too.

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant, “When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” Joshua 3:8

    And we just might find the courage to take another small step and another, one at a time. And when we stand in faith in the deep waters, God will provide the perfect plan to get us through.  Believe it! The path may change. The water may be deep. The outcome may still be unknown. But we choose to move. And Jesus? There He is within us with His comfort and His peace as He surrounds us with protection and with heavenly power. And our Father in heaven speaks to us just as He did to Joshua all of those years ago.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord our God,

You are with us wherever we go. Take away our fear and discouragement as we make the difficult decisions in life. Guide our thoughts to dwell and focus on You through it all as we take another step of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

When We Don't Understand

 

      The disciples of Jesus were Jewish men awaiting their Messiah. Their expectations for Jesus were for Him to rule and reign on earth. Jesus told them on more than one occasion what was to come. Here is one example. This conversation takes place as Jesus and His followers are journeying to Jerusalem for Passover, shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples had been with Him for nearly three years.

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him. They will flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again.”  Luke 31-33

     From this side of the cross it all makes sense. Did they listen and ask what it all meant? Here is their response.

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them and they did not know what He was talking about.  Luke 18:45

     Not only were they confused. Did you catch it? The meaning was hidden from them. Even the disciples would not understand God’s plan until after the resurrection. In fact, all of the disciples scattered as Jesus was brought to the cross. All but one. John.

     I’ve had the urge to run away from God now and again. It’s easy to turn away when we don’t understand. We tune out. We try to escape from what is before us. We long to control the situation and deny the reality. God seems so far away. Has He deserted us? We thought He was the One. Isn’t He the One to watch over us and take care of us?

     God has always and will continue to watch over us. He understands and He offers hope. Can we listen and trust when we don’t understand? Will we run from His presence rather than wait patiently under His protective wings?

     Let’s bring it all to the foot of the cross where He took on all of what we are facing, right this minute. He rose again. And so will you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in Me. John 14:1

Dear Jesus,

The stories in Your Word give us hope. Even those You were closest to on the earth ran from You. Don’t let us go when things get tough and we don’t have all of the answers. You do, and we trust You.

Amen

 

In His Steps

 

     Studying the Scriptures and listening to other mature believers has brought my life joy and peace and yes, blessings and happiness. But faith in Christ does not mean life is easier, or that there is less suffering or that we have all of the answers. We just know the One who does. He is wiser, stronger, deeper and more complex than our feeble minds could conjure up on our best day.

     Some of the wise and mature believers in my life have suffered; some of them in unimaginable ways. Somehow, coming out of their time of great suffering and loss, they have come to a deeper love and trust in Christ. Jesus can redeem our suffering. Look at this verse with me.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example; that you should follow in His steps.  1 Peter 2;21

     Jesus suffered for us. He gave His life for us. He took all of the ugliness and suffering and sin of the world on His shoulders. We may have to suffer for a little while in our earthly lives, too. Let’s follow in His steps. He counted it pure joy.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

     Running the race with perseverance as we follow Him. Can we do that? Following in His steps does not mean getting everything we want. He gives us what we need, wherever life takes us. Enough grace for each moment. He is sufficient for the day. Our earthly suffering will be redeemed one day as we, too, get the answers to our questions.

   We will know the answers to: Why? How can it be? How can I go on? What purpose could this serve? Why her? Why me? How could You allow this, Lord? He hears us. Not only does He hear, but He understands. He has been there in the depths, too, in anguish.

     One day we will know. In the meantime, trust Him with it all. I have seen lives changed through the powerful testimony of those who have suffered. Our testimonies bring glory to our God. Powerful, eternal answers are there at the end of the race. Follow in His steps, keeping in step with the Spirit. It may include running with perseverance Hold on to Jesus. We’re almost there.

Dear Father in heaven,

Let Jesus be our example. The suffering servant gave it all for us for the joy set before Him. We don’t get it. We don’t understand it. Any of it. But we trust You. You gave us Jesus and to Him we turn.

