Strengthen My Hands

Growing up on a dairy farm taught me many life principles at a very young age; my dad instilled in each of his six children the importance of work ethics. 

Me and Dad on the farm    

Over the years, when I have wanted to slack, I remember the times in childhood when I did a halfway job and had to re-do my work. It is much easier to do the job right the first time around!

In reading throughout the Old Testament, many laborious situations presented themselves. The Lord chose David's son, Solomon, to build a temple for the Lord. David advises his son regarding the building of the temple: "Be strong and do the work." (I Chronicles 28:10) Later, David repeats himself: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work." (vs. 20)

In both the Old and New Testaments, God uses kings or persons in powerful positions to accomplish great things for Him, which require hard work. But He also uses anyone willing to be used by Him.

God's servant, Nehemiah, was a common man who was secure and prosperous in his occupation as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. 

Nehemiah was also a man of prayer.

 

Nehemiah is deeply moved when he learns that Jerusalem's wall has broken and the gates burned--and that his people who have survived the exile are in great trouble. Nehemiah laments: "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)

Nehemiah's prayers lead to God's favor with the king. The kind sends Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the task immediately appears impossible; Nehemiah faces great opposition. However, Nehemiah continues to pray to God; he does not relent in the mission he has set his hands to accomplish. At one point, he admits regarding his opposition, "They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." (Nehemiah 6:9)

Nehemiah does not pray for God to change his circumstances in the midst of significant opposition.  He does not ask for a more manageable task or someone else to do the work for him. Nehemiah's prayer in the heat of resistance was, "But I prayed "Now strengthen my hands." (vs. 9b)

Nehemiah stays the course and completes the impossible task of rebuilding the wall in fifty-two days. 

The power to accomplish tasks set before us lies within us by the gift and the power of the Spirit. The answer to our prayers is typically not a change of circumstance but a change of attitude and pure obedience. We can accomplish the work by earnestly praying, "God, strengthen my hands." 

I Thessalonians 4:11 encourages us:  "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 

As men and women of prayer—let's not be afraid of the hard work—God will strengthen our hands to accomplish what may sometimes feel like little works, all for His great glory and pleasure.

Stay the Course…

Sheila

The Easy Way or The Right Way

With all the kings mentioned in the Old Testament, it is impossible to remember who is who. However, each time a man becomes king, there is a short description stating his name, how old he was when he became king, how long he reigned, his mother’s name, and one line that describes the character of the new king. 

The one line is either, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,” or “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” 

This one line gives us a heads up on what we are about to read. In the case of one evil king, Jehoram, we are told: “He passed away, to no one’s regret.” (II Chronicles 21:20b) Not the most positive obituary!

Some kings start out good but then, after many year’s of God’s blessing and favor, they make one bad decision without first seeking God. Sometimes a king will allow one area of sin to remain in his kingdom while serving God in every other area. Asa was one such king who traveled a long way with God before getting off track. We learn that his sin was not so much deliberate disobedience as it was choosing the easy way rather than the right way.

During the early years of battle, King Asa sought after God with his whole heart.  Then, because Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, God blessed him with many years of rest, “No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest.” (II Chronicles 14:6b)

I can’t help but wonder if King Asa grew so accustomed to a life without battles that he forgot his great need for God or simply forgot about God. 

I know I have spent more time on my knees in the valley than I might during a time of personal peace. 

Many years pass before King Asa’s next big threat confronts him in the thirty-sixth year of his reign. This time, King Asa resorted to self-reliance instead of seeking God. 

Baasha, king of Israel, the rival northern kingdom was threatening the peace of Judah. King Asa, now a wealthy king, convinced King Ben-Hadad to break his alliance with King Baasha by making a treaty with himself instead and bribed him with silver and gold out of the treasuries of the Lord’s temple, thus disabling King Baasha to cause harm to Judah.

Because King Asa took the easy way, he was confronted by a man of God, Hanani, who told him, “You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” (II Chronicles 16:9b)

When confronted with his sin, King Asa becomes angry. Instead of repenting he throws Hanani in prison. Pride was ultimately King Asa’s downfall. 

Three years later, in the thirty-ninth year of King Asa’s reign, he was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Still, King Asa rebelled, “Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. Then in the forty-first year of his reign Asa died and rested with his fathers.” (II Chronicles 16:12-13)

How humbling to consider the many times we face trials and conflicts in our daily lives only to seek man-made solutions instead of seeking our Father. 

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about choosing the right way instead of the easy way when speaking about heaven, “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.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Regardless of whether we are in our first year of living for God or our thirty-ninth year, I pray we will choose the right way every day — to our final breath. Somewhere on the other side of a small gate down a narrow road our Reward will meet us with arms open wide.

Stay the Course…

Sheila 

Do What You Can (While You Can)

We all have opportunities presented to us that require action within a window of time—if we don’t respond within that certain timeframe, the window closes. Often the window of opportunity only presents itself once.

There is a powerful story in the Gospel of Mark which depicts in beautiful detail such an instance. 

