The Glue That Holds It All Together

“Humble yourselves

under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you in due time,

casting all your care upon Him,

for He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV

Today in the garden I am a bit weary. Today for some reason, the beautiful golden Rudbeckia looks a little paler than usual. I guess it is true that much of what we see is in the eye of the beholder. If our mind is fuzzy, our heart heavy, or our vision clouded because of personal burdens and concerns we see life as overwhelming and the beauty that surrounds us dims as we seek ways to hold together all that we feel is falling apart.

 

Fathers are always concerned regarding the provision and the well being of their family. His hunter, warrior nature makes him passionate for the provision and protection of those he loves. A father often separates himself from his family in order to provide. Father’s are sometimes accused of being absent; when in fact their concern for their family is huge. The harder they work, the more they earn, and the more they earn, the better they can provide for their family.

 

On the other hand, most mothers are always trying to fix what is broken. A mother’s nurturing nature wants to mend broken hearts, fix an emotional crisis, bandage up wounded spirits, nurse sick children, fill empty cupboards, put back together failed relationships, encourage a discouraged spouse, help children change poor grades, and referee all family fights. Even when our children leave home some of these things remain in the heart of a mother. For some reason we believe that we are the glue that holds it all together.

 

Truth be known, God gave every child a mother to care for, guide, teach, and nurture them. He also designated a wife to be the helpmate to her husband. But I have found that when I try to shoulder this responsibility alone my bottle of glue becomes extremely heavy! By nature we women are fixers. Often our need to fix another’s problem is not received well. It has been my experience, that when my overtures of offering to apply the glue of my knowledge  is declined, I feel rejection. Even when my adhesive is love-based it may not always be received well. Often the score of my success rate in helping those I love is zero to none! I find that when this happens my spirit is crushed, I become weary and often fearful for the one who is experiencing the difficult time. At times I become angry when someone I love won’t allow me to do my job. After all, I am a master fixer and what good is a full bottle of glue without something or someone to repair? Being the fixer can be a curse!

 

Today as I am walking in the garden, I can’t help observing the sad black eyes of the pale Rudbeckia. The sad little faces on these flowers remind me of the faces of so many people I know and love. Some are family members others are close friends. My burden for each one of them is heavy. But the Master Gardener has a fix. Not for them but for me. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV

 

God's Word tells us that we are to humble ourselves before God and cast our cares on him. He will glue our broken heart, lift our head, soothe our painful concerns and reassure us that he loves those we love more than we do. Our prayer must simply be, “Lord, I trust you with         ____________.” Of course, we can never be certain of how someone will respond to God, but we can be sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that God hears our prayer, he will convict if need be, he will send other people to the side of those we love, he will provide opportunity for them to respond to him, he will call them, he will intercede in prayer for them, and he always stands ready to receive them when they humbly reach up and take his hand.

 

Leaving the garden gate I simply pray, “God I trust you with ___________.” As I glance over my shoulder for one last look at the Rudbeckia, their sunny little heads now seems brighter! This is a very visible sign to me that my God is on the job. I can rest in him because I have cast my cares on Him. I can now pray confidently because I know that God is on the job. I pray and he glues and fixes all those who will come to him. There may still be cracks and scares of brokenness and sorrow but God is able to put together that which we thought was beyond repair. My job is not to glue but rather pray and trust the Father.

 

As God leads me, I will continue to apply the glue of love and encouragement to those whose hearts will receive me. In addition, I will always make sure that the glue I use will have that “extra ingredient” of me trusting God as I bring my cares and concerns to him regarding the ones I love. You see, God is the glue that holds our lives together and he uses us to do his work of applying the glue of his love and displaying his grace.

 

Questions:

1. Do you sometimes feel that you have too many people to care for?
2. Do you feel burdened by the needs of others?
3. Are you a fixer?
4. What are the dangers of you trying to meet everyone’s needs alone?
5. Have you considered casting your cares on Jesus?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Forgive me for bearing my burdens alone. Help me not to rush ahead of you in my attempts to help and mend those I love. Yes, moms are the glue that holds the family together but help me to remember that I was never meant to work alone. Jesus, help me to cast my cares on you everyday because you care for me and you also care for those I love and cherish. Jesus, today I trust you with ___________, and ________, and __________.

