trust – Page 3 – Oh Lord Help Us

content, happiness, trust, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Contentment: Surrendering Our Lives to the Will of God

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 30, 2018January 13, 2019

Discontentment can take hold of our lives in many ways causing us to doubt and directing our steps to the wrong path. When we search above for contentment and trust in God’s will we can live in his truth and feel at peace with our season in life.

Throughout the course of my life, I have struggled to find contentment. I jumped from toxic relationship to toxic relationship looking to be content with every person but Jesus. I struggled because I was looking in every place except the one where I could actually feel content.

The mindset I had was one of “when this happens…then I will be content”. It took form in many ways such as:

When I have a boyfriend…

When I become a wife…

When I have kids…

When I am in this job…

etc., etc., etc…

I searched for contentment in all of the wrong places.

Failing Contentment

We all go through these struggles of thinking that we will be content when we enter a certain situation, but at the end of the day, there is only one source of contentment. His name is Jesus. We all have a tendency to search for contentment in every place but in the love of Jesus. Whether it is through people or through money we all look elsewhere for our contentment. Instead of being content where God has placed us, we strive to build a place of true contentment.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:10-13, ESV

In this passage, Paul speaks into finding contentment in all situations. He tells us that the secret to being content is knowing that through God we can do all things. We need to follow this example. With all seasons of life, our calling is to find contentment in our Savior. In the One who will provide for all of our needs.

In All Things

When we are standing in a place where we are struggling to be content it is important to think about who our source is. Who sustains us and provides for us. It can be difficult to find contentment in situations that you feel unsure and unstable. We all want to know that things will turn out well for us.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28, NIV

Even in times of question and times when we feel unsure we can have hope that things will turn out well for us. That is where we find our contentment. Life is not all rainbows and butterflies and we all go through trials. We can have confidence when we face trials. We can find encouragement in the truth that no matter what we face, God will work it out for good.

Focusing Our Eyes Above

When we struggle with times of discontentment and doubt we have to focus our eyes on above. Lauren Daigle released her new album last month entitled “Look Up Child”. One of the songs on the album shares the same name. This song is all about how when we feel doubt and we feel discontent and like the war is raging God calls us to look up. In the seasons of discontentment that we are unable to get out of all we can do is look up.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Colossians 3:1-4, NLT

We are to set our sights on things above. This includes times when thoughts of discontentment threaten to creep in. Our lives are sealed in Christ, who ascended to Heaven after His resurrection. A seat at the throne of God is our true citizenship. We should live our lives to honor that citizenship. When we focus on the things above, we cannot help but feel contentment in whatever season life may throw.

Jesus is our source of contentment and the director of our lives. Trusting in His plan changes how we think and how we act. Click To Tweet

Giving God Permission

When we feel discontent with where we are we can ask God to intervene and change our thinking. When we make bold asks of God, He will come through for us. He will give us the tools we need to feel content with where we are and our direction.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Roman 12:2, NIV

Letting God renew our minds and redirect our thoughts enables us to live in His will. When we are living according to His will, we will be able to find contentment in our actions. This is because we will have the assurance that He is directing our steps. When we fail to surrender our lives, doubt and fear creep in causing discontentment. We must live according to His will and not our own to live a life of contentment.

Contentment is only found by trusting God’s will. He asks us to surrender. To allow Him to direct our path. Resting in God’s will and trusting in His plan makes us content. Focusing too much on what we want and on our plan will cause discontentment to fester. Jesus is our source of contentment and the director of our lives. Trusting in His plan changes how we think and how we act.

comfort, trust, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, Spiritual Growth

Comfort: Learning Who to Trust Will Transform Our Lives

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 18, 2018January 13, 2019

Trust can be extremely difficult. But, drawing close to God can truly bring us out of our comfort zones and into the comfort of His faithfulness.

“If you behave, you’ll get some candy.”

We’ve all probably used some form of blackmail. Especially if you’re a parent. Most of the time it can be harmless, but what about when it crosses the line?

“If you don’t start behaving the way we want you to, we’re going to give you up for adoption.”

Sadly, all trust was broken when these words fell on little ears.

Trust is the glue that holds relationships together and when trust is broken, so is the relationship.

I’ve struggled to really trust people in my life. Seems like I’ve been trying to live up to everyone’s expectations because if I didn’t, they might walk away.

Earthly Trust

The definition of trust is the firm belief in the reliability of someone (Merriam-Webster).

Firm can be defined as solidly fixed. I think of “Gorilla Glue”: nothing is breaking apart what has been put together.

