On purpose
Yesterday everything seemed so right – you know that feeling, like finally things that were so daunting have worked themselves out. Today, not so much. Do you ever long for no more ups and downs? Just one thing to go right?
When you’ve been on a journey where seemingly ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ was right in front of you, it’s oh so hard to take a step back. It can seem unfair. It can feel like being abandoned. The enemy of our soul would really like for us to think these thoughts, feel these feelings. But our Savior wants us to take our eyes off circumstances. How?
Over these last couple years, I have often thought ‘I wonder if anyone else ever feels this way, thinks these thoughts’ – and I’ve found out: I’m not the only one. I’m human. God designed us just the way we are. Whether we’re glass half-full people, or half-empty, there is a purpose in our lives – for where we are, who we are, and where we’re going.
What can the purpose be of our setbacks? Our heartaches? Our physical pain? Our fear or sorrow or anger? Especially when we thought we had gotten beyond some of those things.
I’m reminded that Jesus did tell us that in this world we will have trouble. And that He has overcome this world. And this reminder also: “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” (1John 5:4NLT) Even though it may not seem so…
Before time began Christ was the plan for us in all our troubles. An Old Testament full of mankind trying to do it their way and failing, and a few who sought God no matter what knowing that He is true and His plan is sure. And we are on the other side of the Cross, where we know the best is yet to come. But we are human and slow to learn and weary on the journey.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:2 BSB) When we cry out, He is there – and He is even when we forget He has a purpose. We may not like the fallen way of the world we live in and the effects on our lives, but we grow so much through them. Becoming more like Jesus in the process.
Now we see dimly the Bible tells us. Someday we will see clearly. And in that someday we will see His face and not even remember this relatively short journey to forever.
It is a prayer
It’s been a long challenging week. I’ve let things that cause me tension take over my thoughts. That tension has manifested in my body. Feeling like I’m in a battle once again as I deal with neck and body pain. I couldn’t see beyond me.
And then my blurry vision cleared a bit. I called out and asked my Creator: ‘Help? Help me to focus on You.’ The enemy is great at getting our attention off God and on self. He attacks our weaknesses. For me it’s fear of being lost in physical pain again.
For you it may be different: other physical symptoms, depression, overeating, anxiety, alcohol, etc. No matter how lost you are, how sick you are, how heartbroken you are, the One who made you hears you and sees you.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1 NIV emphasis mine) It all starts with lifting up our eyes – off us, off circumstances. Whispering or shouting or crying ‘Help!’
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2 NIV emphasis mine) The Lord, our Maker – there is no one who knows us better, no one more able to help in our time of need.
Slowly, as I replaced my anxious thoughts with His truths, I could feel a bit of relief. It’s a battle and satan wants to win. However, our part in the battle is not to pull up our bootstraps and somehow fight. Our part is to fall on our knees in faith. To call on our Mighty King, the God who fights for us.
Read the rest of Psalm 121. As you do, you may think God isn’t doing the things it says. But He is the Hero in our story. He is watching over you and me. And because of Jesus we are more than conquerors – for the battle has already been won, and we get a forever of no more struggle.
Help is a prayer. The Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart from God’s heart and your cries go straight to the throne of God.
New
If you read last week’s post, you will understand why new toilets and water pumps are a big deal around this house. Both happened today and now we can breathe a sigh of relief, no more water woes. As I thought about the word new, my heart was drawn to Jesus’ words when He told us what is coming: “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5b BSB)
There was a time a few thousand years ago when, in human history, all things were new. The whole earth was brand new. The first elephants, flamingos, whales, mighty oaks, wildflowers. The first man and woman. New life spoken into being.
Have you ever thought about how it must have been? Nothing had been marred by sin’s selfish stains. There was no dying of any kind. There were no allergies, infections, or cancers. There was no disharmony, hatred.
It seems foreign. Several thousand years later species have become extinct. Landscapes have been destroyed by fire or floods. People and animals and plants are diseased, dying. All things are not new.