 

In your name I pray. Amen

The Blindfold of Fear

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:14 NIV

 As I make my way to the garden this morning I am thinking about the fact that walking in faith is walking through life trusting Jesus for all we do not know or understand. A trusting faith knows that some secrets are known to God alone. It occurs to me that when I walk in faith I also walk in joy.

 

Some people have the good fortune of going through life flying by the seat of their pants with not much concern for planning or organization. These people do not fret, they do not make lists, and they are simply content to just do what comes next. Unfortunately for me, I am driven by organization, list making, planning for what lies ahead, and getting my ducks in a row so that they can waddle in a straight line. Trusting in the unknown future is not my forte!

 

As I approach the garden, it is no surprise that the Master Gardner is standing at the gate and is in the process of swinging the garden gate wide open for me to enter. I think it would be an understatement to say that he is always happy to see me. We begin to walk and I notice beautiful branches of bright orange and red bittersweet providing a backdrop for a patch of beautiful yellow lilies. I begin to share with Jesus that my life is bittersweet. On a regular basis I experience ups and downs, joys and sorrows, hills and valleys. Both the good and the bad seem to salt and pepper my life. I reluctantly admit that the downs, the sorrows, and the valleys of the future are the experiences that concern me the most. I explain to Jesus that I hate blind faith; in fact it scares me to death.

 

Jesus then begins to teach me about faith. “Paula, you have it all wrong.” That statement comes as no surprise to me! Then he continues, “Walking in faith does not mean that you are to walk as though you are blindfolded, groping in the darkness, worried about stumbling over a rock, or tripping on a tree root, or worse yet, falling into a black hole.”

 

I eagerly ask, “Well Lord, what does it mean?” He replies, “Walking in faith is walking every day in the joyful light of my presence. It is steadily walking towards your goal of finishing life well and meeting me face to face in heaven. Walking by faith is setting aside all that Satan designs to trip you up. When you walk in faith you choose to press on toward the goal so that you will win the prize for which you have been called heavenward. Walking by faith is enjoying the garden and expressing gratitude for all that I have given you. Remember, even when life takes much away, I make sure that at least one thing will remain in order for you to give thanks. I promise you I will never leave your side. You must always give thanks for the obvious good and search for the hidden good as well.”

 

After this conversation it didn’t take much for me to realize that many times less is more. My possessions and my “good lifestyle” are simply a heap of frivolous trinkets and tokens of happiness, instead of real joy. It all is bittersweet and meaningless in the whole scheme of things, because in reality Jesus Christ is all I need and more than enough. My hope of heaven and my eternal reward is the icing on the cake. But to be perfectly honest, I enjoy all the good things in my life. What I don’t enjoy is taking care of those things. The maintenance fee for all we own is a high price to pay as it often robs us of what is pure, lovely, and lasting.

 

So today I want to sit a spell and dream in the garden about what my life would look like if life was not so demanding and my schedule so hectic. What would my life look like if my responsibilities were not so restraining, and if I didn’t have so much to care for? If God and I could simplify my life what would the results be? What suggestions would he have for my life? How radical would some changes be? How would all this simplicity free me up for what God says is really important?

 

Most of the time life just whips me along at a pace almost faster than sound! It’s a rare moment when I sit down and consider any radical change in my life. Recognizing and cutting the strings that bind me and discovering what is necessary and what is not is a challenge.

 

It would be unwise to clear out all of the things in our life that make us unhappy, because many times those things are necessary. For instance throwing the crying baby out with the bath water would be unwise. We have been entrusted to take care of our children no matter how hard it is or how much time it requires.  God also holds us accountable for the marital commitment we made to our spouse. Our marriages are sacred and our vows are to be honored, even if there are problems in our marriage. God also calls us to help others. Our work is both necessary and a privilege. Where we work and the amount of time we spend at work may be a matter for consideration, but basically our work is a high priority. Being a caregiver to someone is very difficult but it is also a service that is pleasing to the Lord. So what remains? What can be eliminated, scaled down, or adjusted in our life?

