Equipped to Run

“Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.” 1 Co 12:7 (The Message)

Years ago, I was asked to speak at a women’s conference in our church. Honestly, I do not enjoy speaking and would prefer sitting behind a screen typing in my pajamas with unbrushed hair. The only reason that I accepted this invitation was that I felt God was behind it. So, with doubt flooding my heart and anxiety reigning in my thoughts I talked through it with Bruce. I raised several concerns regarding the speech but the one concern I most remember was the fact that I was going to take notes with me to help with the speech. I told Bruce that I felt like a failure that I couldn’t memorize the whole thing like our pastor does during his sermons. I will never forget the words Bruce said to me that calmed my anxieties and settled my soul. He said, ‘Brenda, God did not create you to be Talbot. He created you to be Brenda.’ I have used that line for years whenever I am feeling insecure about anything I have been called to do. 

Psalm 139:13 and 15 states that we were ‘knit...together...woven together in the dark of the womb...intricately and skillfully formed...’ We are uniquely designed, uniquely fashioned and uniquely equipped. We cannot spend our lives comparing ourselves to others who are uniquely created in another way. When we are walking in our Spirit-driven calling for which we were specifically equipped, our lives will reflect God and the fruit of our hands will be blessed. Every single person ever created was given a gift from God to use to bring others to Him. Our gift is found in our own lane – not the lane in which others are running.

“So when you begin again...run your own race. Nothing good happens when you compare and compete. God does not judge you according to the talents of others. He judges you according to yours. His yardstick for measuring faithfulness is how faithful you are with your own gifts. You are not responsible for the nature of your gift. But you are responsible for how you use it.” Begin Again, Max Lucado, p. 110

Repeat Offenders

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

There are few things that exasperate me more than hearing about a criminal who was released only to commit the same heinous crime again. It boggles my mind that a person could experience a season in prison, isolated from his world and estranged from freedom only to return to those same destructive activities upon release. Even with the stakes high and the things they learned in prison they don't put them into practice...the head knowledge never traveled to the heart which could have altered their decisions.

Now before I judge the repeat offender, I need to look no further than my own weaknesses. I was taught that gossip was destructive and yet I find myself sometimes judging someone in my head which falls onto my lips failing to put into practice kindness. God tells us that bitterness and unforgiveness has no place in our hearts and we are to put into practice grace as we have received. And yet, we do not forgive...we secretly harbor bitterness. As parents we didn’t teach our children things just to hear ourselves speak. We taught them rights and wrongs to help them navigate through life and become caring and loving adults with integrity and kindness. We fully expected them to put what they received from us as parents into practice. So does God.

“As you receive [God’s truths] wonders occur...in time, facts in your head will become faith in your heart and create the fruit of the hands. Yes, ‘doing’ matters to God. But ‘doing’ follows receiving. Paul carefully presents the proper order: Learn. Receive. Do.” Begin Again, Max Lucado, p. 105.

Napkin Fall of Faith

“He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

This morning I arose with such a sense of restfulness which rarely happens at my age. I was in such a joyful state looking forward to praising God with my worship music. The first hour was great as I sang and sipped my coffee moving my glider in the dark. After saying my prayers, I went into my den and continued reading Max Lucado’s book, Begin Again. Very quickly I turned into mush at a story he shared about a man on a plane who slipped him a napkin with a message scribbled in ink. The man wrote of a tragic lake accident involving his daughter which immediately led to him and his wife having to make the decision of removing her from life support. Scribbled on this napkin was the mantra of his life: Faith is a choice, come what may.

“Although the decision was painful, we were confident that we were doing the right thing in laying her in the arms of a mighty God. He knew our pain. His best work may not have been restoring Erin to this life but his assistance for Lynne and me to let him have her. He made our daughter better than new. He restored my Erin to his eternal presence. That is his best work! Our faith is getting us through this. Faith is a choice" p. 92.

I began realizing that God’s best work in the lives of our loved ones is sometimes our worst nightmare. God’s promises are faithful indeed but He cannot break His promises to anyone. For God to be faithful to a promise He made to one person might put us on a collision course with suffering. But God also promises to be faithful to all of us through His word...Beautiful promises if we choose faith. He promises that we will never walk alone through any situation. He promises that joy will come in the morning of a new season after many nights of weeping if we will choose faith. He promises that because we are not citizens of this world that we will all become citizens in eternity. You cannot read one page of the Bible without seeing promise after promise that God not only made, but kept. Our faith is our sight to be able to see the faithful manner in which God keeps every promise.

“I want that kind of faith. The faith that turns to God in the darkest hours...and trusts in His promises. The kind of faith that presses an ink pen into an airline napkin and declares, ‘Faith is a choice. And I choose faith’” p. 92.

Let's Make a Deal

“God did this [gave us his promise and his oath] so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” Hebrews 6:18

When I was a little girl, I loved the show Let’s Make a Deal. I would sit cross-legged as close to the television as I could without being told to scoot back so I would not ruin my eyes. I couldn’t wait to see the big reveal behind each of the doors to see if I had correctly guessed. All three doors were set before the contestant and their responsibility was to choose the door which they felt held the best prize. Sometimes it was a dud while others times it was an amazing blessing to take home. But what was received was always anchored in which door the contestant reached for.

