A good tired or dog-tired?

Most of us are familiar with the passage:

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13 

And we know that it means we will be provided with whatever is needed in the face of challenge.

Do you know what it doesn’t mean? It doesn’t mean you do all things.

If you find yourself dog-tired, perhaps you have taken on more than what the Lord has required of you.

There is work and sometimes hard work. But if it is in your God-given passion, it uses energy. It doesn’t drain you. There is a “good tired”.

We can get excited about having an assignment from the Lord that looks right up our alley. We can get so excited to be doing something the Lord wants - that we run, sprint, dive into it without hesitation. How easy, how tempting it is to receive a calling from God and immediately begin planning how you are going to do it. How you are going to bring it to a successful conclusion. Oh, we may pray for guidance in the beginning. And then again when we get stuck or things aren’t turning out like we had hoped…

I think we need to be vigilant in prayer; in asking how to proceed - step by step - and for knowing when our portion is completed and someone else’s begins. Let’s not forget we all make up the one body. And together, kingdom work is accomplished. God is not asking you to do it all or have all gifts.  Yes, He equips the called. Yes, His grace is sufficient in our weakness. But let’s follow as He directs and allow space for others to do the same. Working together where all get the joy of serving and we all get a share of responding in obedience. 

Food for thought:

“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose— Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬a (emphasis mine)

“so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].” - Romans 12:5 AMP

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. - Ephesians 4:16 NLT

He handed out gifts … to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s holy body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son… - Ephesians 4:16 MSG

What is God calling you to do?

And how do you know when your portion is finished and when to pass the baton?

And how do you know when it’s your turn to step up to the plate and continue the task at hand?

“Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go.” - Numbers‬ ‭9‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Where are we going now?

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” - Genesis 12:1

This biblical account of Abram being called to move is very relatable to me. When my husband was full time pastor, we lived in a manse. Meaning the church owned the house and we paid no mortgage, or taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc. (which also meant no equity). When the time came to retire, we were drawn to a place several states away. We knew no one there. No family or friends were there. And yet we decided to start building a house there - long distance. We looked at all our potential sources of income and made our best estimates - but weren’t real sure of the exact amounts that would be coming in monthly once we retired. Nor did we know exactly what mortgage payments would be until things were finalized. Or taxes. Insurance. Utility bills. Or any other expenses not to mention to cost of moving itself. On top of all these unknowns was the pressure of leaving mentally and emotionally… all the good-byes. And leaving all our normal comfortable rhythms and routines for… whatever the Lord had in mind.

“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…” - Genesis 12:4

It was frightening. It was stressful. And, yes, at times exciting too. But did God know what He was doing? Would we really make it through all the pressure?

That was three years ago now. We live happily in our little cottage size home with our two cats. We have made so many new friends and have kept in touch with the old dear ones. We love our neighbors. So many simple pleasures to enjoy in this new life. The Lord has provided in every way. Every single way! Financially. Relationally. And oh my, spiritually, how our faith and trust in the Lord has grown deeper and richer! It is unimaginable how Abram took that leap of faith. The bible makes it seem effortless. It only spans four verses. God said and Abram went. But we walked a similar path and there was nothing simple or easy about it. But that didn’t slow God down one bit. He forged ahead with His plan. His perfect plan. And His blessings have been beyond imaginable. More than we could ever ask for or dream of asking. Yes. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord! Great is Your faithfulness!

Is there a calling on your heart and you’re thinking, NO WAY! I need more information. More assurances. When God calls, He always has something amazing and wonderful in mind. Don’t miss it. He stands ahead of you with arms spread wide and what’s before Him is just bursting with glorious blessings for you. If you will just follow Him into it.

Like Abram.

Like the Cranes.

The list of faith-following leapers is extensive. Think about it. You know some.

Where is God calling you to leap next?

IT’S SPRINGTIME AT THE CARD SHOP!

 Come and see what’s new!

CLICK ON THE LINK RIGHT HERE AND ENJOY!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

There’s something for everyone on your

“CARE ABOUT YOU”

list.

It’s always a smart idea to keep some cards on hand.

THANK YOU!

Peace… and Quiet

 The peace of Christ does not mean you stop caring; and go around smiling and all happy-go-lucky. But it does mean you can stop rushing and hurrying and trying to fix everything right here and now. His peace calls you to stop and rest. Sometimes we ask for strength to push through something we were meant to rest from. Maybe constantly praying for wisdom and strength means we haven’t really surrendered the situation to God. We still want to control and participate in the outcome in our way of thinking. Or we try to satisfy the urge with some creature comfort that really doesn’t comfort or resolve anything at all. Sometimes, it is more comfortable to jump in and act. Do something! But it takes more courage to step back and let God do what God needs to do. To be obedient to His direction and not your own.

We keep praying for peace and it doesn’t seem to be coming. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep holding my breath… waiting for the sigh expelling the clenched air in my chest; that drop of my tensed up shoulders.”

How long can I withhold praise… waiting for my idea of peace?