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to Your statutes.  Psalm 119:59

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Dance of the Spirit

 

     Thank God, He loves us! I don’t know about you, but every now and then I just have to ask our Father how he puts up with me. He allows me to return to Him, and in His great mercy, He kindly forgives and forgets again. New mercies, tender mercies, loving kindness each and every day. The more we seek Him and return to Him, the steadier we become. Our next turning back may not take quite so long.

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

     We get ourselves in trouble if we move too far ahead of God or lag too far behind. The Holy Spirit is there. He lives within us, always available to guide and give Godly wisdom. We can train ourselves to listen and to heed His voice as our commander in chief. After all, He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. Don’t get too far ahead of His plan so He has to yank you back into place. And don’t wait until He has to drag you by the scruff of the neck to catch up.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25

     Keeping in step with the Spirit. We need a little discipline, some hard work studying the word, some good communication with our instructor and pretty soon, our steps will be fluid and practiced, just like a beautiful dance, synchronized with the One of our hearts.

Dear Jesus,

Teach us the dance of life in the Spirit. It is like no other movement on earth. Give us a sure and practiced step today as we face the challenges of life. Take the lead.

Amen

He Knows You

      I pray these words of God will hit our hearts directly, in a way we will not forget. As we give careful thought to our ways, remember God has you in the palm of His hand. It is just a matter of us turning and continuing to return to Him time and time again. Life is precious and good. But life hurts. We suffer. We grieve. We worry. We fight. We make mistakes. We ache for our loved ones. We say the wrong thing. We think the wrong thing. We recognize our human frailty. And there He is…waiting to hold us.

    Turn to him. He knows you and He loves you more intimately than any relationship known to man. 

     Read these words slowly and take them into your heart. Accept His unconditional love for you, no matter how you feel or what you are going through. Give Him the anxieties that weigh you down. He is right there, ready and waiting. Incline your ear and listen:

Does He not see my ways and count my every step? Job 31:4

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30

You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and You lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there. If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  Psalm 139:1-12

     His mighty right hand is holding you fast. His hand will guide you. The darkness is as the day to Him. Allow His face to shine upon you and bless you right now. He is there.

Dear Father,

Your presence surrounds us and envelops us. Make Your presence known to us. We surrender to Your love. Let us easily step into the life of Your Spirit today, allowing you to take our hand and lead us out to the life You have given to us.

In Jesus name. 

Amen

Give Careful Thought

 

     Attempting to walk and stay in step with the Spirit leads us to consider our thoughts and our actions. Knowing the word of God and the ways of God and the works of God and the wonders of God causes our thoughts to turn to Him first. Can we ask Him to guide our thoughts each day? And at the end of the day can we consider how our day matched up to all we know of God? Carefully consider this verse:

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26

     Haggai was a prophet of God sent to give a message to his people on rebuilding the temple. His words ring true for us even though they were written in 520 B.C. He was sent to the people to re-focus their attention to the things of God. The book of Haggai has only two chapters and he uses the phrase, “give careful thought…” four times.

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says, “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5

     Who tells us to give careful thought to our ways? The Lord Almighty speaks. The definition of “almighty” means all-powerful, omnipotent, in control. Can we put aside our own desires to work on His? Can we ask ourselves if our lives and our thoughts and our actions are pleasing to the Almighty One? Let’s give careful thought to our steps today.

Dear Father in heaven,

You are The Lord Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. We want to walk with You in all of Your ways. Guide our footsteps today and guide our thoughts to align with Your good and perfect will.

Amen

 

An Inside Job

      The Bible describes in great detail the temples built in Jerusalem, the first built by King Solomon.  Herod’s temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. and the Jewish people were scattered to the ends of the earth. Another temple will be built in Jerusalem in the very last days on earth and preparations are being made right now. www.templeinstitute.org

     Believers in Christ house the Holy Spirit. The outer temples that housed the presence of God have been replaced by an inner working of the Holy Spirit. God now dwells within and among us. I find that incredible and it is one of the reasons that Jesus told His followers:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  John 14;12

     Greater than these? Jesus was the living God and everywhere He went flowed His grace, love and healing power. As believers that same Holy Spirit lives within us! The Holy Spirit of the living God will bring hope to others, will show mercy where none is deserved, will bring compassion to a hurting world. 