 

All premeditated change must be evaluated under the illumination of the light of Jesus. What would he have me set aside or give up? That is not to say that a simplified life will not continue to be busy but somehow because God is in control he multiplies our time for his glory and our good. Simplicity can be an enormous step in freeing us up to find, follow, and fellowship with Jesus. We must have faith that God has HIS plan for our life on his radar.

When God speaks of change in our life, all that is lacking is courage. Will MY lack of courage send me scampering under the brush in the garden like a timid mouse? Or will I call upon GOD’S courage to rise up within me enabling me to stand up and walk like a courageous lion. We must free up time for Jesus because it is during this time that our faith renewed. We remember that Jesus is the solid rock on which we stand. We learn his promises and we learn to lean on them as well. We see the faithfulness of God and we then have the courage to remain faithful. We learn to trust instead of fear.

“The Lion from the Tribe of Judah” lives within the hearts of all believers. We must climb upon his back and be courageous! We must walk in simple faith, not as one blindfolded with fear but as one who knows the One who holds our future can be trusted. Learning to trust the one who goes before us frees us up to enjoy more of the garden. Jesus will lovingly lead us to places we have never been before. This may be a major move, a simpler lifestyle, a dependency on someone else, a balanced budget, a new found quiet time, or time to actually enjoy our family. We must learn to trust God for the courage to throw out the unnecessary to make room for the necessary. Much of what we do is important but if we look closely we will see where we waste time and where we are expecting too much of ourselves. We will even learn how to say no to good things in order to make room for God's best.

 

I want to joyfully walk into the future. Until that day I want to walk deeper into the garden. I do not believe that it is God’s will for my life that I grope in the darkness fearing the possibility of stumbling or falling on whatever danger I perceive may be ahead. It is God’s will that I walk in the warm shining light of his love and grace as he shows me what I should sit aside and what I must embrace as I joyfully walk towards the prize.

 

Questions:

1. Do you relate to wearing the blindfold of fear as you walk into the unknown future?
2. What do you fear the most about the unknown?
3. Is what you fear really true or is your fear based on what you perceive to be true?
4. Do you see that simplicity is a tool you can use to free up some of your time?
5. Would spending more time with God equip you to step out in blind faith and trust God with all areas of your life?
6. Do you know anyone who you could trust more than God with your future?

Prayer:

 

Dear Lord,

 

As I leave the garden today I thank you for your assurance that it is possible for me to have your courage as I walk toward all that is hidden from my eyes. Lord, I ask that you would walk with me as I press on toward the prize. Remind me often that when I walk with you in peaceful trust I am walking in faith. Until I leave this world I will continue to strive to walk with you both in the garden of my heart and in the world of responsibilities and trials. Lord I am grateful for all of my countless blessings and the special joy we share in the garden. This world is beautiful and special in so many ways. I can only imagine what it will be like to walk with you in heaven’s garden. Lord Jesus, even when life deals me an unsuspected blow I thank you for the knowledge that you will never leave me or forsake me. Lord, I confess that sometimes I do not know what to pray. Thank you that you are still near me and will remain by my side until I am able to pray again. Help me Lord to choose to loosen my grip on fear and focus on the knowledge that you are leading me to the most beautiful garden of all. I know that it will be a place of exquisite beauty and perfect peace, a place to rest and relax in your love as I lay down the cumbersome binding burdens of life. I look forward to this garden of joy because it will be a place where the song of the soul will be set free and worship will be untarnished. Until that day help me to simplify my life. Help me to learn the difference between what is necessary and what is not. Help me to release the unimportant things in my life in order to make room for all that is really important. Thank you Lord, that you have not given me a spirit of fear. Help me to choose to trust you in every circumstance I face.

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

Trusting - My Final Answer

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature

of his purpose very clear to the heirs

of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,

we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us

may be greatly encouraged.”