Come to Me. You have wearied yourself enough. Rest in Me. I know you don’t see the how or the why. You still need to walk in faith. In Me. The Almighty. It can’t be explained in human terms. Try to remember that God is good. That God is all-wise and all-knowing. Keep telling yourself God is worthy of your trust and you can count on Him. He will deliver. And give thanks that you have this option - to trust and rely on an Almighty God. In the meantime, He offers to give you His Peace that passes all understanding. His Peace is His very Presence. Rock steady and sure. Let this truth settle over you in the most unlikely circumstances. I AM here, He says. I AM here. And I AM the Way. I’m not leaving you. I’m not going anywhere. Please choose Me and you will find rest for your soul.

It might take some quiet time with the Lord. Focus all your attention on Him and not the storm(s). For as long as you are able. And pour out your heart until you are drained and now have plenty of room for Him to fill with the peace you desire. Long for. Need.  

“Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer…” Lamentations‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬ ‭

“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalms‬ ‭62‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” Isaiah‬ ‭30‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Praying over unbelievers and potato salad

 

I know. You’re wondering where I am going with this, right? It all began with my morning prayer time. 

I spent some time praying over all those who are:

• Too busy for God right now
• Wanting to get all cleaned up and straight and in control before they commit to God
• Too angry or too disappointed in God
• Those full of doubts and fears in turning/trusting in God yet again
• Those caught in so much guilt and shame they can’t lift their face to Him in prayer

The list goes on and on. You know them…

Then my prayers turned to loving like Jesus does - not based on how people treat me. I don’t know their backstory. I don’t know the troubles they are trying to get through or the overwhelming, distracting, consuming burdens they are carrying right now. You. Me. We all sin and fall short… and yet, Jesus has had mercy on us. Jesus loves us, loves us and takes care of us in spite of our failures, weaknesses, shortcomings or distractions… and I should love like that. I want to love like that. Mercifully. Gently. Kindly. Compassionately.

And then the twist. I started worrying about my own worries. As I previewed my day. I have been out of town and had to grab something from the deli for a gathering tonight. When I got home, I realized I somehow ended up with a spicy version of potato salad. That’s where the worries began. What if “everybody” hates spicy food. And I am stuck with this bowl of potato salad (that was kind of expensive). And immediately the Lord recalled to me a worry I had just the other night. It wasn’t a major worry either. It wasn’t as important as people struggling in their faith. It wasn’t something as important as loving neighbor as myself. It was just another niggling little thing. But by morning it was resolved.

Have you worried in the past? Recall how it got resolved. I’ll bet you God had something to do with it. Whether it is a big important event or a simple little foolish concern that seemed big and important at the time. God stepped in. And in His Word He promises to step in:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These aren’t empty words. This is a real promise from a real loving, involved God. Tried and true. You can know this by reflecting on past circumstances. 

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Worried about a wayward child? God’s got this.

Worried about a health concern? God’s got this.

Worried about spicy potato salad? God is going to take care of it.

You name it. 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

‬‬ “casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. [Ps 55:22]” 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And there are even more scriptures that support God’s love and care over the big and the small in your life. Promise after promise. 

So remain confident. Give ALL your worries. Tell God. And thank the Lord.

My life - in pieces?

 

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

This is a quilt my mom made for me as a house-warming present (well, she made it with her quilter’s group at her church). Although many of the fabrics are quite pretty, there are also plenty of darker ones. The overall effect is of muted tones. Quite ordinary.

Sometimes my life seems just like that. Several “squares” of darkness and blah-ness as well as some beautiful spots here and there. Altogether maybe not the spectacular, amazing, colorful life I imagined when I was younger. But each square of fabric was carefully selected and lovingly sewn together in a very specific order. The darker ones enhancing the impact of the brighter ones. I wonder if that’s how thoughtful God was in piecing my life together. Do God and quilters share this kind of … loving, thoughtful heart?

I’m not sure why mom didn’t select all happy colors … and there are times when I ask the same of God’s choices. But as I reflect on all the thought and time and love put in to it, I can’t help but appreciate and love the end result – the Quilt and the Quilter.

The real blessing for me was the material she used for the back. Pure gold! Brilliant in color! When I saw it, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus holding all the pieces of my life together.

Not every day in life is rainbow beautiful. We all experience days that contrast (...enhance) the others. But remember, please remember, that Jesus is here, holding you together – the good and the bad. His pure gold – is with you always! And you are with Him! Firmly stitched together in faith and love.

Before I Knew Him

 A memory popped into my head and it felt good. It was when I was at the young and tender age of an early teen. I remember walking downtown to the library. And as I walked, I thought, “When I get married, I want someone with brown eyes and who can play the guitar.” Such are the foolish dreams of a teenage girl, right? Probably the guitar because it would be so cool! Probably in a band. And I could be a groupie. It came among the other teenage thoughts, not prayers, as I was not in a relationship with the Lord at that time. Just me, walking along, enjoying the day, and pondering life…

But the Lord saw me and heard me - even though it wasn’t in the form of a prayer. It was before I knew Him. And he responded. In His time. Would you believe it? I’m now married to a man with brown eyes and plays guitar. And the connection between that long ago daydream and my life now - amazes me. 

Do you ever wonder if God sees you? Hears you? Is God paying attention to your secret wants? Does He take notice, does He care - about wistful thinkings? Yes. He most certainly does! Even when your thoughts and desires are not in the form of a prayer… we have an awesome God Who says:

“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”  Isaiah‬ ‭65‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

May this encourage you. May it refresh your trust in the Lord. May you wait with anticipation. For He surely sees and hears. He is attentive. And He loves to give.

“At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”  Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