As this childhood show came to mind this morning, it reminded me of this verse. We, too, have choices set before us when the stress rises...the bills are due...the tests reveal the disease...the marriage is strained. God created us fully aware that we would need an anchor for our souls while walking out our journey on earth. ‘Your soul unites you to God. And your soul needs an anchor...Our anchor is set in the very throne of God. It will never break free. The rope will never snap.’ Begin Again, Max Lucado, p.79.

My mind turns back to the gameshow as I consider the different doors that were set before me during a dark time. I set my hope on Door #3 which was a definite DUD...secret spending... falsehoods told to Bruce...unhealthy comforts. But God has been true to His promise that once I flee from other doors and reach for Him, I can rest in the abundance of His power and have hope. Max goes on to ask a very poignant question. ‘Is what I’m hooked to stronger than what I’ll go through? Everyone is anchored to something.’ Anchored to a money account...anchored to power and position...anchored to a credit card...anchored to a hidden bottle of alcohol...Anchored to a secret relationship. These anchors that exist behind these doors are dead-ends and will certainly decay every aspect of our lives.

'People of the new beginning make daily decisions to secure their anchors in the promises of God...They can walk you through horrific tragedies. They can buoy you in the day-to-day difficulties. They are, indeed, the great and precious promises of God' p. 84. 

Proving His Nearness

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me” Psalm 138:8.

For years I had multiple people encourage me to read Redeeming Love which is a novel based on the Book of Hosea in the Bible. I was always intimidated by the thickness of the book thereby returning it unread to its owners several times. Finally, one of my best friends who knows me best coupled with my daughter who absolutely loved this book convinced me I had no choice but to read it which I finally did. It was certainly one of the best books I have ever read. I am so excited that the movie is soon to be released and cannot wait to go and see it. There were so many twists and turns...heartaches and celebrations...failures and victories...fears and relief. I will probably be glad that I know what is getting ready to happen so I can watch it play out in peace and confidence.

Isn’t that how God views our lives when troubles come our way? He not only knows the outcome of our struggles but He has written the story of our entire lives. While we haven’t read the book, He knows which chapter holds the deliverance. He knows how long our challenges will be our companion and the very moment they will be gone. Just like a novel’s climax, He is well aware of our anxieties and fears as we face certain circumstances. But with the story that He has written for each of our lives, it is met with His love, concern, and faithfulness. God knows exactly what is needed to perfect our lives...to grow in our faith...to deepen our relationship with Him. ‘God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin...One of God’s cures for weak faith? A good, healthy struggle...God guards those who turn to him. The pounding you feel does not suggest his distance but proves his nearness.’ Begin Again, Max Lucado, p. 61-62.

When sitting in the movies we don’t jump up and run out when things get difficult for the characters. We sit in the darkness, anticipate the resolve, and trust that the writer has written a great plot. We can depend on the faithfulness of our Writer every single time. And because He is Lord, ‘He will be the stability of your times’ Psalm 56:3. 

No Solo Journeys

“You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:5

I think we can all agree that it was really nice to see the beautiful snowfall over the past couple days. It was peaceful and serene Sunday morning as I sat in the candle-lit dark sipping my coffee watching the huge snowflakes drift slowly to the ground. I have learned over 38 years that this peaceful serenity after a snow will be interrupted with the reality we cannot get out of our driveway. We live at the bottom of a steep drive and must always deal with the dilemma of getting to the top of our drive safely after we have a visit from snow and ice. We always park one car at the top of the hill for emergency purposes. Sunday was no different but thankfully Bruce has a tractor and he drove it up and down the driveway creating a thinner footprint for the sun to melt our ice. As I sat in my warm home watching TV, I heard the rumblings of his tractor. I went to the window and was overcome with gratitude for how Bruce was creating a solution to our problem. Once he cleared the drive from ice to slush, we drove my car to the top to get his car. As I drove cautiously back down, he followed me with his truck to ensure I was safe. His presence in my life is such a blessing to me.

I read a line this morning in my Bible study regarding how God, through His Spirit, works things out that we haven’t even considered. ‘God never promises an absence of distress on your journey. But he does promise the assuring presence of His Holy Spirit...This is no solo journey.’ Begin Again, Max Lucado, p. 52. How many difficult situations have we been in only to have them suddenly resolve themselves? How often does worry turn into relief when we realize something didn’t come to pass? How can we explain how fear suddenly diminishes to peace? There is but one explanation and it is the ongoing, inexhaustible, and inexplainable workings of the Holy Spirit.

Not only does the Spirit of God go before us preparing our journey, but He follows us to ensure we stay safe on the path up ahead. Next time you feel lonely and scared to take the next step just remember...you have a constant companion on your journey...no one journeys alone! 

Included in our Ticket

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28.