Sadly, most of us can agree that this type of trust is not of Earth. Living in a fallen world equals a lack of trustworthy humans. This makes any relationship daunting and even a little scary.

And, if you’ve experienced painful disappointment, you will attest to this; trusting in God can be hard.

We know we should do it, but it’s tough to put that much confidence in someone else. Perhaps you ask yourself how you can surrender it all to God when everything else in your life seems unstable and unreliable.

The fact is, we are surrounded by other broken humans. It can be difficult when all we hear them say is “the Lord is always faithful”.

Here’s the thing: we said trust is a glue to hold our relationships together. So if we don’t have some confidence in others, we won’t have satisfying relationships and we won’t be able to step out into greater things.

Comfort Zone

The same is true of God. We can’t grow in faith without beginning to trust Him. When we’re afraid to be “all in” with Him and trust Him completely, we will never achieve what His desires are for us.

We will remain in our comfort zone without growing in a relationship with God, fulfilling our purpose, or even having rewarding earthly relationships.

When Jesus appeared walking on the Sea of Galilee to the disciples, Peter called out.

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 14:28-31, NLT

Trust Recognized

See how Peter asked Jesus to invite him, extending his trust, and stepping out? Then once he was on the water, he started to think of reasons why he shouldn’t trust and he started to sink; back into his comfort zone.

Sound familiar?

Trusting completely in someone is scary when all we’ve known is uncertainty.

Jesus then told Peter he had too little trust.

Peter’s comfort was the boat. Instead of reaching out to Jesus and allowing God to stay beside him, he sank. What if Peter would have remembered how faithful Jesus had already been in his life?

The key is focusing on Christ. God is always faithful, certain, stable, and steadfast.

When we ask God to grow our trust in Him, it will extend to our other relationships, and give us the confidence to leave our comfort zones.

Peter went on to be known as “The Rock” the early church was built on, just two short chapters later. If Peter was able to grow in trust, we know by following our Lord, we can be blessed with increased trust also.

When we ask God to help us trust in Him, it will extend to our other relationships, and give us the confidence to leave our comfort zones. Click To Tweet

Growing Comfortable in Trust…

Remain close to God through daily reading of His word.

Review God’s track record from the Bible.

Remove ourselves from the situation. (We’re sinful and can’t even trust ourselves).

Remember God is our source of blessings and life.

Rest in God. He can take our past, heal us and give us a future.

This girl with trust issues knows that she’s not where she once was, but she hasn’t arrived yet either. After reading Peter’s transformation, I know God can use even the pain of my past to drive me from my comfort zone to an always faithful Christ.

Julie Loos is the mom of 5 kids and has been happily married to Greg for 19 years. She loves to read, eat chocolate, drink iced tea and spend time writing in the midst of messes.

You can connect with Julie on her blog unmaskingthemess.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

bravery, fear, trust, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Afraid: Trusting in God to Overcome Fear and Turn it into Bravery

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 17, 2018January 13, 2019

Fear plays out in different ways for different people. How we respond to being afraid matters and can set the precedent for how we live our lives: timid or brave.

Fear has played an active role in my life for as long as I can remember. Fear of failure, afraid of being alone, fearful of the future. I lived in a state of constantly being afraid of what people thought of me and what could go wrong in certain situations. As the years went by I continued to be fearful, but made every effort to pretend that I wasn’t.

Recently this theme of fear and what it should look like has been popping up in my life. From songs I would hear on the radio, to the devotions I was doing, to the books I was required to read for work. They each spoke about fear in a unique way but there was a constant theme. God is obviously trying to teach me a valuable lesson about fear: fear is a liar, and fear is normal.

Fear is a Liar

One of the first things I noticed about God’s lesson on fear and its impact on my life was that fear is a liar. There is a song that is literally called “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams. I first heard this song when I was deciding whether or not to start sharing my story in a more public form by writing. If that isn’t clarity I don’t know what is.

Fear’s lies play out in different ways for different people. For me, the lies of fear took form in telling me that I shouldn’t do this and that I was not good enough. For others, it may come in the form of comparison…

“She has it more together than I do”

“They are happier than I am.”

“She is prettier than I am.”

These are all lies that stem from fear. The fear that we are not enough. That is a lie.

The Lie over the Call

For some of us, it may manifest itself in our actions. Fear lies to us and tells us that we can’t do it and that we are going to fail. We listen to that voice and ignore God’s call in our life.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline

2 Timothy 1:7, NLT

The lie says be afraid and be timid but the truth says that we are full of power, love, and self-discipline. Scripture is clear that God did not call us to be fearful and timid. We need to take charge of our thoughts and actions and replace the lies with the truth found in God’s word.

