A faith not tested is a faith not trusted. I have heard that several times here lately. I wonder what the person was going through when the Lord downloaded that beautiful piece of information. I can tell you what is on my heart right now. I have two sons that are enlisted in the military and both of them have jobs that will take them to the front lines of war. The worry level has changed. It's not like them learning to drive or moving away it feels so much bigger than that.
When my son went to Australia for college, I was concerned, but I knew his surroundings and felt secure to a point. Yes, he had dangers that all of us face, but he was in a Christian college surrounded by godly people. This truth comforted me when I was missing him.
Ryley, my middle son, left last year for the army and has had to learn to stand in his faith alone. His faith goes under-fire as well as his purity. And he bears the words of his fellow soldiers with more grace than I would give them. Our encouragement to him has been to remember Daniel and Joseph. Having their faith tested to the very core and standing firm. During some of the most wicked times of history, those young men had their faith stretched to the max and stood strong.
I know what it is to have the fire of faith refine you, But you know, when its your children going through this and not yourself it just plain stinks.
Here recently my oldest son enlisted in the army and his job description is quite exciting and quite dangerous. He still has a few months here before he leaves for boot-camp, but I am already loosing sleep over his choice of work.
As their faith is tested, so is mine. I know that God is God and He keeps those we love under the shadow of His wing. I also know God thinks eternally and this life is just a vapor.
A few years ago the Lord gave me a picture of a heart that had hinges on it. His message to me was this "Mother with a hinged heart. It will break less and be able to take the shifts of life."
Similar to the way we see highways with giant brackets hinging them together to take the quakes of the earth. It will shake and ripple but it wont collapse.
As our children get older the fears get bigger. It is no longer the bully on the playground we are upset about. No, our loss of sleep is used up praying for them as they work the graveyard shift. Our time on our knees has become more than them making friends in school and fitting in. Our prayer have now turned to praying for them to stand alone when they don't. Our midnight candle burns vigilante when we know their lives are changing faster than they can keep up. When they are walking down the isle and their hearts are filled with hopes and dreams, and we know from first hand experience whats around the corner.
Proverbs 24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.
This scripture is for us as parents and for our Children. To raise them to not faint when life is unfair, and for us to not fear when our faith is tested because their faith is tested.
Tested when our children are no longer under our watchful eye. Tested when they make choices you have advised them against. Tested when you know they are able to succeed, but they are not convinced. Tested when they are not walking in the ways they have been raised. Our tested faith becomes trusted faith when we know whom we have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep what we have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:2
A hinged heart is a heart that has learned to trust a God who allows us all to be tested or sifted. We as parents have our faith tested when they are out of our care but not out of our prayers. And our children become familiar with the Father we have learned to trust with everything precious and dear to us...them.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
All I need is you Lord
"Mrs Ruddock the radiologist would like me to take another picture." Said Mary my nurse.The song floats through my head and heart again, "All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
A week prior to this appointment I found a lump the size of a dime under my arm.I went to my Dr and she felt it as well and scheduled me for a mamogram. I have had this scare before but my health had not been at its prime and several signs were pointing to a fear all women have.
I sat in the Dr's office waiting. After my first mamogram I was asked sit in the waiting room for my ultra sound. Then Mary asked me to come back for a second peak. After the second showing, I went back to my seat awaiting the ultra sound that was next. Something about sitting in a smock after your boobs have been rolling pinned over makes for great conversation. But the Gorilla in the room was not a funny matter. Fear was obviously a travel companion in this facility.
We giggled about the procedure and found things light to discuss but ones mind is trying to wrap around what might be next in their life and preparing for a storm that may or may not be coming.
An hour later my nurse sees that I am still waiting for my ultra sound. She said she was going to see what was taking so long. In that hour I had seen several women come and go and be informed that they would receive a letter in ten days. That is good news is you have had a mamogram because if there is anything suspicious you are having checked out they let you know that day. I know this because I asked how long it would take to get my results. This hour gave me a lot of time to pray, reflect and worry a bit. And Then I prayed a radical prayer. I said "Alright Lord, If this is a hurdle you want me to jump I will. If you need a Lazarus to show your glory I surrender to your plan."
I was readying my heart for whatever God was about to take me through. I have learned to do this because He has not always rescued me from some pretty horrific things but instead braced me and carried me in them. I have learned He is Always faithful, Never failing and a Constant presence in my trouble.
I am called back for the ultra sound, after a few minutes the technician says to me " I need to go show these to the radiologist." The song in my heart is sung again.
All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you.
She comes back and says, "You are free to go."
You can imagine the look of confusion on my face. I was prepared for the worst and now I am being released. I asked her if she found the lump. She said " No its gone", matter-of-factly. I am shaking my head. Last week I have a lump this week its gone. All my extra x-rays and time waiting were because they were looking for something that was there a few days ago and now its not.