The story takes place two days before Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At this time, “the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to arrest Jesus and kill him.” (Mark 14:1b)

“While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” (vs. 3)

It is apparent that this woman, identified as Mary in the Gospel of John, is driven by a sense of urgency; she did not ask permission for what she was about to do. 

“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.” (vs.4)

However, Jesus was able to see something and understand something that no one else could see or understand. “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could.” (vs. 6-8)

“She did what she could” in the Message translates as, “She did what she could when she could.” 

How many times do we find ourselves in situations where the Holy Spirit nudges us to action? Oftentimes, the conviction is one that might make little sense to those around us.

As we take in the daunting needs of the world, both in America as well as Third World countries, it can be easy to sit on our hands and do nothing due to the enormity of the needs.

Instead of feeling that we must solve the world’s problems, God allows us to use what’s in our hands to meet the needs of those within our reach. The Holy Spirit’s prompting leads us to serve the needs of our own communities as our form of worship, bringing glory to God.

Mary did not know that what she was about to do would be recorded in the gospel and preached throughout the world in memory of her; she only knew that she needed to act swiftly. The need to be obedient outweighed the fear of harsh rebuke from man. She did what she could when she could.

Opportunities to act may feel as small as a whisper or as powerful as lightening. Either way, I pray we will remember the faith of those who have gone before us—I pray we will do what we can while we can.

Stay the Course…

Sheila

Seven Year Battle

An interesting observation when reading the Old Testament is the large number of battles that are fought and subsequently, the large number of casualties. 

Every time you turn around; there is a battle going down. Not so different from our world today.

Very recently, a personal battle of my own came to light. I had intended to keep the battle to myself, as I have for the past seven years. I had been fighting this particular battle alone on my knees in prayer; believing with all my heart that I was responsible for my own defeat or my own victory. After all, the world has enough problems. In light of the bigger picture, my battle didn’t feel significant enough to rally the troops. 

Amazing how one lie from the enemy can hold enough power, over time, to wear down a believer to the point of giving up hope. If there was not a battle for our souls at hand, the Word of God would not have given us the warning, “do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27)

The truth is, battles are not meant to be fought alone. That’s not to say that we aren’t responsible for putting our own battle garb on each morning in our personal prayer closets. It’s easy to forget that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8) If he can convince us that we are beyond hope, we are prone to forget that the blood of Jesus has bought us, purified us and made us the holiness and righteousness of God. (II Cor. 5:21)

In our personal battles, I am learning that the best starting point toward victory is in the laying down of pride and the picking up of humility.  The cloak of pride is light and easy to wear, but the consequences of choosing pride yields hardened hearts and the belief that we know what is best for ourselves. Pride blinds us to the truth that in Christ we are conquerors, not victims of Satan’s schemes. The cloak of humility is heavy, its weight impossible to ignore, but once fully in place the consequences of humility are such that hard soil is softened, bitter hearts receive healing, and self absorbed eyes begin to see the needs of those around them and are filled with compassion. 

Remember, it was because of pride that Satan was cast out of heaven. Yet, the humility of Christ was and is the root and representation of His life. He became nothing so that God could become all.

I will be honest—I could have easily lost my personal battle. Inwardly I had surrendered to defeat and was about to turn my back to the enemy (a true sign that my end was near). Thankfully, an attentive shepherd noticed one angry sheep hovering dangerously close to a cliff, and gently reminded me of the truth of God’s Word: “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he as sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:13-16)

I had to trust that my spiritual leaders were for me and not against me. This can be tough to do if trust has been broken by those in spiritual authority—yet God’s desire is for us to be prayerful and persistent in finding a healthy church family. (Hebrews 10:25)

If you are stuck in a battle and it seems there is no hope in sight; I urge you and plead with you to not give up. Do not turn away in defeat and thus open yourself up to the devil who is foaming at the mouth, ready to pounce and destroy you. Don’t turn your back to the church either—there are anointed shepherds in local churches who are willing and prepared to grab ahold of the prayer baton and get down in the trenches with you until your victory is realized. Allow another’s faith and tenacity for God to carry you when you are too weak to fight for yourself.

Do THAT thing—the thing you are most afraid to do—reach out for help. 

Your life has purpose. Your battle is not your own. You do not need to become a casualty of your own war.

Choose humility.

Stay the course…

Sheila

Mountains and Valleys

(I posted this a number of years ago with the name "Mountains." I have changed the title because life is both a beautiful and painful balance of mountains and valleys. As Ted Loeper once wrote, "We are all a messed up mixture of glory and grime." I couldn't agree more.)

On the mountaintop I hear Him; His voice echoes in the winds

He gently breezes past me, dancing over rocks and bends.

In the valley He is near me whispering with each weary step;

“Do not be anxious; do not worry, for I know all that lies ahead.

As you labor on this mountain don’t forget to look around,

There is beauty in the journey; there is much joy to be found.

As you stumble over tree roots on the narrow winding trail

Out of breath and out of hope may My joy help you travail.

Dip your hand into the brook where icy mountain waters flow

Drink from the pureness of My beauty and your countenance will glow.