When we learn to replace the lies with the truth we can be rid of that fearful and timid spirit. We can find joy in God’s plan and purpose in our life.

Fear lies and it destroys. We all feel fear but at the end of the day, we need to place our trust and anxiety on our creator and protector.

Fear lies and it destroys. We all feel fear but at the end of the day, we need to place our trust and anxiety on our creator and protector. Click To Tweet

Fear is Normal

Another truth I found during the journey that God has been taking me on is that fear is normal. We are going to feel fear, but the change happens when we move forward in spite of our fear. Ann Voskamp says it well in her book The Way of Abundance, “Fear can be what we feel, but brave is what we do.” We all feel afraid at times but we need to take hold of that fear and turn it into bravery.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3, ESV

This scripture tells us we will be afraid, but it doesn’t stop there. It tells us what to do in response to fear: put our trust in Him. He is our provider, our protector, and our constant source of strength. When we put our trust in him it turns our fear into action which results in power, love, and self-discipline.

When thinking about the normalcy of fear and how we will inevitably feel it, I like to think about what Jesus may have been feeling in the Garden of Gethsemane. Scripture tells us that he was in anguish “greatly distressed and troubled”. In such turmoil that His sweat had turned to blood. While scripture does not say that Jesus was afraid, it is clear that he asked God the Father to “remove this cup from me”. How would you feel if you were facing death and separation from God? Jesus didn’t stop there though. He continues, “Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

Jesus Afraid?

Jesus puts His trust in God and believed that what He willed was best. He persevered, He conquered. He did not let fear or anguish or turmoil stop Him. And because Jesus did, we are able to have a personal relationship with God. We are able to receive the gift of eternal life.

And he took with him Peter and James and John and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch. And going a little farther he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said “Abba, Father all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will”.

Mark 14:34-36, ESV

We all feel afraid at times but the difference comes with what we do with that fear. This requires us to make a choice. We can choose to allow that fear to cripple us and stop us from pursuing God’s perfect plan in our life, or we can put our trust in our perfect God and overcome our fear turning it into bravery. God has the ability to rid us of our fear. That can only happen when we actively choose to put our trust in Him and His perfect will.

faith, joy, trust, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Sweetness: Tasting His Presence Through the Process

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 15, 2018January 13, 2019

Sometimes faith is a process, or promises take a while to come true. In the place of waiting, the sweetness of the Presence of the Lord sustains us.

One of my favorite things about fall is all the delicious smells and tastes in the air. I love a mouthwatering apple cobbler; a buttery crust, topped with warm gooey cinnamon coated apples. Or what about the rich, cool pumpkin pie. All the flavors culminate into a swirl of delight for your taste buds, like a circus in your mouth. I also love sipping on fresh, warm, apple cider. So sweet. And satisfying.

Think about your favorite dessert right now. You can stop and close your eyes to really experience the sweetness in your mind. Let the warm chocolate spill over your tongue. Let the rich, cool cream melt in your mouth, or the juicy berries explode with flavor into your cheeks. Do you have your special dessert in mind? Meditate on the sweetness for a moment. Let it permeate your senses.

The Sweetness of His Presence

What is better than even the richest dessert, is the full, rich, beautiful presence of Jesus. In His presence is the fullness of joy! It is sweet and satisfying. There is nothing like it in Heaven or on Earth.

The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.

Psalm 25:14, AMPC

But, what about when you don’t feel the sweetness? What about when trusting in God, drawing near to Him is painful, difficult, uncomfortable?

There are days when I feel too raw or too ashamed to come close to Jesus. There are times when I don’t understand my own heart, so I don’t want to share it with the God, who sees all. Sometimes I would rather just binge watch TV and let my brain and my heart rest.

Yet, when I choose to risk time with Him, I am never disappointed. Because Jesus isn’t waiting to catch me in a trap. He is my refuge.

O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8, AMPC

There are days we feel too raw or too ashamed to come close to Jesus. But, when we choose to risk time with Him, we will never be disappointed. Jesus isn't waiting to catch us in a trap. He is our refuge. Click To Tweet

Faith is a Process

I was struck the other day while reading the book of Exodus, by the process of faith. God appears to Moses in a burning bush (the bush is on fire, but not burning up). He tells Moses how He plans to rescue the Israelite people from slavery and that Moses will lead this rescue. God gives Moses the step by step plan for all the He is going to do, and all that Moses is responsible for (Exodus 3-4).