Hebrews 6:17-18 NIV

My favorite vacations take me to places where nature speaks to my soul. That is why I love the beach; the mighty ocean, the beautiful sky and clouds, the sunrises and the sunsets are refreshing for a weary traveler. During my quiet time this morning I was reflecting on a lesson that God taught me the last time I was at the ocean. I began to realize that not only did God create the heavens and the earth; he continues to create new landscapes every day. During my time at the beach I became conscious that the sky never looks the same. Each and every day the ocean appears to look the same yet everyday it is completely different! It occurred to me that I will never experience the same sunrise. I marveled at the ever changing diversity to be found in each evening sunset. This Divine creativity fills me with wonder! My spirit continues to rejoice in knowing that God is on the job each and every day painting magnificent wonders all over our earth for the enjoyment of those he loves. A God like this can without a doubt be trusted.

It is also God’s faithfulness and his unchanging nature that summons my trust. As I observed the rhythm of the waves as they rolled in and continued to crash within their God given boundaries I began to realize that if I am going to live a victorious life as a believer trusting God must always be my final answer!

Another reason that I can trust God is because God’s Word is unchangeable and true. God’s care for his people and his promise to believers regarding eternal life has been sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. God paid a huge price for the purchase of all those who will put their trust in his Son, Jesus Christ. We, who are his children, are loved by our Father. We can trust our Father. God confirmed his promise to his heirs in two ways. First God spoke truthful words on the matter of his unchanging purpose of what was promised very clear and then sealed his words with an oath. The Word of God also speaks of God’s character in stating that it is impossible for God to lie. As his children we should be greatly encouraged because God’s Word regarding his purposes and our hope is faithful and true. It is very clear to me that God can be trusted.

Why then is the act of trusting God such a struggle for me? If only I could learn to go straight to trust I would avoid so much of the emotional grief that takes place during the prolonged process of finally arriving at the point of trusting God with my situation. I would spare myself so much stress, worry, and sleepless nights if I could only learn to go immediately to trust. I know in my heart that I must eventually surrender all of my fears and my control if I am ever to arrive at trust and experience God’s peace on every single thing that concerns me. As a believer, I know that trust is not something that can be skipped over or compromised if I am to be an overcommer. My ability to trust God is crucial to me living a victorious Christian life.

When I am at the ocean the birds also help me understand God’s care. The sea gulls, the pelicans, the sandpipers all seem to have their own personal message. The sandpipers run frantically to and fro. If that’s not a picture of me I don’t know what is! Pelicans search for food, yet God provides the fish. The peaceful sea gulls glide through the sky on wings of trust never once fearing that they will fall. Oh, to be a sea gull!

I am reminded of the verse in scripture where the psalmist David, tells me about God’s holy wings. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV I am moved to tears to realize that God tucks me under his wing and covers me with his feathers of love. When I will allow it, God holds me so close to his heart that I can hear his heart beat in love for me. God is my safe house, a place of refuge, my comfort. God has been faithful to me in the past, he will be faithful to me today, and he will be faithful in all of my tomorrows. God is my protection in every circumstance. Of course, if I am to serve this God who cares for me so completely, my final answer must always be trust!

God may not show up the exact day I choose and he may not bring with him the suitcase full of the “goodies” that I ordered, but if I trust him, the bottom line is that he will show up! If I don’t believe that God will show up then I don’t believe the Bible. Could it be that I have forgotten that God cannot lie? Could it be that I have cut out of my Bible all of the verses regarding God’s faithfulness? I must anticipate and look for God’s arrival because the Bible says that if I call he will come to me in my time of need and if I trust him he will provide for my needs.

The Bible is full of God’s promises. However, many of those promises are contingent upon us obeying our part of the promise. God often says, I will do this when you do that. If I am waiting for God to make good on his promise, perhaps I should check myself and see if I have fulfilled my part of the promise.

It is pretty humorous that at times I build walls of protection around myself because I fear that God will disappoint me. This is a very lame attempt on my part for self-protection and maintaining control. It is a bit like going into battle wearing the armor of plastic wrap to ward off the bullets of life and the poisonous arrows of Satan.

As a believer I MUST believe that God will show up! What harm is there in that? What is the harm in trusting God? It seems that the most logical step in attaining God’s peace while I wait for his arrival is simply to climb up on top of the wall of self-protection that I have built around myself and jump straight into the everlasting arms of Jesus.