It is My desire to keep you, to refresh and to renew

You can accept Me or reject Me; the choice is up to you.

I will not force Myself upon you; you may walk near or far away

Though my heart longs to embrace you, the choice is yours to stay.

No judgment do I harbor, though your heart is hard as stone

I will tarry on this mountain, you will never be alone.

As you climb above the tree line, your foot unsteady on the shale

Ever pressing through the weather, through the rain, the sleet and hail

I will keep your foothold steady, I will cover and protect

Nothing shall touch My Beloved though you resist, though you deflect.

When at last you reach My mountaintop; My beauty to behold,

I will reveal to you new things, priceless treasures to unfold.

Close your eyes, find My rest, allow My winds to dance upon your face

Learn to trust Me fully, cling tightly to My grace.

The world whispers in your ear, you are forced to make a choice

To listen to the god of lies or to tune your ear to hear My voice.

Draw near to Me, I will draw near to you; seek Me with all your heart and soul.

I shall be found by you when you seek Me; may My love be your greatest goal.

Whether on the mountain top or in the valley low

Both places hold my favor--when you are rooted in Me 

You will flourish and grow.

Take My hand; I’ll guide your steps

For indeed the path is rugged,

I am God, I am Creator—

You are My Beloved.” 

Stay the Course...

Sheila

It Is Written

I have recently been reminded of the importance of being in the Word above all other things that distract such as career, hobbies, friends, entertainment and even family.

It is easy in the busyness of life to get caught up in the little distractions we face on a daily basis and slowly lose sight of the bigger picture.  The bigger picture is that we are simply visitors here on earth—our lives are not our own. I forget this simple truth quite often.

I also forget that we are in the midst of a battle, a spiritual warfare; and the forces of darkness will not let up or back down in the fight for our souls. If this sounds extreme, don’t take my word for it; get into God’s Word where everything we need to know about life and death can be found. It is written, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)

Paul, the author of the book of Ephesians doesn’t merely tell us this as informational but rather as a warning; and he goes on to tell us what we can do to ensure we are not taken out in the battle, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:13-18)

Paul implores us to remain alert. Alert by definition is “quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.” 

It is written again in I Peter 5:8, “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

As we stay vigilant in the Word of God, the Spirit of Truth will lead us, guide us and give us discernment and wisdom as we commit to remain alert. Not only are we to be aware of those within the world who might seek to destroy, but also those within the church who profess to be believers. It is written, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15 & 16)

Perhaps this is why we are told to always keep on praying for all the saints. None of us are strong enough or amazing enough on our own to withstand spiritual warfare or to stop every flaming arrow of the evil one. We need one another.

We the church need to put down our phones and pick up our Bibles. Lift up our eyes, drop to our knees, lay down our pride and pray as if God is everything because in essence—He is just that!

Stay the Course…

Sheila

Your Faith Has Healed You

Many years ago, nine to be exact, I participated in a week-long two-fold conference. The conference was intended for those whom needed healing from past abuses or hurts so that they could then, in return, lead courses for others who needed freedom from past wounds.

I had no idea throughout that difficult week that the biggest abuse of my life was awaiting me in the future. I also had no idea that the wounds would come from within the church, from the hands of a person I trusted—a man of the cloth.

I know my story is not unique nor isolated to myself; which is why I am sharing.

Throughout the past nine years of limping along on my faith journey, I have met some of the most amazing wounded believers, men and women whom I might have never stopped to notice if not for the handicap of my own limp.

Now that I am a part of a healthy church, my prayer has turned from one of seeking personal healing to one of a deep desire to know my Maker like never before. My prayer is to offer hope to other limping believers—not because I am all better but because I recognize something I was unable to see before:

The wounded cannot sit quietly in the shadows of the church awaiting a touch for our own hearts so that we can feel worthy enough to help others. 

This is a very tough juxtaposition for a believer who thinks he or she must be “all better” prior to lending a helping hand to another. Truth is, we have more to offer in our present state of brokenness than we had to give prior to acknowledging the fragility of our own hearts. 

Pause and consider the beauty of Jesus walking along the dusty road, crushed on every side by people.  Within the crowd there was a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. She was tenacious enough to reach out and grab the edge of Jesus’s cloak.  Jesus was unwilling to overlook this desperate woman but instead stopped dead in His tracks for her: “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out of me.” Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:43-48 NIV)

Once our focus shifts from dwelling on our own impossible sets of circumstances to instead one of pressing in to touch our Savior, our faith grows. We are restored. There is no pressure to “try harder” or “do better.” What a relief when we are able to come out from hiding, fall at the feet of Jesus for healing and be received in His presence due to no merit of our own just like the bleeding lady. 

In humility, we need only reach out and grab ahold of Jesus—whatever we are bold enough to grab—His hand, the edge of His robe— in whatever state of brokenness we are experiencing. 

Can you imagine having the tenacity to trust your small faith to a Savior who knows you, loves you, and longs to bring healing and peace to your heart? 

Me neither—but I’m willing to try.

Stay the course…

Sheila