Then, Moses begins to question God. “But I’m not…enough.” “I can’t…succeed.” God provides answers and assurance. Moses continues to make excuses to the point that the Bible says “the anger of the Lord blazed against Moses (Exodus 4:14).” Yet, God still chose Moses to carry out His plan.

And later, in the book of Hebrews, God honors Moses for his faith in rescuing the people of Israel (Hebrews 11:27-29).

How often am I like Moses, asking God the “what about?” questions?

God is extremely gracious, patient and forgiving. He sees the full picture. He loves us through our trials, and questions, and brings us to His place of faith for us. Faith is not something man invented, it is God created.

looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2, ASV (emphasis added)

The Process and The Sweetness

Jesus is not offended by our process. He welcomes our hearts into His throne room, whatever they look like. I am thankful for my hard times with God, and in life. I am thankful for my raw questions, and even my lack of faith at times. These things keep me coming to Jesus. The more I seek Jesus in my struggling, the more I get to taste the sweetness of His presence.

His grace never dies. His love is always enough. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and I can trust that He’s got this. That He’s got me. In the process of bringing my whole self to Him, He grows my faith.

But even more satisfying than seeing my own faith grow, is that I get the privilege of sitting at His feet. The glory of His Presence is not just for Kings and Queens, but for the broken, the ashamed, the lost and the hungry.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11, ESV

Dear Friend,

I invite you to come, just as you are, sit at the feet of Jesus, and taste the sweetness of His presence.

middle, fear, faith, Oh Lord Help Us, mentor, women, ministry

Middle: Trusting God’s Grace to Empower Us Daily

Devotionals, Stay SaneSeptember 26, 2018January 13, 2019

The grace of Jesus not only saves us for eternity but empowers us to live daily for Him. Let us not forget the power within us when we feel stuck in the middle.

Have you ever tried something really incredible? Something you didn’t think you could do, but you tried it anyway? Have you ever done something that no one else is doing, but it just feels right to you and makes you come alive?

When I was a teenager, I loved water-skiing. The way the wind and waves splashed in my face as I skidded across the top of the water made me feel on top of the world. I know many people like to water ski, but when I was fourteen, I didn’t know any other kids my age who were getting up at the crack of dawn during summer just to master the slalom (one ski).

Stepping Out

Sometimes today, I still have those slalom moments, where stepping into the incredible makes me ask myself, “Am I crazy?” I wonder if this is how Peter felt in Matthew 14 when he walked on the water with Jesus.

I love this story, not only because of the water, or that two people defied gravity and actually stood, walked on top of the waves, but because of the many ways we see God through this encounter.

If you aren’t familiar with the story, Jesus, after a full day of ministry, sends his disciples out onto a boat to cross the lake, so he can get some time alone to pray. He tells them he will join them later, but in the middle of the night, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water! The disciples are naturally terrified and imagine they have seen a ghost, but Peter shouts, “Lord, if it is really you, command me to come out on the water to you.” Jesus simply replies, “Come,” (Matthew 14:28-29).

Power for the Impossible

Peter, of course, gets out of the boat and begins walking on water toward Jesus. Walking on water! That’s amazing! No one on earth before or since has ever done anything like that. No tricks, no speedboats, no skis or ropes, just Peter and Jesus walking on the waves.

Peter inspires me in this encounter. I love his reasoning (Of course, if it’s really Jesus, he will empower me to walk to Him). I love his brazen request, and his boldness to step out of the boat! He may have spoken faster than he was thinking, but he didn’t go back on his word. Jesus said, “Come,” so he went.

Peter fully believed Jesus could make him do the impossible. And He did.

Do you believe God is the God of the impossible? That the same God who gave Peter the power to walk across the waves, can do the impossible for you?

Peter fully believed Jesus could make him do the impossible. Until…

In the Middle

Suddenly, Peter started looking around. He realized what he was doing was insane. He saw the waves lapping up against his feet, and with every splash, fear set in deeper and deeper until Peter started to sink.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Matthew 14:30, ESV

“Lord save me.” So often in my own life, my high faith, believing in the impossible quickly becomes, “Lord save me.”

Do I forget who called me in the first place? Who is responsible for this incredible miracle? I do.

So often, just like Peter, when I am in the middle, I forget that I am with Jesus. I forget that He is the One who started this impossible task and that He is the One empowering me to move forward. I get scared and I cry out, “Lord save me!” when Jesus has invited me to walk on water with Him.

How often do we believe that Jesus will save us, but forget He also empowers us?

Peter walked on water with Jesus and then cried out for Jesus to save him when he started to fall.

