Last night I followed my husband home on Alaska Highway 1 from Anchorage to Wasilla. As I followed him, I thought about my Christmas gift to him almost 28 years earlier, our first year of marriage: an Atlas. On the cover, written in cursive by a young, naive hand, I had quoted a scripture from Ruth, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Turns out that atlas became so worn from yellow highlighters, and from pages torn and taped back together again over the years that sadly, a few years ago, I replaced the atlas with a new one.
Some road trips are met with anticipation; others are met with obligation.
Not too many months ago I followed my husband on the road less traveled from a small town in Michigan up the Alaska Highway on another new adventure. If I am to be honest, I must admit that I was less than excited for this particular adventure. In the end I had to choose to trust my husband, knowing he had my best in mind, as my heart broke saying goodbye to those I loved.
Following my husband day after day on the endless, bumpy road, I prayed often. I prayed for God to change my heart. I asked Him to help me to both trust and love my husband in ways I had not yet experienced. At times I was angry, but mostly I was weary and sad. I thought about people who have lived in the same place for their entire lives and fantasized about what that sort of life must feel like. I wondered if I had the energy required to start over one more time. Mostly, I thought about my three daughters and how the move would impact each one of them in their various seasons of life.
I wrestled with the cry of my heart to live fully for God regardless the cost, juxtaposed with the reality of the selfishness of my heart screaming for a safe and secure life with little change.
All of this I pondered last night as I followed my husband home. I was able to think deeply and clearly as I drove without much thought given to the road, knowing that my husband was in front of me leading the way.
As I acknowledged my blind faith in following my husband, God revealed to me that this was the picture of how I was to trust Him with my every step.
He is always with us. He leads the way into our futures, protects our backs from the past, and watches our every step, loving and caring for us in the here and now.
Forever faithful; there is no circumstance or situation too big for Him to handle. He only asks that we follow Him, trusting Him with every step of obedience.
I scurried around my house this morning to locate the newer Atlas I had given to my husband to replace the tattered old one. On the cover, with the skilled hands of an adventurous woman; deeply loved, clothed in grace, and filled with joy, I began to write, "Where you go, I will go…”
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
She Did What She Could
Sometimes we are placed in situations that allow us an opportunity to respond to the Voice within us in a way that may be regarded as odd in the eyes of our peers and onlookers alike.
Such moments are likely to soon be forgotten, except in our own hearts.
Mary has such a moment when we catch up with her in the book of Mark, as she is pouring an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head.
Imagine the scene as Jesus was in Bethany, “reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper.” (Mk. 14:3)
Mary enters the room, breaks open an alabaster jar of perfume, and without permission, pours it on the head of Jesus. It is apparent that Mary was driven by a sense of urgency and was not looking for permission to do what she knew she needed to do.
Reflecting their humanity, some of those present began to rebuke her saying, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” (Mk. 14:4)
Jesus instantly defends Mary. Jesus was able to see something that no one else could see. Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Jesus goes on to say, “She did what she could.” (Mk.14:8NIV) The Message translation says, “She did what she could when she could.”
How many times do we find ourselves in a situation where the Holy Spirit nudges us to action? Oftentimes the conviction is one that might make little to no sense to those around us; even to our close friends.
A window of opportunity can be depicted in the practical day to day events of one’s life that feel anything but spiritual. Driving a friend to chemo. Shoveling our neighbor’s driveway. Stopping to help when witnessing an auto accident. Praying with a person going through a difficult time. Real simple stuff requiring only our time and our compassion.
I have spent many years taking in the daunting needs of the world around me, witnessing inner city needs as well as the dire needs of third world countries. Not certain what my role was in the solution to solve the deep needs of a hurting nation; I have sat on my hands doing nothing.
However, over the last several years God has allowed me to see the needs of those within my reach. Instead of thinking that God needs me to solve the world’s problems; He has shown me that I need only do what I can do as His Spirit prompts me to do so.
Mary knew in her heart what she needed to do; there was a sense of urgency. Mary knew that the opportunity to respond would only present itself one time. She had to do what she could when she could.
We may not be presented with a lot of lightening bolt opportunities requiring an obvious call to action; the opportunities may seem as small as a whisper. Either way, I pray for each one of us planted around the world like tiny dots on a map, that we will do what we can while we can.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Such moments are likely to soon be forgotten, except in our own hearts.
Mary has such a moment when we catch up with her in the book of Mark, as she is pouring an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head.
