Where You Go I Will Go

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

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

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 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."

In The Beginning

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes find myself going through a time of wrestling with God over issues I thought were resolved years ago about life, myself, and my beliefs.   

This week, after many weeks of feeling distance between myself and God, something finally broke within me.  This breaking point caught me off guard.

Here’s what happened.

After a long sabbatical from my first love, running, I decided it was time to see if I could still run.  I ached for the familiarity and comfort running has given me over the years.

Stay with me.

In the beginning, when I was a youth, running was the venue with which I was most able to clearly hear my Father’s voice.  I don’t know why, other than after the natural rhythm of breathing ensued, my thoughts and attention would turn to God; He in turn met me time and again on those pavement-pounding runs.  Pain found the exit door from my soul, joy was felt, tears were shed, and sometimes I would come to a dead halt from the sheer intensity of God’s presence.

This week as I slipped through the front doors of my new fitness club, I found my way upstairs to the indoor track.  Anonymity never felt as wonderful as I turned on my iPod and did what I have done thousands of times before: I ran.

Breathing found its rhythm, I found peace, and my Father was ever present as He has been since the day I took my first run.  Suddenly questions I had been wrestling with for weeks found answers; my heart could all but contain the joy of the moment.

In the beginning, God was a friend to Adam and Eve.  He longs for friendship with us too.  In the beginning, David’s heart was undivided toward God as a simple shepherd boy.  In the beginning, Saul chose to obey God but once he rejected God’s word, God rejected him as king.  As time passed and different opportunities presented themselves to either serve God or serve self; decisions had to be made.  As life became more complex, David and Saul often forgot the God they had known in the beginning. Saul chose a path of self-sufficiency but David’s heart returned to God.

In the beginning of a friendship, we are able to see the beauty of another's life.  In the beginning of marriage, we believe in a happily ever after. In the beginning of being a parent we believe in all the best for our children.  In the beginning of our relationship with God, we trust Him with childlike faith.  Then time passes, different opportunities present themselves, and we must make a decision.  

In the middle of life’s storms, it’s easy to forget our starting points.

If you, like myself, have been struggling to find answers to questions and don’t know where to turn—go back to the beginning.  Whatever you do that brings your heart back to its first love, ushering you into the presence of your Maker; do that thing.  Hiking a mountain, lying by a river, sitting in a deer stand, flying a plane, planting a garden; do that which you did in the beginning and watch what happens.

Relationships will rekindle, love will remember its point of commitment, dreams will refocus from blurry to clear, and hopes long forgotten will be given new life.

In the beginning things made sense and life was simple.

Because in the beginning there was God.

Stay the Course...

Sheila

Strength Through Suffering

 (I wrote this quite some time ago and stumbled upon it today.  Sometimes I need to be reminded of the truths of the Gospel when life doesn't make sense.  Maybe I am not alone in this need for truth when lies echo off the dark walls of the valley.)

For many years, when I thought about the sufferings of Jesus, my thinking would rest on the obedience of Jesus when He suffered and died on the cross.  I did not consider that Jesus endured incredible suffering leading up to the death He died on the cross for the redemption of our sins. 

Jesus was fully God and fully man.  Because He was a man with flesh and blood, he had to share in our humanity so that “by His death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil.” (Heb.2:14) 

Jesus was made perfect through His suffering.  We are to share in His suffering in order that we may also share in His glory.  

There is no other way to learn obedience than through suffering.  Jesus went first, making a way for us to spend eternity with him through His own obedience to His Father.  We learn in Hebrew 5:7-8, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

Because we know that we will suffer for Christ, it is clear that prayer to our Father is the source of strength that will keep us through our suffering.  If Jesus offered up prayers with loud cries and tears, so should we. God will hear our cries and answer our prayers; we are not hidden from His sight.

We have been given full access to the throne of God.  Jesus understands our weaknesses, “for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb.4:15&16)

So, instead of being shocked when we suffer, we get to come to our Father with confidence.  We are encouraged to not throw away our confidence and to persevere, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Heb.10:36)

We are being made pure, holy, righteous and blameless as we go to God in our weaknesses in our times of suffering – there is no other way to become like Jesus.  Though painful, it is for our good.  Instead of running from what God is calling us into and taking the easy road, we are told that if we shrink back, He will not be pleased with us. 

Our weaknesses will turn to strength as we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  Instead of complaining when we suffer, let’s follow the example Jesus set as we follow His steps, “Let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb.12:28&29)

Today’s Prayer:  “Father, it is so easy to read Your Word and see that suffering is part of what I am called to; but in the middle of suffering, I am weak.  Just as Your Son learned obedience through His suffering, I know You desire the same for me.  Please strengthen me and help me to not shrink back when the road becomes narrow and bumpy.  As I lay down pride, please cloak me with the cloak of humility.  I come to You in my weaknesses and cry out to You.  I am so thankful that Jesus’ suffering and obedience has given me full access to Your throne of grace and mercy.  Holy Spirit, I give You permission to do whatever is necessary in my Inner World so that I can become pure and holy and blameless in my Father’s sight.  Thank You for not forsaking me in my weaknesses.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.”

Stay the Course...

Sheila

Come Near So That I Can Touch You

I think it’s fair to suggest that most of us are able to recognize a person we are close to by the sound of his or her voice.  Although a voice is undoubtedly important; a touch is able to translate in every language and every culture across the globe.  

Touch is the first sense we acquire and is our first language.

With our hands we are able to speak a thousand words with one touch.

In the book of Genesis we read about Isaac as an old man.  His eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, so he called his oldest son Esau in to give him his blessing before he died.  Isaac’s wife Rebekah favored Jacob, the second born son, and had put a plan in place to deceive Isaac.  Rebekah covered Jacob’s hands with goatskins since his older brother Esau was a hairy man and Jacob was a man with smooth skin.

As Jacob entered his father’s room to receive the blessing that was to be given to Esau, Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so that I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.” Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” So he blessed him.

Although the power of life and death are in the tongue, it is with the touch of another’s hand that blessing is bestowed.  Many times the Word of God portrays the significance of the laying on of hands in blessing, when praying for the sick to be healed, or in ordination.  And let’s not forget the touch of a hug or a warm embrace.  

Has anyone ever asked if they could give you a hug? It’s what we do when we greet a person, when we are saying goodbye, when we are happy, when we are sad, to show that we care, and sometimes for no reason at all.  We are able to see clearly another’s heart through the power of touch.  

Touch is like salve on the heart with the power to heal.

As I prayed this morning, I stared at my hands.   Hands can build or destroy, compliment or insult, heal or even hurt.   We pray to be God’s hands, we put our life in God’s hands, we are engraved on the palms of His hands, and Jesus’ final words spoken were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46)  

Jesus, our Savior, entered the world as a baby and left the world by stretching out His perfect hands to die on a cross for our sins so that we might one day be with Him in eternity.  His hands changed the lives of everyone He touched; by the power of His Spirit in us, we can do the same.

One day soon, our Savior’s perfect nail scarred hands will once again be stretched out, but this time they won’t be nailed to a cross.  Instead, as He beholds His bride, His arms will wrap around each one of us for an eternal embrace.

Stay the Course...

Sheila