Grace Sustains in the Middle

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV

After they got on the boat, Peter was rebuked for his lack of faith. Where did Peter lack faith? Did he lack faith that Jesus would rescue him? No, not for a second. He lacked faith in the process, the middle. He didn’t believe Jesus could empower him to keep going when things got hard.

The middle is a wonderful place to be because there is grace and power for you in the middle.

God’s grace didn’t stop at the cross. It is by grace that we are saved, yes, but it is also by grace that we continue on. Grace is more than just favor, or not getting what we deserve. Grace is power!

God's grace didn't stop at the cross. It is by grace that we are saved, yes, but it is also by grace that we continue on. Click To Tweet

Power Over Fear

I have a plaque hanging by my front door with the words “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.” Those words come from the song, Oceans, by Hillsong United, and they are the echo of my heart! I want to push past fear, the unknown, the uncomfortable and awkward to walk on the water with my King. He has given me everything I need. And I can trust Him.

Don’t let fear rob you of the joy of walking on the water with Jesus. If you cry out prematurely, our good God will save you, but you may miss something amazing.

Let the words from this song wash over your hearts today. This is my prayer for all of us. And if you are in the middle, you are in a great spot, because you are standing with The King!

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger. In the presence of my Savior.

Oceans, Hillsong United

confidence, hope, provision, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Confidence: Relying on God’s Hope Through the Storms of Life

Devotionals, Stay SaneSeptember 24, 2018January 13, 2019

Life is guaranteed to bring storms. We must learn to put our confidence and trust in God. Only He can provide hope for the days ahead.

While everyone was hunkering down in anticipation for Hurricane Florence, my family too was (and still is), walking through a storm, but it’s not the tropical kind. It is the physical kind. My son Evan is having his bone marrow transplant. He has had 7 rounds of chemo and after his brother donates bone marrow, Evan will have his transplant.

He Goes Before

I have faced fear these past few months in a way that I had not thought possible. Sometimes the fear is so real, I can taste it and so strong, I can barely breathe. It is in moments like this I have had to remember what my heart can quickly forget. My God goes before me.

This summer I spent some time in Proverbs. At the end of the study, I looked at Proverbs 31. Two verses clearly stand out to me…

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet… Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

Proverbs 31:21,25, ESV

Maybe saying they stand out is not the right way to put it. They literally make me groan. Not afraid? Clothed in strength? Laughing at the days ahead? How?

Emotional

I find myself spending way too many days in a panic hoping things will change. And if I am honest, I am frustrated by my own feelings and how emotional I feel.

I can quickly equate extreme emotion with sin. I am not sure where I made that connection. But let me be clear. Scripture does not support this. Emotions are good. God gave us feelings. I get in trouble when I live as if they are always true. Just because my feelings have me running to fear and anxiety does not mean I have to stay there.

Still…

While I have been dealing with this extreme situation, I have also been fighting for joy and looking to see God’s good gifts. Many people in God’s body have rallied around us providing in ways I could not have thought possible. As each new needs has appeared, God has supplied. His ways have truly not been my ways.

I was sharing my frustration recently with a friend about my inability to laugh at the days ahead. She just shook her head at me and told me I was laughing. I told her I was definitely doing more crying than laughing. But she reminded me that I was still seeking, still praying, still fighting to believe that He is my supply. This is a joy that cannot be taken away through any trials in this life.

Just because our feelings have us running to fear and anxiety does not mean we have to stay there. Continue seeking, praying, and believing He is our supply. Click To Tweet

Confidence Through the Storm

James tells us to count it all joy brethren when we face various trials knowing that the testing of our faith develops perseverance (James 1:2). And Paul reminds us…

…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope,

Romans 5:3-4, ESV

The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t have confidence because she has taken care of her family in her own strength or because she has put provisions aside. She has confidence because she knows who ultimately is responsible for her home. I know that too. The doctors have come up with a treatment plan, but God is ultimately the one I can and must turn to for hope. He holds all my days in His hands and He cares about my son in ways I cannot even imagine.

parenting, children, plans, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, ministry

Plans: Trusting God’s Goodness for Our Children’s Lives

Devotionals, Stay SaneAugust 7, 2018June 28, 2019

Being a parent as a Christian means putting God first. Allowing God’s plans for our children can be scary, but we can trust His goodness.

I don’t always put my best foot forward as a parent. Sometimes I lose my temper, don’t listen to everything my children have to say, and am too quick to judgement.

On the other hand I have two children who think for themselves and can explain their thinking. My oldest just moved into a house with some friends and is totally ready to do some “adult-ing.” She is a college junior who has a plan for her future. My youngest is learning to let go of his fears and try new things. But the thing that I’m most proud of is their relationship with Jesus.