Imagine the scene as Jesus was in Bethany, “reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper.” (Mk. 14:3)
Mary enters the room, breaks open an alabaster jar of perfume, and without permission, pours it on the head of Jesus. It is apparent that Mary was driven by a sense of urgency and was not looking for permission to do what she knew she needed to do.
Reflecting their humanity, some of those present began to rebuke her saying, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” (Mk. 14:4)
Jesus instantly defends Mary. Jesus was able to see something that no one else could see. Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” Jesus goes on to say, “She did what she could.” (Mk.14:8NIV) The Message translation says, “She did what she could when she could.”
How many times do we find ourselves in a situation where the Holy Spirit nudges us to action? Oftentimes the conviction is one that might make little to no sense to those around us; even to our close friends.
A window of opportunity can be depicted in the practical day to day events of one’s life that feel anything but spiritual. Driving a friend to chemo. Shoveling our neighbor’s driveway. Stopping to help when witnessing an auto accident. Praying with a person going through a difficult time. Real simple stuff requiring only our time and our compassion.
I have spent many years taking in the daunting needs of the world around me, witnessing inner city needs as well as the dire needs of third world countries. Not certain what my role was in the solution to solve the deep needs of a hurting nation; I have sat on my hands doing nothing.
However, over the last several years God has allowed me to see the needs of those within my reach. Instead of thinking that God needs me to solve the world’s problems; He has shown me that I need only do what I can do as His Spirit prompts me to do so.
Mary knew in her heart what she needed to do; there was a sense of urgency. Mary knew that the opportunity to respond would only present itself one time. She had to do what she could when she could.
We may not be presented with a lot of lightening bolt opportunities requiring an obvious call to action; the opportunities may seem as small as a whisper. Either way, I pray for each one of us planted around the world like tiny dots on a map, that we will do what we can while we can.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Thursday, February 13, 2014
PASS
I took a test this morning which held two possible outcomes: pass or fail.
The outcome would depend upon my ability to comprehend a series of questions and to, hopefully, answer the questions correctly.
As with any pass or fail test, there is no opportunity to practice one’s negotiating skills in hopes of changing the outcome; personality, charm and giftedness in the area of debate is not factored into the final decision.
I found the black and white option of pass or fail a bit harsh and unbending; but as you might have guessed, the computerized testing center did not ask my beliefs or thoughts regarding the matter.
This situation got me thinking about a passage in the Gospel of Matthew from the Sermon on the Mount regarding the narrow and wide gate. (Mt. 7:13&14). Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
In this particular scripture, the metaphor of a gate being wide or narrow refers to the easiness or comfort to go one way versus the discipline and significant demands required to go the other way. The narrow gate and the confined path of the disciples are quite the opposite of the broad path and wide gate chosen by the masses.
The way taught by Jesus, upon which we are invited to travel, although more rigorous, and likely to be filled with suffering, sacrifice and persecution; is also a way of grace. It is only by the grace of God that we can find the narrow gate, which is the way of life.
We are not given a third option, there remain only two options. Neither do we get to set the rules; they remain unchanged in black and white, for our own good.
If we choose to enter through the narrow gate, there is an echo of joy and fulfillment in finding this way of life. David reminds us in Psalm 34:19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Again, we see that the call to righteousness occurs in the context of the reality of grace.
Thankfully, everything we need to know regarding life and death can be found in God’s Word. As we study His Word, we are changed. Passing or failing is no longer viewed through man’s lens, instead our hearts are seen through God’s lens of grace and mercy. When we choose to walk daily in obedience to God, submitting our will to the better choice of God’s will, we need not worry-- we have found the narrow gate which leads to life.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Today’s Prayer: “Father, we thank You for Your goodness. You are our strength, oh Lord. In our daily pursuit of holiness and righteousness, may we be reminded that holiness and righteousness are not a feeling but rather the end product of obedience. Thank You for Your grace in leading us to the narrow gate; we ask for strength to stay the course, especially during difficult stretches when strong winds strive to push us off course. The gift of Life has been given to us by no merit of our own. Help Your church, Father, as we stand united in our desire to advance Your Kingdom; may we not allow the schemes of the devil to divide us in the days to come. Hold us tightly, Father. We love You. In Jesus name, amen."
The outcome would depend upon my ability to comprehend a series of questions and to, hopefully, answer the questions correctly.
As with any pass or fail test, there is no opportunity to practice one’s negotiating skills in hopes of changing the outcome; personality, charm and giftedness in the area of debate is not factored into the final decision.