When I honestly think about it I realize that I will not be one bit better off by choosing not to jump! Would you agree that sometimes it seems that things could not get any worse than they already are? Maybe it is at this point that Satan shows up and says, “Oh yes they can”, and he fills our minds with the unthinkable and we take three steps backwards from the edge of the wall and refuse to jump into the invisible future. We refuse to trust our Savior. But wait a minute, isn’t it a Savior’s job is to get us safely home not to let us be taken captive by the enemy? We are never sure what God is going to do in the here and now, but we always know what lies ahead in the life to come. As believers, our final answer of trust is always based on eternity.

The bottom line is I will not be better off if I refuse to jump; my life will only remain unsettled, stressful, and full of fear. Circumstances do not change because I stay on the wall. I always have a choice to remain on the wall, but it is in my best interest to choose to mentally jump into the capable care of my Heavenly Father. It is at the point of trusting surrender that peace becomes mine. God immediately catches me when I jump, but it may be a while before he shows up with the answer. Now I must wait in peaceful confident anticipation for his arrival. God may not bring exactly what I asked for but he will choose from his abundant riches in glory exactly what it is he knows I need. Only God knows what I will need in the days ahead. I must learn to trust the One who knows my future. God’s answer will always be one of provision that will go way beyond my wildest expectations. The Bible says that God loves to give good gifts to his children. We are his heirs. God’s answer to our need will reflect his goodness and glorify his name. It is our trusting response to his answer that brings him additional glory. In living or in dying we must trust our Lord. We must know beyond a shadow of doubt, God will always be for us and more than enough in every circumstance.

God’s purpose for my life is for me to love and enjoy him forever. Trust is a key issue in this relationship. I cannot love or enjoy someone I do not trust. In the book of Job, Job says, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21b NIV In every adversity trust was Job’s final answer even when he did not understand what was happening to him. Building walls of protection does not keep us safe. It occurs to me that I have never heard a single person say they were sorry they had trusted God or that God had failed to catch them when they jumped into his arms. I know from personal experience that God cannot do his heavenly work in my life unless I choose to trust him.

Questions:

1. Do you find that trusting God is a challenge for you? Why?

2. Does your lack of trust keep you from living a victorious life?

3. How would trusting God benefit you?

4. What problem do you need to trust God with today?

Prayer:

Dear God,

I thank you that your words are trustworthy. God, as you know, I live in a world that lacks honesty, truth, and integrity. I am extremely comforted to know that in my world where I often can’t trust others I can trust you completely. It is a joy to know that you are a God of character and truth and because of this you cannot lie. Help me God not to trust in myself but give me the courage to jump into the air of invisible trust and land safely in your arms of love and care. God I pray that I would not focus on the outcome but rather on you. God, Satan tries to convince me that if I trust you bad things will happen. Protect me from those lies. God you have taught me that perfect love casts out all fear. Father, give me your perfect love so that I will not fear the unknown. Father, I don’t want to be the stumbling block that keeps you from accomplishing your holy work in my life. So today I climb to the top of my wall of self-protection and choose to jump straight into your arms of care. Yes, God today I choose to trust you for _________________ and that is my final answer.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

God Loves the Impossible

“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.

Is anything too hard for me?”

Jeremiah 32:26 NIV

It is a beautiful summer morning in North Carolina. I’m pretty sure that today it will be a hot one! But today, in the garden of my heart, the season is spring! In my mind I anticipate a comfortable spring day as I head for the garden in search of new green plant shoots pushing their way through the winter soil. As I walk I just can’t help singing! “Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, oh what a beautiful morning, everything’s going my way!” In the distance I spy some beautiful yellow tulips raising their heads to the sky as they welcome the morning sunlight.  It  occurs to me that this is a wonderful way to anticipate answers to my prayers. God, it is a beautiful morning, I lift my head in praise because I believe with all my heart that everything that I pray for is going to come my way!