“There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him…And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’).” (Mark 7:32, 34 BSB emphasis mine)
When you read that do you hear the sigh? See Jesus looking knowingly to the Father? His heart is breaking. In that look and that sigh He in essence says, ‘It’s not supposed to be this way.’
It’s not. But because God loves us so very much, He has allowed us to take His perfect creation and make a mess of it. So that we can see how powerless we are, how selfish we are, how in need of Him we are. And knowing all this, before there was even the need, the trip to cross was already in place.
And so, Jesus died in order that once again, all things can be new. He went on to tell John to write in Revelation the rest of verse 21:5: Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” God is faithful and His Word is true and in His perfect timing, all things will be new. And this time, because of a lavish love that we can’t even begin to comprehend, we get to live where nothing decays, gets sick, or dies. The minute you say ‘Yes’ to Jesus you are a new creation, forever.
In a while
Nothing God is working in our souls is instant. Oh, how I wish it was. How about a snap of the fingers and the things we learn in the hard stuff of life – like being more compassionate, or loving, or patient, or trusting, or (fill in the blank)_____________ – would be done?
Trials – trivial or monumental – often seem too hard to bear. We lose patience with loved ones. We want to escape. We want an instant fix.
Today I wait for the water pump replacement (next week), for the sediment in the water to disappear, and for a plumber to come fix the toilet problems happening simultaneously. Going out this morning I saw a motorcyclist lying in the street shortly after an accident with help just arriving. I pray for the unknown people involved in this. It makes the water woes seem trivial.
Then I feel the stirring of the Holy Spirit – seemingly making me aware that yes, in comparison to an accident, water pumps are trivial – but that doesn’t mean in my life they need to be dismissed. I am never dismissed. God knows that the temporary problems aren’t the only problems I’m facing. And He knows this about you as well.
This is when we need to grab hold of His truths. Go ahead, ask for an instant fix. It is ok to ask. If the repairman comes a week early, thank you. If He doesn’t, I can trust God to do more than I ask or imagine even in this.
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. ‘For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And My righteous ones will live by faith.’ “ (Hebrews 10:35-38a)
And there it is again, the working in our souls of faith. Faith in the big and little. Faith in frustration, faith in fear, faith in anger, faith in sorrow – faith in joy, faith in good times, faith in prosperity, faith in success. Trials may come and go or may come and stay. But the Faithful One, Jesus our Savior, He never leaves us. We can do all these things, even today’s things, knowing He is perfecting our faith and someday…perfect eternity. Just a little while He whispers.
A Word
Amazing how much meaning can be in a single word. This is the time of year where it became trendy a while back to choose a word for the year. I started doing this several years ago – and sometimes by the end of the year I didn’t even remember the word I chose. Then one year I asked the Lord to g-i-v-e me a word for the year.
Since then, I’ve written down my ‘word’ in my January calendar. Some years the words have been something to live by, like ‘grace’. A reminder to cut others a lot of slack. Then last year the word was ‘freedom’. I wasn’t sure exactly why that was my word, only that if it was going to mean freedom from daily back and neck pain, I was all in.
I can tell you now, exactly a year later, that it turned out to be the hardest word ever. The good news is, that even though it took until December to happen, I can say pain no longer dictates my days. The hard part was it took a lot of hard work. Not physical work, doctors, therapy, or anything like that. It took soul work.
“Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:5 BSB) I had spent the previous year (2023) doing anything but resting in God. I struggled with devastating news regarding my husband. I felt abandoned by God. Why was a constant question.
Oh so much work happened in that year. So much fear, tears, worry – and a slow but sure turning. Then in 2024 what safety nets were left, were removed. And the short story is: God never leaves us. We may lose sight of Him, but in His perfect timing He grows us into the women and men He wants us to be.
This growing helps us let go of our self-reliance, our control tendencies. And then, when those just don’t work for us anymore, and we make the choice to let God be in charge, that’s when we are ready to grow.
I learned to walk in the freedom of trusting God. This morning I prayed a quick prayer for 2025 before I got out of bed. And after I shook off all the sleepies and made the bed, the thought came: “Lord what is my word this year?” What immediately came to mind? Surrender.
