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This is Only a Test

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The other day I was with with my sister at the Port Authority Bus Terminal when we heard this beep and an announcement over the loudspeaker that went something like:

“Pardon the interruption. This is a test of our emergency system. This is only a test.”

The announcement replayed several times while we waited there, and it got me thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice if when we were going through our trials, we could hear a similar announcement warning us that what we’re experiencing is only a test!”

What if the next time your car breaks down, you get walloped by a bill in the mail, or you hear a loved one is in trouble, etc… what if before you could panic you heard, “Beep. This is only a test. Everything is going to be ok.”

Wouldn’t that help you to not freak out as much?

Over the years, I’ve tried to make it a point to view trials more as the tests that they really are! It helps me to keep things in perspective.

You may be facing a battle that seems so colossal, so devastating, or so disappointing that you’re tempted to lose hope. You may feel as though God has forgotten you. You may think He is ignoring you. You may even be doubting if He’s good.

Could I encourage you that God is right there with you, and He will walk with you, strengthen you, and comfort you all the way through! The trial will help to build your faith and will help you to get to know Jesus in a way like never before.

Jesus is the Master at breathing life into barren places. He is the light that shines in the darkness. He brings hope, love, healing, restoration, peace, and more into chaos.

Remember that as a believer, you are safe in the palm of God’s hand! He’s got you covered better than any doctor, lawyer, stockbroker, or insurance policy ever could! He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother! (Proverbs 18:24)

What are you facing today? Be encouraged that:

This Trial Will Not Last Forever. “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

There is a Purpose for the Tests. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

As we Pass these Tests, God is Glorified. “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  (1 Peter 6-7)

We have the Victory in Christ!  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So when the tests come, let’s try to spot them early and let’s learn from Job who said:

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” 

(Job 23:10)

Did this encourage you?  Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, click here.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Sailing into a Storm

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Another beautiful sunset from my recent vacation.

Lessons from the Storm at Sea

On my recent vacation that I mentioned here, we came across some rough weather. It was our second day at sea, and my Mom, my sister, and I were enjoying lunch when my sister saw a flash of lightening. I kinda brushed it off. I didn’t see the lightening because I was sitting in the opposite direction of her.

After a few minutes, my sister saw more lightening.  And eventually I saw the flashes off in the distance. I also saw the storm clouds. Uh oh.

What comforted me were the thoughts that God was ultimately in control, and the crew must have been used to maneuvering around this kind of weather. I’m sure the captain didn’t panic. I’m guessing he didn’t get tempted to turn around and retreat or cancel the trip. I’m sure he had experienced this hundreds of times and was prepared to stay the course. The ship may have taken some extra steps to get out of harms way, but the mild storm didn’t seem to rattle the captain or crew enough to stop them in their tracks.

What an odd feeling to be on the ship calmly headed in the general direction of a storm. After I finished eating, I just went about my relaxing day.

What would happen if we approached the storms in our lives with that same quiet confidence? As believers, God is the “Captain” of our lives. He knows how to navigate us through any storm or trial.

Oh, that we would TRUST God to be the Sovereign Lord of our lives! Every area of it!

It did rain that day, but we were all safe in the ship, thank God.

The rain followed us a bit, which was fine. When we arrived at the first island the following day, there was a brief sun shower that didn’t stop any of our fun. The next day at the second island, we must have just missed the morning showers because there was a STUNNING rainbow there to greet us!

So what are some of the lessons I was reminded of?

When Storms Come, They Don’t Have to Paralyze us or Deter us. With God’s Grace, we can continue on the path that He has for us. We don’t have to cower in fear or give up even when things look rather dark or scary. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Trust that the Lord, our ultimate Captain, Knows how to Get us Through the Storms Safely! God isn’t asleep at the wheel. Your storms haven’t caught Him by surprise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You can Still Enjoy Your Life Even While it’s Pouring. Thankfully, storms don’t last forever. But don’t wait until they’re over to praise God. Ask God to give you the strength to worship Him and thank Him despite the clouds, wind, and rain. “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psalm 34:1)

Rejoicing and Rainbows Come After the Storms! God will bring you through, and will restore you, renew you, and refresh you. He’ll also put a new song in your heart! “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” (Psalm 30:11-12)

No matter how hard the wind is blowing right now, be encouraged that God is with you! He knows the exact route to take to get you to where you’re going!