I called my husband who was out of town and told him the good news and then called a dear friend who's father-in-law was going through caner and informed her my lump was gone. I later learned that she wept over my healing. This did something to my spirit that is very hard to put into words. I didn't even cry but she allowed her tears to flow for me. My touch from God was a great encouragement to her that God still sits on the throne and has the final say in our lives. Yes God still moves!!!
Many prayers were offered up that week by a few close friends and family. And my Heart was being encouraged in the Lord.
A measure of trust is released and your faith is increased during the unknown times. I teach in my bible study that hope is the lasso that connects us to the unseen. As I sat in the waiting room I took my prayers and swung them around an unseen God and said "I will not let go of you not matter what."
As I am being touched and healed, I have friends that are walking through the very thing I was rescued from. Does it make since to me that I am healed and another is not? No, not really. I can't even try to figure it out. What I do know, is that those who are journeying through their wilderness, and not being rescued from it, will not be disappointed in God or the treasures they find in the storm.
Is 63:7 in the Message bible reads
In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.
My words to you today is, if your are having to walk through some unknown territory, hold fast to the one who walks the dark hills with you.
And don't forget to sing.
"All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
A week prior to this appointment I found a lump the size of a dime under my arm.I went to my Dr and she felt it as well and scheduled me for a mamogram. I have had this scare before but my health had not been at its prime and several signs were pointing to a fear all women have.
I sat in the Dr's office waiting. After my first mamogram I was asked sit in the waiting room for my ultra sound. Then Mary asked me to come back for a second peak. After the second showing, I went back to my seat awaiting the ultra sound that was next. Something about sitting in a smock after your boobs have been rolling pinned over makes for great conversation. But the Gorilla in the room was not a funny matter. Fear was obviously a travel companion in this facility.
We giggled about the procedure and found things light to discuss but ones mind is trying to wrap around what might be next in their life and preparing for a storm that may or may not be coming.
An hour later my nurse sees that I am still waiting for my ultra sound. She said she was going to see what was taking so long. In that hour I had seen several women come and go and be informed that they would receive a letter in ten days. That is good news is you have had a mamogram because if there is anything suspicious you are having checked out they let you know that day. I know this because I asked how long it would take to get my results. This hour gave me a lot of time to pray, reflect and worry a bit. And Then I prayed a radical prayer. I said "Alright Lord, If this is a hurdle you want me to jump I will. If you need a Lazarus to show your glory I surrender to your plan."
I was readying my heart for whatever God was about to take me through. I have learned to do this because He has not always rescued me from some pretty horrific things but instead braced me and carried me in them. I have learned He is Always faithful, Never failing and a Constant presence in my trouble.
I am called back for the ultra sound, after a few minutes the technician says to me " I need to go show these to the radiologist." The song in my heart is sung again.
All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you.
She comes back and says, "You are free to go."
You can imagine the look of confusion on my face. I was prepared for the worst and now I am being released. I asked her if she found the lump. She said " No its gone", matter-of-factly. I am shaking my head. Last week I have a lump this week its gone. All my extra x-rays and time waiting were because they were looking for something that was there a few days ago and now its not.
I called my husband who was out of town and told him the good news and then called a dear friend who's father-in-law was going through caner and informed her my lump was gone. I later learned that she wept over my healing. This did something to my spirit that is very hard to put into words. I didn't even cry but she allowed her tears to flow for me. My touch from God was a great encouragement to her that God still sits on the throne and has the final say in our lives. Yes God still moves!!!
Many prayers were offered up that week by a few close friends and family. And my Heart was being encouraged in the Lord.
A measure of trust is released and your faith is increased during the unknown times. I teach in my bible study that hope is the lasso that connects us to the unseen. As I sat in the waiting room I took my prayers and swung them around an unseen God and said "I will not let go of you not matter what."
As I am being touched and healed, I have friends that are walking through the very thing I was rescued from. Does it make since to me that I am healed and another is not? No, not really. I can't even try to figure it out. What I do know, is that those who are journeying through their wilderness, and not being rescued from it, will not be disappointed in God or the treasures they find in the storm.
Is 63:7 in the Message bible reads
In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.
My words to you today is, if your are having to walk through some unknown territory, hold fast to the one who walks the dark hills with you.
And don't forget to sing.
"All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you. All I need is you Lord, is you Lord, is you."
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Hiding in the rock
I roll to the left and I then to the right. I pray, I think, I pray some more. "Just go to sleep" I keep telling myself. Myself does not listen and stays awake anyway. Sometimes she is so stubborn. I quote scripture, I cast my cares, I close my eyes and yet I am still awake with a restless heart.
My spirit has been absorbing information that makes my mind want to spin. As I cry out to the Lord for him to make sense out of it, I hear nothing in response. Sometimes ignorance is just plain bliss.
I don't even have a direction with what I am writing, it is just spilling out. As I am crying out to God, this way to early of a Saturday morning, this scripture comes to me in Proverbs 30:26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;"
Well, I instantly felt a connection to the little fellow who is no bigger than a bunny rabbit. I could picture it curled up in a tight little crevice, SLEEPING, and feeling quite safe. My imagination goes wild with what its life may be like. Maybe there's a storm outside, or worse, a predator. But this little critter positions itself between the rocks, out of harms way, resting and waiting. The storms are too big to weather and the lions are too big to fight, so she hides. She shields herself in the rocks where the wind and rain can not get to her and the paws of her enemy can't reach her. She doesn't have to fight nor does she have to be exposed to the elements, she just has to take shelter in the rock.