I looked up and said “Oh, Lord, what a word” – there’s a whole lot in that word. Sitting at my desk now, I wrote out the word surrender on the calendar date of January 1st. I won’t know til the end of 2025 all that word carries. But this I know for sure: “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God.” (Psalm 62:6-7 BSB)
Presence
Here we are, the day before Christmas. I think silent night was definitely the night before Jesus’ birth. Think about it, when He was born…A mother let go that last pushing delivery cry. A babe, God/man, let go birth cries as He inhaled stable air. Angels burst forth telling shepherds He has arrived. It was not silent.
Once the shepherds made their way to the stable it wasn’t so quiet either. I say this because the Bible says: “After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18 BSB) That means they were either rousing people from their sleep or, in that overcrowded little town where so many had come for the census, they were up and about.
I wonder, did those they spread the news to go to the stable? Were they too busy with their lives? Did they find lowly shepherds not worth listening to? Was it just more noise in their day?
We live in a noisy world. Airplanes and vehicles sound in the distance no matter where we are. Refrigerators hum along with other appliances 24/7. Phones chip. Even birds constantly chatter. Sometimes we want the quiet, but about the time we get it, we pick up the phone or turn on the tv.
I think the enemy likes it this way. As long as he can keep us distracted, we won’t hear the good news. We’ll forget to take time each day to listen to our Lord in His Word.
But right now, listening or not, God is calling to us. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) A daily Christmas gift, the present of His presence.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” (Luke 2:14 BSB) May this amazing gift give you a very Merry Christmas!
For All
Hard to keep focus right now. There’s all the planning, purchasing, and preparing. Boxes arriving almost daily, cards from far off friends, not enough wrapping paper or gift bags stored away from last year. Then the last-minute additions to the calendar. The babe in the manger becomes a bit blurry.
Time to get back to truth even if only for five minutes to seek words of treasure. I’m starting with: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV emphasis mine) Even our belief, our faith is not our own doing. God gives us this gift – He shows it to us wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
It takes effort on our part at this time of year – the busyness and the heartaches and trials that don’t let up because it’s Christmas. This world will make us feel lacking in gifts (for others and from others). But truth tells us that the moment we accept Jesus any other gift pales in comparison.
So, here’s the thing. The gift isn’t just for you or for me. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10b NIV) That’s what I want to give this year. Sure, I want the excitement of grandchildren seeing sparkly lights, melting marshmallows in hot chocolate, tearing open wrapped packages.
But what I really want, is for them to open their hearts to Jesus. I want my children to have new awe. I want my friends and family who just don’t get it – to finally receive it.
When I bake the gingersnaps a little too crispy, when I hope Amazon comes through in time, when I crawl into bed with tape stuck to my arm – I still want to see the babe in a manger. He came and endured all we endure and more. He gave His life to give us eternal life. Emmanuel – God with us. Jesus, with us always.
Holy Spirit, slow us down enough that we don’t miss the wonder. The Good News isn’t 2,000 years old. It’s new every morning. This Gift keeps on giving.
May you hunger to open it and examine it, slow down a little while each day. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. From heaven, to the manger, to the cross, to your heart – a gift to cherish forever.
Worthy
I recently visited a place called Windswept, not thinking much about the name. The waters were tranquil, the wide beach was hard packed with ripples in the sand. Perfect for long walks either direction. Then suddenly one night the winds started gusting. The next morning trees were swaying in the force and gray skies loomed. The sun kept trying to break through, but clouds kept sweeping it away.
This seemed familiar somehow. Maybe it does for you as well. Life seems to be tranquil or at least predictable. Then one day the winds pick up and a ‘new normal’ keeps sweeping away the light. The foreseeable road seems filled with unpredictable. (Think about North Carolina literally being swept away by winds and torrents this past October. Think about many of our lives – security, health, relationships.)
Love these lyrics (song posted at bottom): Do you feel the world is broken? Do you feel the shadows deepen? But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the Light from getting through? Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (Yes, we do!!)
