In the waiting room

 

Can you serve a God, can you love a God Who doesn’t fix everything? Your prayers are for good things… why doesn't He…

I have heard that we all have a cross to bear. What does that mean exactly? 

Those bound to wheelchairs. Those with chronic pain. Those living in abusive situations. Trapped in unhealthy, addictive habits. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, speaks of a thorn in his flesh - even after asking the Lord three times to remove it. The list goes on… you know them. Are them.

But the thorn does not define Paul’s life story. And your thorn shouldn’t either. We can’t let short or long term challenges, no matter how grueling, dim the light of Christ in us. 

So turn your eyes upon Jesus. The kingdom is surely coming. All troubles will pass away. And the promise of no more tears is real and true. Afflictions are temporary, even the huge ones, and will one day become a thing of the past. And as forgotten as a woman’s labor pains.

You still have a shining testimony despite these daily challenges. You are able to pour energy into that which is good and distract from that which has caused a temporary cloud. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5). Right? The Lord is our certain help and strength. That is a promise from God Himself. He will carry you through (Isaiah 46:4)

“Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭NRSVUE‬‬

“So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

And so, I ask you again, can you love and serve a God Who doesn’t fix everything? I pray you lift up your head and look to the heavens and realize, even in the smallest measure, all the goodness and greatness God has in store for all who believe in Him. Goodness immeasurable. Unfathomable. Huge. It is all surely coming - for you. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Looking back - and ahead

(One of my first card drawings)

Fourteen years ago I published my first blog post for Intermissions for Hope. My desire was to encourage people to reach out in love, support, and encouragement to one another. I designed notecards and made up lists of suggested messages. Back then a postage stamp cost 42 cents. (And we probably thought that was too much!)

It all started as a child… oh, how I loved to sit at the table with coloring books and crayons! I certainly didn’t dream of becoming an artist back then. It would have been inconceivable to even suggest that I would someday print drawings and actually sell them.

But God had His own plans. 

My mom was the first one to promote this idea several years ago. She invited her friends over to her house for a card party (like Tupperware). We played games and I talked about my artwork and I sold some cards. This concept ebbed and flowed until October 9, 2012 when the Intermissions for Hope website was created and I began posting encouraging words about the value of the hand-written note. Again, I never really thought it would take off. But if you do nothing, you get nothing in return.

And once again, in the past year, not only did I publish a devotional book but I illustrated it as well. As a child I would have laughed at such an impossible notion. And 14 years ago, you would have had a hard time convincing me not only that it would be possible, but that I would actually sell them. Hundreds of them. 

But God had His own plans.

I couldn’t foresee all that God had in mind for me. I was just a kid who loved coloring. Who grew up to be a person who wanted to lighten another’s load with a cheerful drawing. And then wanted others to join me.

And I can’t foresee now what God has in store for me or for Intermissions for Hope. I continue to write though the focus has shifted. Now I just want you all to know of God’s faithfulness and love for you. How that gets shared in the coming year… well, as you can see, God always seems to have His own plans. And it’s always bigger than what one can imagine.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Maybe you have been fruitful in the past and think your fruitfulness may be over. Maybe you’re like me and are older. Too old for anything new with purpose and impact. But God wasn’t finished with me when I first started selling my little cards. No, He had another layer of fruitfulness for me. Even at this age! Things bigger and better than I could ever imagine coming from me. 

You will find passages in the Bible about vineyards and the grapes (fruit) that are produced. But the grapes are not the end of the story. The grapes are then turned into wine (another layer of fruitfulness). And the wine brings about gladness (Psalm 104:15)

I encourage you now, to believe bigger than you can even imagine, and to trust in the words of God Himself… He has plans for you. Be excited. Smile inside and out at what great big goodness God is thinking about, planning, organizing, timing out perfectly. Whether you see it or not…

God still has His own plans and purpose for you!