Did this encourage you?  Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, click here.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

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One Step at a Time

earth2marsh / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

 

“One step at a time, Sister. That’s the only way you’re going to make it. Take it easy.”

Those were the wise words I overheard as I was climbing up the stairs to go to a prayer meeting the other day. I couldn’t help but turn around to see who was speaking. A man was encouraging an older lady who perhaps had a foot injury. She was slowly making her way up the staircase, step by step.

Even though the comment wasn’t directed at me, it stuck with me.

Yes, that’s how I’ll get to where God is taking me. Not all at once, but little by little. One step of faith after another.

If you are anything like me, you may be tempted to run up the stairs. Or better yet, to tackle two or three steps at a time. But friends, have you noticed that God is not in a hurry?

We may not understand His divine timetable, but there’s no use fighting Him on it. His timing is perfect.

In order to make it to the top step, we must keep climbing. Keep persevering. And like the woman behind me who must have eventually made it to the final step, we just have to keep moving forward.

Take a short rest if you must. Take it slowly if you need to. But don’t get overwhelmed by the journey. Keep walking, knowing that the Lord is with you. His grace truly is enough, and His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

You will make it!

If the journey has you winded in anyway right now, remember to keep leaning on Jesus. Do you hear Him? He’s saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

If this encouraged you, please feel free to leave a comment and to hit “Like” below.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Seasons do Change

A Rose Revisited

The rose I wrote about in A Picture of Perseverance never ceases to amaze me. If you recall, the stunning rose stood by itself last year in all its beauty.

The picture in the middle is what the rose looked like earlier this year. Yes, the rose survived the winter, but it had lost all its leaves. It looked completely dead and devoid of any future. It was sad to see it so bare, but we all know what happens after a rough winter…

Spring comes and new life begins! The photo on the right is of the rose just last Wednesday. Look at all those leaves that have already grown back!

Isn’t that how our life seems sometimes?

There are times when we think that’s it. It’s over. There’s NO WAY we can survive whatever it is we’re going through. All we can see is loss all around us. But after much trials, tears, tests, etc…we wake up one day and realize we’re still standing. The future may look bleak ….

But God! He promises to give us a crown of beauty for ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)

Even after the coldest, darkest, loneliest winters, He can bring hope and love and joy and peace.

What is that rose doing today? Still shining. Still fighting. And still having the audacity to bring forth life!

Friend, if you are tempted to give up those hopes, dreams, plans or visions that God has given you, don’t you dare quit!  God works in seasons. Be like that rose that just keeps on blooming no matter what!

God will bring you through with a new song in your heart and a praise in your mouth!

He will restore the years the locusts have eaten. (Joel 2:25) He will turn your tears into dancing!  (Ecclesiastes 3:4 and Psalm 30:11) That’s His Word to us believers.

It may not happen overnight, but it will happen. Before you know it, you’ll see new life springing up in your situation as well! Go ahead, start thanking God even now!

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.”

(Isaiah 61:1-3)

I pray this encouraged you!  Feel free to leave a comment below.

 

 

 

 

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Heads up!

Lessons from window washers

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Ah, New York City. The concrete jungle where skyscrapers abound. Of all the different ways that people can make a living in the Big Apple, I’m always quite fascinated by the window washers. Yes, those brave souls that enter into those suspended work platforms that slowly inch their way up and down some of the world’s tallest office buildings!

I look at them and I am amazed that they have the courage to do that kind of job!

