Called to be Strong

All too often, it’s the thin and narrow ledge we’re forced to walk that grows us the most. Sometimes navigating the tight rope stretched out long before us is our only option…and we’re called to be strong. It’s when putting one foot in front of the other with no hand rails, no support system, no one to keep us steady that we draw on our own knowledge of what inner strength really is.

So many times I’ve found myself perched up there on that highest peak alone and unsure. It’s a scary, unsteady place to be, yet it almost seems as if each scenario is perfectly orchestrated, perfectly timed with situations I certainly wouldn’t choose on my own. Most of which seem to take place each time my husband is out of town and unavailable to encourage or support me. When moving forward alone is my only option and I do so with trepidation, it’s sort of like jumping into the deep end of a pool for the first time. How deep is it really? Will I sink to the bottom or will I be able to grab the side of the pool if I need to?

It’s only after I emerge from the situation, however shaken, that I clearly see once again. Since I can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5) I couldn't have possibly acted in my own strength, but in God’s.  

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me,

and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)

It’s God’s strength that keeps us from sinking to the bottom. It’s His love for us that brings us safely through the dark unknown to the light on the other side. And I’ve learned that it’s not a challenge or even a test but a command to go boldly forward in the Lord. To put action to His words in every situation, our faith before our fear…each and every time we’re called to be strong.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (Acts 4:29)

His Compassions Never Fail

Good morning, friend.

I’m enjoying the view this morning from my front-row seat here on the patio. The finches and sparrows are putting on quite a show in the garden. They’re fun to watch dressed in vibrant yellow and detailed markings - each one has its own purpose. Its own agenda. They freely flit in and out stopping to perch on the trellis, the feeder, the fence post or splash the dust from their feathers in the bird bath. Not a care in the world. I think they must know, sense it somehow, that our amazing God cares and provides for their every need.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)

As you start this new week; perhaps with a mix of challenges and joys, blessings and disappointments…resolve right now to make it a great week. One. Day. At. A. Time.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Sometimes it’s not easy to pick up the pieces of our yesterdays and begin fresh and new each morning with a smile. But with Jesus, we certainly can. His compassions NEVER fail. He is ALWAYS with us. He alone is our true hope.

I just want to encourage you as you begin this new week. Whatever leaps of faith you’re contemplating, God can and will replace your uncertainty and doubt with strength and reassurance. Whatever situations you face with trepidation or fear, remember that you already have the authority to cast them out in the name of Jesus. Only accept what is from Him this week. You are His and He is yours.

Claim Him Lord of all!

Debbie

Through it ALL, He Reigns!

I happened to look out my back window this morning only to find my mini dachshund staring back at me. No, he hadn’t grown 4 feet to peer in through the window – he simply jumped on top of the picnic table to get a better view of things.

I walked away sipping my coffee and thinking how very smart Willy (my dog) is. From his view at ground level, (his little legs are only about 3 inches long), the top of that table must seem impossible to reach. But, he was determined. I love how he didn’t see the bench in between as a hindrance, but as a stepping stone to get to the top. Very clever J

I could probably learn a lot from Willy - looking at all the things in my life that hinder and impede progress as stepping stones or necessary rungs of the ladder.

But sometimes, the distance between those stepping stones is too great. When I’m standing on one, the next is too far out of reach and the answers stop coming. The path becomes unclear and discouragement settles in deep.

The bright sky turns to cloudy gray and a cruel wind blows in disappointment, negative thoughts and fear which clutter the air waves and block out the Lord’s voice. How hard He has to work to get through my thick head sometimes.

It’s so easy to default to despair and discouragement.

To fall down instead of up into the saving arms of Christ.

Yet His voice does not fall silent and His words do not cease simply because of my frame of mind. What I feel and what dictates my mood has no bearing on what the Lord has planned. His agenda will still play out. I will struggle and I will triumph. I will laugh with my whole heart and I will cry with my whole being. We all threaten to wave the white flag at some point in our lives, yet we’re given precious moments of rest to savor and through it all, He reigns.

Regardless.

He reigns!

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deut. 8:2-3)

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