I think about what my heart is in turmoil with and then I picture it raging outside of my little fortress. I could see myself tucked in between a rock and a hard place, feeling hurt from the roars and growls but knowing this mountain lion can not touch me or reach me. I feel helpless and week, so hiding is better than fighting right now. As I am thinking of the snarls of words, I have to tuck my head lower and lean harder against the rock. I squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the storm to pass, I push myself deeper in-between the crags or crevices and wait it out.
Sometimes this warrior is just a child. And I have to run into my Fathers solid arms of love and tell Him I am afraid and don't know what to do. Just to have that time in the rock is enough to gather strength and hope. Time spent in the rock during the dark times is enough to draw courage and peace. What goes on behind a rolled stone is quite marvelous. What can happen in a cave is beyond miraculous. Wars that are won because of a quiet tomb-like moment is victorious!
As I am hiding, My Jesus is fighting. As I am resting, My Jesus is warring. As I am waiting, my Jesus is interceding. My down time is His release time.
Let's look back a few years ago, when 11 men went and hid in a room. Hiding from the government who just murdered their Leader, their Father, their friend. And as they are tucked into their crag, Christ is behind a rolled stone. Hidden so well from mans eyes, He is able to sneak all the way to hell and steal the keys of death and kick the devils butt while He's down there. He defeats all storms that may rage against us and closing every lions mouth that may try to devour.
He was between a tomb and a boulder with the appearance of death but with the agenda of life. Life abundant, Life eternal, Life with Joy, Life with peace and Life with power! And when the victory of all victories came to pass, the stone was rolled away and the men who were hiding in their little cave of fear, came face to face with the one who conquered it.
Yes Hiding in the rock is a good thing. It can erupt power, life, joy and strength. It can conquer fear and gobble up death. Then, then...then you can see how your hiding in the rock was actually trusting in your God.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18:31 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
My spirit has been absorbing information that makes my mind want to spin. As I cry out to the Lord for him to make sense out of it, I hear nothing in response. Sometimes ignorance is just plain bliss.
I don't even have a direction with what I am writing, it is just spilling out. As I am crying out to God, this way to early of a Saturday morning, this scripture comes to me in Proverbs 30:26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;"
Well, I instantly felt a connection to the little fellow who is no bigger than a bunny rabbit. I could picture it curled up in a tight little crevice, SLEEPING, and feeling quite safe. My imagination goes wild with what its life may be like. Maybe there's a storm outside, or worse, a predator. But this little critter positions itself between the rocks, out of harms way, resting and waiting. The storms are too big to weather and the lions are too big to fight, so she hides. She shields herself in the rocks where the wind and rain can not get to her and the paws of her enemy can't reach her. She doesn't have to fight nor does she have to be exposed to the elements, she just has to take shelter in the rock.
I think about what my heart is in turmoil with and then I picture it raging outside of my little fortress. I could see myself tucked in between a rock and a hard place, feeling hurt from the roars and growls but knowing this mountain lion can not touch me or reach me. I feel helpless and week, so hiding is better than fighting right now. As I am thinking of the snarls of words, I have to tuck my head lower and lean harder against the rock. I squeeze my eyes shut and wait for the storm to pass, I push myself deeper in-between the crags or crevices and wait it out.
Sometimes this warrior is just a child. And I have to run into my Fathers solid arms of love and tell Him I am afraid and don't know what to do. Just to have that time in the rock is enough to gather strength and hope. Time spent in the rock during the dark times is enough to draw courage and peace. What goes on behind a rolled stone is quite marvelous. What can happen in a cave is beyond miraculous. Wars that are won because of a quiet tomb-like moment is victorious!
As I am hiding, My Jesus is fighting. As I am resting, My Jesus is warring. As I am waiting, my Jesus is interceding. My down time is His release time.
Let's look back a few years ago, when 11 men went and hid in a room. Hiding from the government who just murdered their Leader, their Father, their friend. And as they are tucked into their crag, Christ is behind a rolled stone. Hidden so well from mans eyes, He is able to sneak all the way to hell and steal the keys of death and kick the devils butt while He's down there. He defeats all storms that may rage against us and closing every lions mouth that may try to devour.
He was between a tomb and a boulder with the appearance of death but with the agenda of life. Life abundant, Life eternal, Life with Joy, Life with peace and Life with power! And when the victory of all victories came to pass, the stone was rolled away and the men who were hiding in their little cave of fear, came face to face with the one who conquered it.
Yes Hiding in the rock is a good thing. It can erupt power, life, joy and strength. It can conquer fear and gobble up death. Then, then...then you can see how your hiding in the rock was actually trusting in your God.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 18:31 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
Psalm 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
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