     You are the temple of God! 

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?   1 Corinthians 3:16

     Can we learn to surrender our lives to His leading? I know it is a process that will never be finished, but His patience with us never wears thin. Let’s take a step at a time and follow Him!

Dear Jesus,

Show us how to live our lives as Your children, showing love even when it doesn’t come naturally. Give us patience when we want to shout, compassions when we are tired and hope where there seems to be none. Teach us.

Amen

God Works for the Good

 

     Our oldest daughter, Angela, has been staying strong in faith, even when the rest of us have been feeling discouraged. This came up on her Facebook memories from 7 years ago and she shared it with us, as I will share with you now.

I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done. I will be filled with joy because of You. I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 9;1-2

     “One valuable aspect of being a Christian is looking for the good that God makes out of every situation. God is always at work and has a greater purpose, even if we don’t recognize it. Seeing God’s blessings in tough situations will lead to praise and gratitude. When you begin to look for God to show up in your life, He will be there doing marvelous things and you will be filled with joy.”

     These words bring us back to praise as we watch for God to work. We wait expectantly and (sometimes) patiently.  In the meantime, we praise God for the good days. We praise God for friends and family earnestly praying for us. We thank God for doctors and medicines and options. They won’t give up and neither will we. And God? He will work this out for His purposes and do marvelous things.

Lord,

Even when we don’t see the full picture, when we yearn for a quick answer, when we are desperate in our pleas, You are at work. We believe in Your mighty power and in Your perfect timing.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Enjoy the weekend. As Gavin stays for yet another overnight EEG at Children’s, we will have our 1-year-old sweetheart, Grayson, overnight. Thank you for your prayers. One of my network of prayer warriors, Kim, sent me this prayer for Gavin last week. Will you pray this with us?

Father God,

In your mercies, hear our prayers. Hold dear Gavin in Your protective, loving, healing arms. May he and family feel your presence and love Give the doctors the wisdom and skills that they need to bring these seizures to an end. Sooth Gavin's tummy and give him rest. Give his family patience as they wait for Your healing. thank You, Lord, for always being present through this difficult and terrifying season.  We boldly pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

She also told me to breathe and know God's got this. He is working. AMEN

Help Our Unbelief

 

     There have been times over the last few months when our faith has dimmed, when we have cried buckets of tears, when we have been scared and numb with fatigue. It is not only heartbreaking to watch our sweet three-year-old go through so much, it is difficult to watch our daughter and son-in-law struggle. They are the most amazing parents. It is a time of sacrifice and yearning.

     I read through the story in Mark 9 of the man asking for healing for his son. The disciples had no luck and the man turns to Jesus as He heads their way. His son had been ill for years and the man asks if Jesus can heal him. Jesus answers, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” And the father answers, “I do believe. Help me with my unbelief.”  Jesus healed his son. (see Mark 9:14-29

     Jesus understands our limitations. He appreciates our open hearts as we come to Him. These words above spoke to my heart as I ask God to help my unbelief during the times of fear. Even our faith is a gift from God. He will increase our faith when we ask.

     In this story, Jesus also claims that this type of healing comes only through prayer. He hears all of us as we lift Gavin up to Him time and time again.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mark 19:26

Dear Jesus,

Help us with our unbelief. Increase our faith. With You all things are possible.

Amen

Grateful For You

 

     In addition to watching Fed Ex Golf this weekend, I caught a Hallmark movie called, “The Magic of Ordinary Days.”  Our days have been far from ordinary for months now. The uncertainty of Gavin’s healing has brought us back and forth from hope to despair time and time again.

     The little guy is a trooper and has been bouncing back after a number of seizures, both large and small. Your prayers for him and for our family are deeply felt and mean everything to us right now. We pray for life to get back to normal. Our daughter has taken family leave from her job as a special-ed teacher. Our son-in-law has come home early from work more times than we can count.

     There have been a number of 911 calls, ER visits and hospital stays. The KETO diet they tried made our little guy sick and pale and tired. We are with our daughter and her boys almost daily to support all they are going through.