I found the black and white option of pass or fail a bit harsh and unbending; but as you might have guessed, the computerized testing center did not ask my beliefs or thoughts regarding the matter.
This situation got me thinking about a passage in the Gospel of Matthew from the Sermon on the Mount regarding the narrow and wide gate. (Mt. 7:13&14). Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
In this particular scripture, the metaphor of a gate being wide or narrow refers to the easiness or comfort to go one way versus the discipline and significant demands required to go the other way. The narrow gate and the confined path of the disciples are quite the opposite of the broad path and wide gate chosen by the masses.
The way taught by Jesus, upon which we are invited to travel, although more rigorous, and likely to be filled with suffering, sacrifice and persecution; is also a way of grace. It is only by the grace of God that we can find the narrow gate, which is the way of life.
We are not given a third option, there remain only two options. Neither do we get to set the rules; they remain unchanged in black and white, for our own good.
If we choose to enter through the narrow gate, there is an echo of joy and fulfillment in finding this way of life. David reminds us in Psalm 34:19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Again, we see that the call to righteousness occurs in the context of the reality of grace.
Thankfully, everything we need to know regarding life and death can be found in God’s Word. As we study His Word, we are changed. Passing or failing is no longer viewed through man’s lens, instead our hearts are seen through God’s lens of grace and mercy. When we choose to walk daily in obedience to God, submitting our will to the better choice of God’s will, we need not worry-- we have found the narrow gate which leads to life.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Today’s Prayer: “Father, we thank You for Your goodness. You are our strength, oh Lord. In our daily pursuit of holiness and righteousness, may we be reminded that holiness and righteousness are not a feeling but rather the end product of obedience. Thank You for Your grace in leading us to the narrow gate; we ask for strength to stay the course, especially during difficult stretches when strong winds strive to push us off course. The gift of Life has been given to us by no merit of our own. Help Your church, Father, as we stand united in our desire to advance Your Kingdom; may we not allow the schemes of the devil to divide us in the days to come. Hold us tightly, Father. We love You. In Jesus name, amen."
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The Case of The Missing Element
Over the last couple years something strange has been happening with my body. The change was so subtle at first that it went mostly unnoticed. Month after month I subconsciously made small adjustments in an attempt to make my symptoms disappear.
I put my head down, dug deep, and did my best to plow through life without complaining. After all, when the going gets tough the tough get going, right?
Recently, I made the dreaded trip to the doctor. A few days later my doctor informed me that my mysterious symptoms were simply a case of a missing element: I was anemic, low on iron. One iron pill twice a day. I shook my head at the simplicity of my doctor’s diagnosis but figured I would give it a try.
In a matter of days my odd cravings dissipated, my appetite changed, my energy level soared, and my thoughts became clear. I marveled at the changes effected by one tiny missing element.
I had made a simple situation complex by attempting to fix the symptoms of my iron deficiency rather than dealing with the root of the problem.
Yesterday in prayer, God brought to mind the many times I have tried to fix other symptomatic areas of my life on my own instead of going to the only True Source. Little issues turn into bigger issues as I subconsciously tell God “I’ve got this.”
Perhaps you feel that something is missing in your life too. You have tried to fix the symptoms of sadness, emptiness, anger, defeat, and hopelessness with all the world has to offer, to no avail. The solution is not complex; there is only one true answer: Jesus.
If you have never entered the throne room and bowed before His throne of grace, He is waiting for you. If you have given your life to your Creator but have forgotten that His love never fails, He is waiting for you as well.
When the going gets tough, the tough must become weak as we humbly confess our sins, cares and concerns to the Source of Life. His Spirit will breathe new life, strength and hope into our hearts.
As we worship and delight in our Creator, broken hearts are healed, captives are set free, those who mourn are comforted and the garment of praise replaces the spirit of despair.
All the mysteries of the Kingdom of God are revealed to us as we press into Him, learning to trust Him with every breath.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Today’s Prayer: “Father, today my heart aches for those who have not yet received Your gift of salvation. True life is found only in You. The things of this world bring temporary fulfillment, but only You bring true joy and peace and life. We cannot change ourselves nor fix ourselves; true change comes only when we confess you as Lord, giving You permission to flood our hearts with Your Spirit. Father, if there is someone who has been searching for purpose and meaning who has not yet chosen to make You their Lord, please draw them to You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray that you would open our eyes to see those whom You place in our paths, help us to be bold as we share the hope that we have in You. Help us to place Your reputation above our own reputations; that we would be willing to risk everything for the purpose of advancing Your Kingdom. In Jesus name, amen."
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