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

When I can’t see

“Jesus responded, “Thomas, now that you’ve seen Me, you believe. But there are those who have never seen me with their eyes but have believed in Me with their hearts, and they will be blessed even more!” John 20:29 TPT

We’ve all had those “thin moments” when heaven felt so close. When God’s presence, His involvement, His response hit us square in the face. There was no denying it. Divine intervention. I try to hold on to that warm, embracing feeling as long as I can. Oh, how wonderful to experience the love of God up close and personal! I want it everyday. That deeper connection.

And, yes, I know, I can appreciate Him every day. The beauty found in nature. Counting my blessings. All good to know. All reminders of how great God is to us. But, like Peter, we exclaim: “Lord, it is wonderful to be here!” (Matthew 17:4) We, too, want to stay there forever. How much easier it would be to trust and believe… up on that mountaintop experience.

But here comes the tricky part. Will our walk of faith waiver if we don’t get the “high” of sensing His presence? How long can we go before we start to doubt and wonder - if God will - 

Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14) But for how long exactly? What do we do in the meantime? How do we act? And what will our testimony look like to others when God doesn’t respond immediately?

Blessed are those …

The Message translation says: Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing. John 20:29

God does not change. God is steadfast and sure in the direction He is going. God is on a mission. God keeps His promises and is loving toward all He has made. You will find all this about Him in His Word. His is faithful beyond measure. Generation after generation. He has a kingdom plan and it will not be thwarted. Feed your soul daily on His Word. Keep at it. He has something in there for you today. It will surely suffice in meeting your need for security. It will satisfy your hungry heart. It will feed your faith. Until that glorious day when faith in the unseen will no longer be needed - we will surely be in His presence and see Him face to face.

 “Lord, it is wonderful to be here!” 

It’s a promise.

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7 NLT

Yes. It’s wonderful when God makes sense. But let us remember there are wonderful blessings promised when we walk by faith and not solely by sight. Let’s be those who have never seen Him with their eyes but have believed in Him with their hearts.