     He has had a couple of fantastic days and we share in joy and hope as we watch him running around, with energy and smiles. The ordinary moments of everyday life are monumental to us. Underlined. Bold-faced. Yes, the magic of ordinary days. May we never take them for granted. We savor. We hope. We wait.

     We are humbled and overwhelmed by your love and prayers. I am often amazed at the bond we all share from our grade school, junior high and high school days. There is something special about the baby boomers from South Minneapolis. Our shared histories, shared neighborhoods, shared values have given us a bond and life-long friendships.

     So this first blog of the week is in deep gratitude for each one of you who has prayed for us. Our closest network of family and friends have become used to my panic-driven texts for immediate prayer. And I know they will keep praying. There have been days we don’t have the strength to pray and you have lifted us up.  And please, let me know how I can pray for you.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

I thank my God in remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

We give thanks to God always for all of you, continually mentioning you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

     In our times of fear and doubt, God is still there, listening. We wait expectantly for His timing, for answers for our sweet Gavin. 

Father God,

We give thanks for those surrounding us right now with love and prayers. Please bless them with Your unending love and presence today. Our hearts are full.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Personal Tales of God's Perfect Timing

 

     Looking back in history or looking back on our own lives, we find God’s timing and ways more easily than when we are in the midst of a dark time.  Let’s learn from experience and strive to trust God even when we cry out to Him, when we don’t understand, when we are lost, alone and heartbroken.

So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; I thirst for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring the Word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.  Psalm 143:4-8

Trust Him with your life and feel His unfailing love in the midst of it all.

     Thanks to all of you for allowing me, through stories in my own life, to work through the questions that remain right now. Talking out the hurt, allowing others to pray for us and learning from the past, allow us to heal. We’re in this together. Depression, addiction, illness and agonizing heartbreak and grief, are just a few of the crises that affect all of us.

     I picture these crises as a dark black wall looming in front of us. Sometimes, like my brother, we just sit in front of the wall and imagine the darkness around us. We forget there is light just around the edge of that wall. Like Jeff, addiction found him beating against the wall over and over again until he was so bruised and battered, he wasn’t able to climb over or break through. Eleanor basically ignored the black wall of her illness and focused on the light above. The pain was nothing compared to the light of Christ within her and to the promise of heaven before her. Boy, I want to get to that place of pure trust and hope.

     I’m glad we’re on the journey together. I need my friends and family to hold my hand and remind me. Just as was true in the past, there is light just around the corner. When the battle ahead may be a long one, we need others to give us a boost, to hold us up and say, “Just a little longer. You can do it. See the light up there?”

     What about you? Can you trust the perfect God with all of the imperfections in the world around us? Can you trust Him to get you through the grief, the struggle, the darkness? Christ is the light and His light dispels the darkness. He gives us hope. I am saying this out loud this morning, “I trust you with my life, Lord Jesus.” He might just be ready to crush that dark wall in front of you into a million pieces. The light is just ahead.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dear Father in heaven,

We can’t do this alone. We need each other. We need You. Give us hope today as we continue to learn to trust You even through the darkest times in our lives. Give us the right people at just the right time. We lean on Your perfect love in this imperfect world.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Personal Tales of God's Perfect Timing

 

     Has God placed people in your life at the right time to teach or to comfort or to pray when you needed it most? In the early 90’s I was just getting to know Jesus when I volunteered to train to become a Stephen minister. This is a well-organized ministry based in St. Louis, and is now used in over 400,000 churches worldwide, training men and women to do one-on-one crisis ministry.

     I completed my training and my pastor at the time set up my first meeting with a woman dying of stomach cancer. As I moved slowly up her front walk, I was visibly shaking. I was not equipped. What would I say? The training vanished from my thoughts as I softly knocked on her door. Her husband let me in, walked back out to do errands and left me in a tongue-tied stupor with a sick stranger.