If I really believe this then why do I allow Satan's lies to influence my thinking and make me falsely believe that some of my prayers are impossible and will never be answered? God’s Word teaches exactly the opposite. “…How gracious he will be when you cry for help. As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” Isaiah 30:19  It is possible I might feel uncertain because I fear the results. I want the outcome of my prayers to be according to my will not God’s will and I fear he will not agree with me. On the other hand, I often view God's delays as a "no" instead of a delay of love. I must be willing to wait for God's perfect timing. Most of the time I want the answer and I want it now! I must confess there have also been times when I wondered if God even heard my prayer.

I also think that many times I don't believe that my God is big enough to get the job done. All of these scenarios really do seem like big problems but actually, they should be of no concern to me at all! To live more positively regarding answers to prayer I must investigate what God says about prayer. I must simply believe that God loves “the impossible” and that he is up to the task of answering all of my prayers in one way or another. I must believe that all of his answers will work for my eternal good.

I have pondered why I would want something I think is good if God has something better? God’s word says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I have also contemplated this question. Why  would I want an answer immediately when God knows that “now” is not in my best interest? “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV God determines our steps because he alone knows the future. God’s delays are often delays of love designed for my protection, my spiritual refinement, and his glory.

God’s Word is very clear on two points. One is that God does hear our prayers. Point two is that the answer is released in heaven even before we finish praying. “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 and “Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.” Genesis 24:15a NIV (Emphasis mine.) Additional reading Genesis 24:1-27.

Another point of consideration is why would I even bother to ask God if I don’t believe he is great enough to get the job accomplished? “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:6-8 NIV (Emphasis mine.)

You see, the message here is that God hears me and releases the answer for every prayer I pray while I am still praying. However, God says nothing of when he will deliver the answer. It is good to know that the moment we pray and even before we finish praying the answer is released in heaven, but not necessarily delivered. We can take comfort in knowing that our request does not lie around in God’s “in box” forgotten because other requests keep piling up on top of our request. No, before we even stop praying God takes our request and stamps on it “done deal!” and places our request in his “out box”. It is also good to remember that God doesn’t even own a box marked “impossible”. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV (Emphasis mine.)

Satan also likes to try to convince me that it is my fault  my prayers are not answered. He suggests that my personal prayer performance is lacking because I do not pray hard enough or as frequently as I should about the situation. He also suggests that maybe I need to drum up a lot more faith! As a result, I chide myself because my imperfect prayer life is so lacking. I scold myself because my faith must not be strong enough to get God to answer my prayer or I would already have the answer. If that truly is the case, I wonder how big of a truck I need to haul my faith up to God’s throne room. Do I need a five ton dump truck or do I need a semi? What if I’m just one faith point shy of an answer?

But thankfully God’s Word simply says surrender your concerns and your prayers into my capable hands. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV Casting our cares and our prayers straight into the lap of God is  the only work we need to do. “… I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20a - 21b NIV (Emphasis mine.)

The small seed of faith simply believes that God is able to answer our prayer. We must also believe that the answer will be God’s best possible answer for our life or the life of the one we are praying for. The answer may be completely different than what we had hoped for because God sees the whole picture. But we can be at peace as a result of trusting that God will answer our prayer according to his perfect will. God promises us that he will work for our eternal good and for the eternal good of all concerned. Jesus’ prayer in the garden was not answered according to what he desired here on this earth, but rather the answer came as the perfect answer for the good of humanity. Most importantly, God answers prayer in a way that is designed to bring him glory. It is hard for me to remember that answers to prayer are always more about God and his glory then it is about me. I seem to get that truth backwards most of the time.

Sometimes God answers our prayer in a way that pleases us to pieces! Just picture God walking toward you with a great big grin on his face because once again he has done the impossible! God is getting ready to bless you and his  glory is shinning all around his answer. The answer is such a “God thing” that you can not doubt that the “impossible answer” came straight from God’s hand and not yours. Never in your wildest dreams would you have thought of this answer! Now you are smiling, laughing, you are beside yourself with joy because this answer is amazing! The Bible is full of God doing the impossible! When God shows up with the answer he will come because the time is perfect. He will come when all things are in place and ready and not a moment before. His answer will be wrapped in love and blessing.