My name is Peter

 I have been “fishing” all night long. For resolution to a problem. I’ve worked and struggled and tried all kinds of things. Everything I know. I really need this to come to fruition. I really need results. I’ve begged. But now I am exhausted. I am done. Spent. There is nothing left to do. The end result is: nothing.

“Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.  John‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you been there? Pouring all you have, all your wisdom and strength into something. And it just doesn’t pan out. All you know is that it has to happen. You’ve given it everything you’ve got but time is running out and now all you have is emptiness. And the darkness of the night.

But a new day dawns. And it was at the dawning of the morning light that Jesus appears. But as in many biblical accounts, they don’t recognize Him at first.

At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. John 21:4 NLT

He calls out, “Did you catch anything for breakfast?” Breakfast? They need fish, and a lot, to cover their taxes. And now! But either way - the answer is the same. No. None at all. We are at our lowest low. Time has run out.

He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. John 21:5-6 NLT

It’s only when Jesus says, “Try it. This time with Me. See what happens.” And the nets were filled beyond belief. Truly, the Light shone in their darkness and the darkness did not, could not, overcome it (John 1:5)

And it is then that they realize - it is Jesus! The Master! All fear is gone. He has rescued us. Come now. The danger is over. Let us sit down and have a normal breakfast together.

Jesus came to help, save, comfort and defend them - and us. To rescue us. He did. He does. And He will. Now and forever.  The morning light will come to you as well. The danger will pass. And you will relax in His presence. Morning has broken… the darkness!

Is it any wonder He is called Bright Morning Star!

Keep at it!

 

Every day - praying for a Christian mentor to influence our children.

Every day - praying for the correct diagnosis and treatment for someone living in constant pain.

Those addicted to food, alcohol, spending, etc. - and there just seems like no real help is ever going to come. Every day there is that same struggle / battle with no victory. My prayers for them over and over again seem rote. Memorized. Sometimes wringing my hands in pleading. Sometimes throwing my hands up in surrender. Why should I persist?

Then a bible verse popped up on my screen that stopped me in my tracks.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

‭‭What if, this isn’t talking just about the body as I have first perceived it. What if it’s also talking about God working behind the scenes, renewing our circumstances, bit by bit, and day by day, with great precision.  (“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬) What if our daily persistent praying is not a time of wasting away?

We can’t always see the amazing, constant work of the Lord while it is in process. In process of bringing about the greater good. But what if every single prayer is nudging kingdom forces forward? Our little seeds of faithful prayer… where victory could be so very close!

“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” 

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭8‬, ‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

These verses about seeds too. Persevering to produce… I’m always thinking of my contributions as just a little bit. Like tiny seeds scattered about - hoping one of them will take root. So too, Lord, with my prayers. I pray some of them take root. I believe some will take root! So I will keep at it. I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13)

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭66‬-‭69‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you ever want to leave (give up) too?

Where else would we turn? Oh Lord, You are the only One. Savior. Healer. Miracle Worker. There is no other… no greater Hope or Help.

And so I pray. And keep praying. Trusting in the loving goodness of a Holy God.

And so I say to you - Do not lose heart…

Where does my help come from?

We’ve all been there. You’re at a gathering and the food line begins with - paper plates. It’s got a pretty edging - but you guiltily grab two because they look flimsy and there is a feast before you. You do your best to support the plate with your fingers splayed underneath. More focused on avoiding disaster than the wonderful abundance before you. Wouldn’t it be nice to just relax and enjoy the meal without the worry of a floppy, sloppy mess hitting the floor?

But wait! There is a brand of paper plates available that holds up. Oh, it’s not real pretty. Plain white in fact. Not a real attention grabber. Not impressive. But strong. Reliable. It can certainly handle more and withstand the weight.

Another life lesson here.

There are many different ways that try to offer balance and security to your life. What are you turning to for support and strength? Help. One way might look good enough. It’s cheap, quick and easy. Should do the trick. With your own hands spread wide you can make it work. Maybe only take a few of the offerings from the wonderful banquet before you. Yet, you’re still not sure of its trustworthiness. You are still focused on how to avoid disaster on your own.