Did you know that there’s a lot we could learn from those daring workers? For instance:

Trust: Being suspended in midair in midtown (or anywhere) is no easy task. They have to trust that the platform will hold them. They have to believe that they will be kept safe.

Patience: The workers are painstakingly lowered floor by floor. They have to clean window by window. Row by row. There’s no shortcuts when you’re cleaning the outside of buildings that stretch up into the sky.

Teamwork: Many times there are two workers in one platform. They need to work at a similar pace. They also need to look out for each other. Hopefully, they enjoy each other’s company.

Perseverance: They’re working outdoors, so they’re battling the elements on a daily basis. The sun must beat down on them on most days. Other days, they must contend with the wind or even rain.

Now let’s take a moment to compare some of the above characteristics of good window washers with our walk with the Lord:

Trust: How is your faith today? Are you leaning and resting in the palm of God’s hand knowing that He is in Control?

Patience: How are you handling God’s timetable? Are you still getting frustrated that things are not moving faster, or are you at peace with God’s pace?

Teamwork: How well are you getting along with others? Are you working on resolving conflicts or are you battling right and left with family, friends or co-workers?

Perseverance: Are you committed to sticking with it no matter what? Or are you ready to quit and give up in certain areas of your life?

I know it’s not always easy to trust, be patient, be a team player or to persevere. I hope the photo above will help remind you of these important characteristics and will encourage you to keep allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you.

 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”      (Galatians 5:22)

Were you encouraged?  Feel free to leave a comment below.

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Are your Roots Showing?

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I passed by this sad looking, toppled over tree the other day. This winter wasn’t very kind to this fragile tree.

All I could think of when I saw it was, I guess the roots weren’t strong enough or deep enough to keep it standing tall. It made me appreciate that all the other trees on the block must have had tough enough roots to withstand the brutal winds we had this winter.

It also got me thinking about what the Bible says about our spiritual foundation. How do we make sure our roots are strong enough so that we don’t collapse under pressure?

Let’s take a look at the apostle Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus.

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Don’t miss that. Paul is praying that we believers be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and be rooted and grounded in Jesus’ unlimited love for us! We are supposed to be filled by that love!

Let’s receive that love even now!

And let’s allow God to continue working in us. Once we’re filled with that love, we’re supposed to pour out on others and bear fruit.

Are the winds howling around you right now? Remain grounded in Christ’s love for you. He will give you the strength to keep standing.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

A great song to help you through your storm is “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. Blessings!

If this encouraged you, feel free to leave a comment below.

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A Picture of Perseverance

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This photo that I took last year is very special to me. It’s more than just another pretty flower. When I look at it, I see the power and beauty of one single rose standing on its own.

To me, it embodies what it means to persevere.

This rose isn’t surrounded by a whole garden of flowers. It’s just in full bloom by itself.

Ever have one of those seasons? Where you don’t fit it in with the crowd? When a storm has hit and wiped out everyone else, but you?  When you felt like you were down to nothing?

It’s in those moments that God steps in and meets us. It’s when He reminds us that if we have Him, we have more than enough.

I love how the rose defiantly stands against the odds and gives you no choice but to notice its beauty. Take a look at how barren things look around the rose.

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It’s really a wonder how the rose could even flourish in that environment. What happened to all the other flowers?

I don’t know what you are going through today. Perhaps you are walking through a dry valley or a season of drought or despair. Perhaps you’re feeling like no one else around you cares or understands your struggles.

It could be because of a loss of a job, loved one or your health. It could be a transition time or a time of uncertainty.

Whatever you are facing today, be at peace knowing that God is Greater than your circumstances. He has not abandoned you. He is right there with you giving you the strength to stand and to persevere.

The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

In short, don’t give up!

When you feel like wallowing in a corner or backing down, I hope you will remember this rose (and the verse above) and that you would be encouraged to keep standing tall. Whatever you’re struggling with, it is just for a season.  God will see you through it.  He will give you the grace to endure it.

If you’d like to share a prayer request below, please feel free. I’d be honored to pray for you.

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