 

A story is told about a man who bought a 3^rd class ticket on a steamship headed for New York so he could find work.  His plan was to send for them once he secured a job and found a place to live.  With little to no money for the trip he packed a wheel of cheese and a box of crackers.  Day after day he watched through the dining room window as the passengers in 1^st & 2^nd class enjoyed the hot meals prepared by the ship’s chef.  At the end of the trip, the steward asked the man why he had never joined them in the dining room.  The weary traveler explained that all of his money went towards his ticket.  The steward responded with shock, ‘Did you not know that three meals a day were included in your ticket?  We set you a place every day, but you never came.’

 

Aren’t we sometimes like the weary traveler who just assumes we are not entitled to the extravagances of God?  Aren’t there times when we isolate ourselves and relegate our spiritual nourishment to ‘cheese and crackers’ instead of approaching God’s Word expecting ‘fine dining.’  Each morning the table is set for us to join Him...our ticket is punched for meals throughout the day...our fellowship at the table is guaranteed if we will just show up.

 

We were never meant to carry the weight of our burdens, but rather to witness the weight of His glory as He carries them for us.  He offers rest if we will slow down and take it.  He desires fellowship if we will seek Him instead of the world.  He offers ongoing spiritual nourishment if we will just join Him.

We became 1^st class citizens when Christ denied this world and sacrificed His life for you and for me.  Our lives are destined for Heaven and our vessel is the empty grave.  When Jesus Christ was resurrected from death, our spiritual tickets afforded us the infinite abundance of God.  Our part is just to come as we are! 

Going Swimming

“Arise...go...to the land which I am giving.” Joshua 1:2

My daughter Kristen reminded me recently of a day decades ago when she was a little girl and we were in the kitchen. I had made a home-made apple pie from scratch and was so proud of the way it had turned out as I slid it onto the rack in the oven. Over the next hour, the aroma wafted throughout the house and I couldn’t wait to have a taste. I finally heard the timer go off and as I was pulling the pie out of the oven it slipped out of my hands and fell face down on the open oven door. As Kristen suddenly appeared in the kitchen with huge brown eyes and a dropped jaw, nothing was left but my response. As frustration and anger built, a sense of peace and logic suddenly came over me which I know was the settling of the Holy Spirit. I simply turned to her and said, ‘Go...put on your bathing suit, I’m taking you swimming.’ The pie stayed on that open oven door and we went swimming that day.

Oh, how I wish my responses would have been as calculated in some of my other failures and messes that I have created over the course of my life. But God invites us all to trust Him to clean up our messes and settle our emotions. Thankfully God’s promise to give us new land... fresh beginnings...subsequent chapters...does not depend upon our perfection, but rather His. Just like Psalm 37:23-24 states, ‘The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.’

‘Miss this truth and miss your new beginning. You must believe that God’s grace is greater than your failures. Pitch your tent on the promise. Everyone stumbles. The difference is in the response. Some stumble into the pit of guilt. Others tumble into the arms of God...Rise up and step out. Fresh starts require a determined first step...There ain’t no future in the past. You can’t change yesterday, but you can do something about tomorrow. Put God’s plan in place.’ Begin Again, Max Lucado, p. 25-26. 

Bobbing in the Floodwaters

“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf.” Genesis 8:11

As I consider Noah this morning during my devotional time, I draw some parallels between his family’s circumstances and our circumstances. Noah and his family also had to isolate for the impending flood without any knowledge of ‘how long.’ Day after day he searched the horizon for any small sign that life would return to normalcy. How the discouragement must have been unbearable, and how illusive hope could have seemed. But Noah did the very thing that we need to keep on doing...he kept searching the horizon...he believed God for His promise...he never gave up hope. As Romans 5:5 states, ‘...and hope does not disappoint, because God has poured out His love into our hearts...’

As we all turn our minds and hearts to a new year with hopes of new circumstances there is still the lingering challenges of the past two years...COVID...our own ‘Noah’s ark’ that has intruded and interrupted our lives in a flood of fear and heartbreak. I never in a million years dreamed we would still be bobbing in the floodwaters waiting for resolution and normalcy. It is easy to keep our eyes on the water instead of the sky looking for the dove to return with the olive leaf. Max Lucado, author of Begin Again writes, ‘Hope doesn’t promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one...For isn’t that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf – evidence of dry land after a flood’ p. 8.

There is something grand about new beginnings as we flip our calendars over to a new year. Even with the worst of circumstances, the page still turns...the world still goes on...life still takes our hand and pulls us into tomorrow. We can’t begrudge its efforts because it is the path to the place where God provides new pastures...fresh possibilities...fresh hope. ‘God is a God of fresh starts. He is the author of the new chapter, the architect of the new design, the voice behind the new song. God knows the way forward. No matter what kind of disappointment or grief or trouble or heartache you’ve encountered, God offers an opportunity to begin again. Your current circumstances will not get the final say in your life.’ p. 8.

Don’t ever stop looking for the olive leaf for that is where hope is born.