Or there is one (One. Jesus!) who is steady, sturdy, strong enough to handle anything you pile on. And you don’t need to save Him for special occasions or big events. He is available every day. To help carry your load. You don’t need to try to make the quick, easy, flimsy work. Not when you have Jesus. He is more than enough in every way. With His support, you won’t be distracted with worries of unreliability. You can relax as you trust in Him and enjoy the abundant feast (of life!) before you. He is your strength when you are weak. He is your firm foundation. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Everyone who hears my teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came… it stood firm because of its strong foundation. - Matthew 7:24-25

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

Go and enjoy good food and sweet drinks. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10

Welcome to the Red Sea

Clogged drain in the kitchen sink. Ugh. Gross.

Maybe it just needs more time to drain. Maybe add more fresh clean water to the top? 

But eventually you realize you have to go through it. You have to stick your hand down into it. The gunk covers it. Swirls around it. You hate it. Don’t want to - but it has to be done.  Denial and avoidance sure didn’t work. So now we try muscle. Force. Before finally breaking down and asking for help.

We’re not really talking about drains here, are we?

In this world you will have troubles. Are you going to leave your “hand” just sitting in that? The challenge you’re facing right now - are you giving it more time to work itself out? Or avoiding it completely? But you can’t stand the mess. Or the stench of it. You know it will only get worse. Just ignoring it, letting it stagnate. No. You gotta be brave. You know it will be better once it’s over and done.  So, do you now try to handle it in your own wisdom and strength? Or are you going to seek some real Help. Holy Help. Yes, the Lord may ask you to reach down deep and pull that plug. Only then will it drain out. It might take some time. It might take some real effort on your part to trust and be patient with the Lord’s timing. But believe in His promises - the Lord will carry you through it. Believe in the goodness (and relief) that He will get it through it to the other side.

Ah, the gurgle of the mess finally giving way and the drain running freely once again! Peace and the ability to function restored.

“The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“After arriving back home, his disciples cornered Jesus and asked, “Why couldn’t we throw the demon out?” He answered, “There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.” Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

The face of joy and delight

 Do you remember your child, or maybe now it’s a grandchild, running in from outside with a handful of dandelions - just for you? Oh, what joy on their sweet, little face!

“I picked flowers for you!”

“Look how high I can swing!”

“Do you like the picture I colored?” (And yes, you post it on your fridge)

And who remembers making those awful, clay ashtrays in art class for your parents “delight”?

But each time, with every gift, the gleam in those little eyes, the smile that glows with excitement… and the love extended - to you.

Oh, that we would have a measure of that kind of joy when we offer our gifts and talents to the Lord. Oh, that we would remember the safety of being a beloved child who dares to run and share without forethought of any reproof or condemnation. Purely from the heart of love to another - a gift.

Your calling, your giving, your actions of love are all gifts being held out and up to your loving Father. Know that it is received with so much joy and delight. There is no comparison from God. He doesn’t look at quality or quantity. God looks only at the sincerity of heart. Your precious, love-giving heart. And He is filled. He smiles. He nods. He beckons you in for a closer hug. Just as you did that child of yours. That warm fuzzy inside your heart no words can describe? God feels that too.

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land.” Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight” and “The Bride of God,” for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” Isaiah‬ ‭62‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He brought me out into a broad place; he delivered me because he delighted in me.” Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭19‬ ‭NRSVUE‬‬

Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that He lets us be called His children, as we truly are. 1 John :31 CEV

These verses speak freedom. Freedom to approach holy God as Father. Who extends loving and joyous acceptance of what you have to offer. So offer it. Don’t hesitate. Love freely. I pray you know and understand this… You can make God of all creation - smile.

Bring it to the Lord with a glad heart!

“Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.” Psalm‬ ‭100‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”  Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭NRSVUE‬‬

WOW! There are so many more verses that speak of God’s love for us and of the joy of loving Him back! Is there another one that comes to mind?