No one likes darkness, shadows. We hurry along night streets, scurry down dimly lit hallways. Searching for the light. The Light the song lyrics are referring to is Jesus…“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12b NLT)
This was the Christmas message told of hundreds of years before the Savior’ birth (Isaiah 9:2). And then, at just the right time, announced.
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” (Luke 2:9-10 NLT)
The Light broke through 2000 years ago. The Light still breaks through today. When all seems bleak, will we grope in darkness? Or will we turn to the One who can light our path. Perhaps only a step at a time, but that’s okay. Just one step at a time.
Sometimes the darkness will flee as though never there. And sometimes it will be gradual, like clouds parting as they pull away. But the good news of Christmas is found in the last chapter of the last book: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5 NIV) A wonderful reason to be Merry indeed!
Fight of Faith
For a brief four weeks, whether most of the world gets it or not, our focus is redirected – to an event a little over 2000 years ago. I was thinking of Mary in those last couple weeks of pregnancy. Not in the comfort of a home, not getting the baby’s room ready, but on an arduous journey to a place she’d likely not travelled to before. Wondering: ‘will we make it back home in time; what will happen if he comes while on the road; is this really God’s Messiah I’m carrying’?
Yes, I think she probably wondered that. She was human like us. Her baby was God in flesh, but she was flesh. And with all those around her doubting, whispering, and shunning – yes, she had moments of doubt.
Knowing this helps us, doesn’t it? After an angel encounter and knowing she had not been with a man, still doubt could creep in – this means when you and I have our doubts amid the trial, remember we’re created by the same Creator who fashioned Mary for His good purpose.
While I can’t pretend to know or comprehend how difficult or easy it was for Mary to trust and live those nine months (and the next thirty-three years), I know it stretched her. He’s stretching me right now, how about you?
Sometimes I’m in a fight of faith. Nothing to do with believing in God, knowing Jesus as Savior – those are a firm foundation. It’s a fight to believe that I will make it through. That it all is for good (because I love Him). I have to fight because the enemy loves to plant seeds of doubt, whisper about me to those who’ll listen, and causes me to feel shunned.
It’s been this way since the garden. The devil and his cohorts have been casting their evil shadows of fear and worry as long as man has walked this earth. And in 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul reminds us of how the enemy is at work and will be – but will be overcome once and for all. In verses 16-17 Paul strengthens our faith with this: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
That’s the beauty of the Bible. God’s Word made flesh that dwelt among us for a while (John 1:1-14 NIV) is on every page of the Bible. We will find Christmas and hush doubt when we make room for the Word. May you find the tidings of comfort and joy in its pages and remember our encouragement is eternal, our hope is good, and He is strengthening us through the battles.
For the joy?
Turns out, no matter how hard we try, we are like toddlers who think they are the center of the universe. Every time we answer in exasperation, make rude comments in the privacy of our car about the other driver, and when we would rather pout than surrender.
God’s love is beyond our imagining – so pure that He never tires of our crossed-arm stance, wanting things our way – again. Putting up with our thinking a whole lot less of others than we do of ourselves – if we’re being truthful.
I can’t fathom God’s patience. (I have so little myself.) Yet, day after day, He, through His great grace and mercy, continues to polish our rough edges. This verse gives me pause: “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 12:2b NIV
Knowing our self-centeredness, knowing we will fail time and again, knowing we cannot come close to reciprocating His depth of love and faithfulness, Jesus saw joy set before Him. As He was going to the cross to die! You and me, with all our faults, are His joy.
Not only that, He now sits with God telling the Father how awesome we are. As satan taunts how rotten we are, Jesus speaks louder telling of our great value.
So, just in case you doubt there’s much to be thankful for this year at Thanksgiving, remember there is One who willingly died, who looks forward to embracing you, and in whose eyes you will see pure joy as He holds you and smiles – and all of yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s sorrows will flee never to return again.
Happy Thanksgiving! Amen and Hallelujah
parisrenae 