My daughter has learned that when life gets difficult, you should turn to Jesus and allow Him to help center your life. Phillip and I, as parents, have been able to model that for her. When she has turned to us for advice, the first thing we say to her is, start by praying.

Sharing God’s goodness comes so naturally to my son. He talks about Jesus at school often. Teachers, peers, and other parents have told me how kind he is and that they love being around him. A mom can’t ask for more than that.

Trusting the Father…

As I was reflecting on how amazing my children are in spite of my parenting mistakes, I thought about Mary and Joseph as parents to Jesus. First of all, can you imagine the pressure? Parents to God’s son? Whew!

Luke 2:41-52 tells the story of Jesus going to the temple at Passover. There was a large group of family members. It must have been quite a crowd because it wasn’t till the evening after they left, on their way home, Mary noticed that twelve-year-old Jesus was missing.

Mary’s panic must have been off the chart. She and Joseph took off back to Jerusalem looking for him. It took them three days of searching to find Jesus. He had never left the temple.

When they found him they were so relieved. But like any mother, Mary was ready to scold Jesus. If it had been me I would have raised my voice in a whisper through loud hiccuping sobs – “Where have you been? Your father and I have been looking everywhere for you. You have worried us sick.”

Instead of apologizing he says,

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2:49, NIV

We don’t know much else about Jesus’ childhood except from this point on he was obedient and continued to learn and grow. He was well liked by the people who met him.

It seems a little counter intuitive to how we would handle the situation, but then our children aren’t divine either. What I learn from this passage is that when our children are in the arms of our Father, they are always okay.

Allowing God’s Plans…

Being a parent is such a gift, and a huge responsibility. The most important thing to remember isn’t any kind of professional advice or information from a parent guru. It’s a simple truth that is part of being a Christian – trust God. As humans we can’t see God’s plan, but we should trust that He has one not just for our lives, but for our children as well.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, NIV

When we trust in our God, our worries for ourselves and our children will fall away. When we plant them and ourselves in God’s amazing garden we will all grow to be full and vibrant. That is God’s promise to us.

As humans we can't see God's plan, but we should trust that He has one not just for our lives, but for our children as well. Click To Tweet

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with two beautiful children. Reveal to me Your path for their life. Give me the tools to help guide them toward Your light and love.

love,

Adam Cain

provision, need, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Provision: Trusting God to Provide Daily For All of Our Needs

Devotionals, Stay SaneJuly 9, 2018September 8, 2019

God’s character lets us know He is in the providing business. We can trust Him to bring provision through daily bread to us. There is no need to fear.

I have always loved to read the stories behind the exodus. Moses and his own faults. The Israelites and their constant mistakes. I read their mishaps and feel pretty good about my own constant inability to stay faithful. Exodus is one story of God being over and over again faithful in the face of constant unfaithfulness. I am overwhelmed by God’s provision- parting the Red Sea, talking through the burning bush, and performing numerous miracles. The one I come back to over and over again is the one about manna. The people are in the desert with no means for food and God provides them with this cracker like substance. They are so confused by its appearance that they are said to name it, “what is it?” or “manna.” This substance feeds them for 40 years and it ceases to appear when they reach Canaan.

What is the provision?

What is God providing through this manna? All of the circumstances surrounding the manna is nothing short than miraculous. Any extra gathered will spoil. There is always enough for every person in the camp. Not a single person goes without or is hungry. The portion gathered on Saturday does not go bad enabling the people to take a Sabbath rest. On and on the provision happens.

Who is receiving the provision?

And don’t forget that these are not deserving people. Have you considered who God is providing for? These are the same people who will die in the desert. They are the ones who refused to take the city that He had promised them. They had constantly murmured and complained about Him and given Moses continual grief. Yet, He provides a substance for them that will supply them with food for 40 years. That’s a long time by any standards.

Who is giving the provision?

Why does He take care of a people who are so unfaithful? The provision of the manna has little to do with the people receiving and everything to do with the God providing. His character is what matters. Nehemiah speaks about this event saying,

Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.

Nehemiah 9:21, ESV

In your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God…who keeps covenant and steadfast love.

Nehemiah 9:31-32, ESV

God’s provision is always a reflection of His own faithfulness and steadfast love. Jesus called himself the bread of life.

Whoever comes to me shall not hunger.

John 6:35, ESV

If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.

John 6:51, ESV

Provision that never ends…

He was the manna that would not end, would not spoil, and would always bring life and rest. Manna was a temporary solution to a very real and permanent problem. The Israelites died in the desert knowing that God’s care had never wavered. He had cared for them then and he is caring for us now through the bread that will give eternal life. Jesus is the bread that brings us life. This is through salvation and it is through his sustaining power. He gives us life through His spirit and through His word.