     I need not have worried. God placed Eleanor in my life to train me! Oh, I tried my best. She smiled, encouraged, and taught me how to be joy-filled and at peace as she got ready to meet Jesus. What an amazing blessing she was to me. Jesus placed her in my life at just the right time. She was so patient with me. This verse describes Eleanor.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12

     To the very end, her blue eyes continued to sparkle and she always insisted on a satin bed robe and having her hair brushed before company arrived. She meandered in and out of a deep sleep over the last few weeks and when she awoke, she would often say, “I was just with Jesus and it was wonderful!”

     The night before Eleanor died, she called me and said, “It won’t be long now. Don’t you worry about me. I am going to a party with Jesus. I love you.” She died the next morning, leaving a legacy and a continuing testimony through all of us who knew her. Even in her last hours, she was praising God and looking forward to being with Him.

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  Proverbs 31:26

     God’s perfect timing is seen as He places the right circumstances and the right people in the right places to save a soul, to offer forgiveness, to teach with patience, to heal with hope. His ways are miraculous. Tell your stories. Share your history with Jesus. Our stories, His gospel, are needed. Those holes in the hearts of the people we love are waiting to be filled with Jesus, the living bread and water. People like Eleanor can show us the way.

Dear Father in heaven,

Your ambassadors are everywhere. Teach us from Your word and from the witness of others how to continue Your work in the world around us.

In Jesus name.

Amen

 

Personal Tales of God's Perfect Timing

 

     Jeff was my friend through the 70’s. He was athletic, smart, funny and artistic. A group of athletes from his high school became involved in Young Life, due to the work of a young pastor. This pastor met these young men and women right where they were. They came to know Jesus, and they were changed, all of them, including Jeff.

     At some point over the years, Jeff lost his way. I heard about him through the grapevine and saw him once or twice over the decades. As we moved into our early forties, I heard he was sick, due to liver failure. The alcohol on the path he chose caught up with him far too soon.

     I spoke with his brother a couple of times and said a quick prayer here and there for Jeff. Our family, in January of 2004, was living in a small rented townhouse due to a house fire that destroyed our entire home as it was covered with black soot-filled smoke. It was a numb-fatigued-filled seven months to say the least, with inventories, finding ways to comfort our young adolescent daughters, and working with a construction company that left much to be desired.

    One day, I needed a break from listing each and every treasured possession we had lost. I went for a walk to clear my head. When I walked in the door of our small, empty, temporary home, I dropped to my knees in prayer for Jeff. I can’t explain it. It has only happened to me a couple of times. But deep grief, tears, moaning and groaning through the Holy Spirit poured from me for almost two hours. I don’t know what was going on with Jeff, but I knew God was at work through me and others on his behalf.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  Romans 8:26

     Not long after this Spirit-filled time, I sent Jeff a card along with some old pictures. His brother had told me that Jeff was having trouble forgiving himself and he was not allowing himself to die, even though the time was near. I knew that even though Jeff had temporarily walked away from Him, Jesus had never left his side. He had been forgiven before anything was done and he just needed to forgive himself. I reminded Jeff of some of the fond memories we shared, told him I prayed he would find peace and accept forgiveness, and reminded Him of the unending love of Christ.

     His brother told me at Jeff’s funeral this card was on the side of his bed when he died. This must be a week for tears. I am astounded at the moving of the Holy Spirit within our lives. Back in January of 2004 my body, mind and emotions did not want to take two hours to pray for someone I had not been involved with for two decades.

     God asks us to move out of our comfort zones, and He asks us to help others in the midst of our own suffering. In fact, that may be one of the ways we come out of our times of suffering, by reaching out, not only to lean on others, but to bless them.

     Is the Spirit prompting you today to pray, to send a card, to make a phone call, to speak with a troubled neighbor even when it’s inconvenient? Is it time to stop in our busy lives, and drop to our knees in prayer for someone and respond to the Holy Spirit above everything happening in our lives? We couldn’t do it on our own.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     Jeff remained a child of God. Jesus was using Jeff even during these years of self-condemnation. Jeff is missed. He is in heaven. One day we will see his crooked grin and those big blue eyes as we savor the peace and joy of heaven.

Jesus,

It is impossible to comprehend Your timing, Your love and Your fore knowledge of what we need when we need it. Guide us to do what you ask without question, even when it is inconvenient or seemingly impossible.

Amen