I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper… even the Spirit of truth…

John 16:15, ESV

Enough provision for today…

As encouraging as it is to know that Jesus gives me life and he sends a helper, I still struggle to look ahead and see that all my days are taken care of. I struggle to rest in his goodness and his care knowing that he has promised enough provision for today. Enough provision for my daily bread. Remember that prayer? Jesus asked for daily bread and I can ask that way too. It doesn’t mean that I do not follow good and sound steward principles, but it does mean that my plans are just that- human plans. God owns it all and He has the resources to provide for me daily. He is that kind of God. I can trust His provision of me and know that I will have daily bread for today and that gives me hope for tomorrow.

God owns it all and He has the resources to provide for me daily. He is that kind of God. I can trust His provision of me and know that I will have daily bread for today and that gives me hope for tomorrow. Click To Tweet

Ales Krivec

faith, steps, stretching, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Stretching: Walking by Faith Deepens Our Trust in The Lord

Devotionals, Stay SaneJune 12, 2018September 8, 2019

When the Lord is stretching our faith, we begin to more fully trust Him. Looking back, we can see how He has ordered our steps.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a scene that could easily describe the beginning of a bad horror movie: It’s evening as an unassuming housewife drives along the highway to run a mundane errand. She sees a young man on the side of the road carrying a gas can. Feeling sorry for him, she pulls over to give him a ride. Disclaimer: I really dislike horror films and never actually watch them! But I’ve seen enough scary movies to know that this is the perfect setup for things to go really dark, really fast. But don’t worry, this plot takes a positive turn and ends on the bright side!

Stretching

Now, before your natural mind starts listing all the reasons why we should never pick up hitchhikers, please know that I share your concerns. I’m not trying to convince anyone to pick people up on the side of the road. But consider this: have you ever felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something that’s a little, or perhaps way, outside of your comfort zone? Do you believe the Lord calls us to do things that don’t seem to make sense in the natural but make complete sense in the spirit? I believe the Lord is always stretching my faith to deepen my trust in Him.

He might not stretch your faith in the exact same way that He did mine because the stretching looks different for each one of us. For some, it might be a nudge to simply smile and say hello to a stranger. For someone else, it might be to adopt a child from another country. And for another, to forgive someone who has hurt her. But I believe that the Lord is in the business of building our faith by stretching us beyond our own natural strength. And if we’ll trust Him, we’ll see that He is ordering our steps perfectly.

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9, KJV

I believe that the Lord is in the business of building our faith by stretching us beyond our own natural strength. Click To Tweet

A Testimony to Share…

So, as it happened, I picked up a hitchhiker and have a testimony to share. The young man looked to be in his early twenties. When he got in my vehicle, he thanked me and even said, “Wow, ma’am. I don’t know too many women who would pick up a guy on the side of the road. I really appreciate it.” To which I replied, “Well, I have the Holy Ghost, so to tell you the truth, I’m really not afraid of anyone!” He said that was good to hear because he was a believer too.

As we made our way to the gas station, his speech was coherent, but his eyes kept sort of rolling back in his head. When I asked him if he was feeling ok, he said he was really exhausted. He explained that he was working two jobs–one at night and another during the day–and that he had already put in 36 hours in the past three days.

Out of Gas in More Ways Than One…

When we got to the gas station, he started rummaging through a little bag he had with him and was getting upset. He said he had left his wallet in the console of his car and didn’t have his debit card. I said it was no problem and paid the few bucks it took to fill up his gas can. When we got back in the car, he continued to thank me and said, “You really have no idea how much this means to me.” I said I understood what it was like to be out of gas physically, emotionally, spiritually, and every which way, and that I was happy to be able to help. And that’s when the young man began to weep.

I tried to console him, reassuring him that we all need help now and then. Between sobs, he said he had really been struggling recently. His dad had been a preacher and left his mom for another woman. He had moved back in with his mom to help pick up the financial slack since his dad left, and he was also helping take care of his other siblings. As he was talking, his eyes kept doing the rolling motion I had noticed earlier. At the risk of being intrusive, I felt like I was supposed to ask about his eyes. I said I understood that he was tired, but was he really doing ok physically? At first he repeated that he was sleep deprived and exhausted from working outside in the heat all day. And he claimed that he was sober, but then he admitted that he had struggled with addiction.

The Lord Had Let Him Live…

As he shared, I learned that he had been addicted to heroin and had actually overdosed a number of times. He said he didn’t understand why, but for some reason, the Lord had let him live. No matter how many times he had given up on himself and gone back to drugs, he knew that God had never given up on him. I told him how the Lord had saved my life when I was on the brink of suicide. By this point, we were almost back to his car, but he was having trouble holding it all together. So, I asked him if I could pray for him, and he said yes. I pulled off the highway onto a side road and into a neighborhood. And that’s when the Holy Spirit began to move.

I’m not even sure what all I prayed as I laid my hands on that broken young man. The Holy Spirit took over my words, and I prayed in the power of the Holy Spirit for quite awhile. He was buckled over in his seat weeping, moaning, and crying out to God. He was repenting. Thanking the Lord for saving him. Praising Him for letting him live. When it was all said and done, I believe that he was delivered of a spirit of addiction, and I know that his faith was restored. As the prayer was winding down, he said, “I can’t deny that Jesus is real because things like this keep happening to me.”

Our Steps Are Ordered…

So often I go through my days wondering when the Lord will really use me. I have grandiose visions of what an impactful ministry might look like. And I feel discouraged when my daily life doesn’t seem to measure up to the image in my mind’s eye. I can worry whether I’m taking the right steps so that I’m in the right place at the right time to do what He’s calling me to do. But as He stretches my faith, I am learning to trust that He is leading and guiding me perfectly.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalm 37:23, KJV

We mustn’t let ourselves get discouraged in this daily walk with Christ. The mundane things: loads of laundry, dirty dishes, unfinished to do lists…these are just part of life. They cannot separate us from the love of Christ or the plans that He has to prosper us. His idea of ministry does not always involve a pulpit, a stage, and an audience. He is showing me that the stage for His ministry is my everyday life. And each day is not just a warm up for the main event. It’s a daily stretching of my faith.

How has He stretched your faith? Can you look back and see how He has ordered your steps?

Andreas Selter

lament, fear not, joy, Oh Lord Help Us, ministry, Christian, women

Lament: Fear Not, Limitless Joy is Available in the Midst of Struggle

Devotionals, Stay SaneJune 4, 2018September 8, 2019

Feeling sorrowful does not necessarily indicate lack of trust. Having a right understanding of God’s limitless power and love frees us to lament with hope. Joy is unshakable in the midst of struggle.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4, ESV

A great deal of life seems to play out in the valley of the shadow of death. As a matter of fact, I am currently in a season of darkness. Why not throw in the towel? How can I continue to take joy in the God of my salvation when following Him places me on the front lines of battle? Hope, for one; but not as an afterthought. Because flippantly telling someone to have hope in the midst of a trial is like telling an exasperated man “patience is a virtue.” Yes, thank you; I am aware.

Fear not…

It would be easy to fixate on my current heartache, but that gives birth to anxiety. However, God’s word has a lot to say in response to fear. Over and over in Scripture we are told to fear not. But it isn’t dismissive in nature like, why can’t you keep it together? I’m God, remember? No; He commands: fear not, and then tells us why we don’t have to be afraid.

FEAR NOT:

I am with you
I am the One who helps you
I have redeemed you
I am your shield
I hear you
I am working righteousness in you
I fight for you
I go with you into battle to give you victory
I am with you wherever you go
I give victory
Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord

Lament…

Notwithstanding, neither can I ignore or control the incapacitating sorrow weighing down my soul. I must lament. Because the act of lamenting faces me toward God. While in His presence I am able to share honestly all that grieves and worries me. Within His capable arms I can say: This is too much! I feel overwhelmed! Remind me of your faithfulness. Open my eyes to see where You are working this for Your glory and our good. Fight for us! Protect us. Help me to stand firm on Your promises.

When we act like we can handle our suffering on our own, we commit idolatry — acting like we are God, capable in ourselves. Lamenting is relearning our humanity. Lamenting is admitting that we can’t handle it, knowing we need God’s power, mercy, and grace. If we could handle our sufferings, we wouldn’t need Jesus, his cross, his power, and his resurrection. Lamenting is how we grieve as those who have hope.

J.A. Medders, Redeemer Church Tomball, TX

Limitless…

Relearning my humanity = understanding my limits. Finally, it is there I remember I belong to a limitless God. Furthermore, I can only dream of what God has prepared for the future. But even now, in His mercy, I am seeing collateral blessings rise up out of this dark valley. So I find as I rely on our limitless God, hope is catching like wildfire.

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort…For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:7-10, ESV

Relearning my humanity = understanding my limits. Finally, it is there I remember I belong to a limitless God. Click To Tweet