Praying for those we love to come to know Christ can be discouraging. It is important for us to remember God does not force himself on people, the choice is totally theirs. All we really can do is pray that God will call that individual. We can also pray that he would put people in their path to show them the way to Jesus. We can pray that God will speak to them through someone or something that they love. I have seen this happen over and over again. God is faithful to work in the life of unbelievers because believers pray. The Holy Spirit convicts them and shows them their need because people are praying. Remember, even though you may see no evidence that God is at work in that person’s life, he is! God goes to work on your prayer even before you stop praying. Sad to say, we may never witness the complete answer to many of our prayers during our lifetime. I am so thankful that God's delivery of the answer to my prayer is not contingent upon me breathing. Many answers to prayers are accomplished after the one who has prayed has gone on to heaven ahead of the answer. We can always be sure God was on the job doing his part yesterday, he is on the job today, and he will be on the job tomorrow. We pray and God is faithful to draw, yet accepting Christ is always up to the individual.

And so we pray. We present our request to God. We ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse and purify our prayer according to God’s perfect will. We immediately visualize that before we even stop praying God has begun to answer that prayer. We wait day after day. During this time of waiting our prayer begins to change. We no longer focus on the asking. Now in faith believing we began to focus every day on thanking God for the answer that has already been released in heaven and  is on the way. We thank him because he has heard our prayer. We thank him because he is working in our behalf and on behalf of all those we love. We claim God’s answers not for the result we desire, the delivery date or the place of the answer, but rather we live in trusting knowledge that our prayer will be answered when all things are ready. We surrender and commit the final answer to God’s will and we wait in wild anticipation for the perfect surprise that he will choose to answer our prayer! We simply relinquish our control of the outcome into his hands.

I tell you that there has been no greater boost to my personal prayer life than praying this way. Praying with patient expectation always cements my trust. Praying in quietness and trust takes the burden off me and places it with God, where it belongs. In the past I have become exhausted trying to drum up faith and begging God for answers. Then one gloomy day God said to me, “Paula I have a better way. I simply want you to ask and then believe that I am more than able to accomplish what you have committed into my hands. You see, Paula that is trust!”

Believe it or not, when dealing with the impossible, God does not need any of our good ideas as to how to accomplish the answers to our prayers. However, he does need our prayers. God needs our prayers because prayer changes us and because God releases his power when believers pray. Remember, nothing is impossible for God! His mighty answers to our prayers are on the way. Lean into his everlasting arms and be amazed!

Questions:

1. What are the top three things you pray about the most?

2. What prayer do you consider to be your most impossible prayer?

3. Have you ever considered thanking God for his answer that has already been released in heaven and is on the way?

4. Do you believe that prayer changes things?

5. How does prayer change you?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know that you are totally capable of answering all my prayers. Forgive me when I doubt your power and label my prayers as impossible. Forgive me when I try so hard to control the way you answer my prayers. Forgive me when I grow weary in praying the same prayers over and over again. Forgive me when I demand immediate answers to my prayers. Search my heart God and show me how I can surrender my prayers into your competent hands. Help me to begin to pray prayers of thanksgiving for the work you are doing on my behalf and in the lives of all the others that I am praying for. God, I pray that you would replace my doubts with trust. Give me your peace in my prayer life. I thank you God that you are not a deaf, uncaring, unloving god, but rather you are a God who loves me and dares to answer the impossible. Help me to remember that the way you answer prayer is more about you and less about me. Father,  I know you are more than able to answer all of my requests according to your perfect will, even when I don’t understand your timing or your purpose I will choose to trust you.

It is in your Son’s name I pray, as I wait in great anticipation for your perfect answers. Amen.

Asking God For The Insignificant and The Impossible

“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 AKJV

This morning I have already spent a good bit of time in the garden. The air is fresh and clean, the flowers are bright and beautiful, and the quietness is serene. As usual, the Master Gardener has been sitting beside me quietly listening to all my requests. I have my usual requests that are on what I call the “BIG LIST”. These are the things in life that I believe are worthy of God’s time and attention. These are the things that I believe God would think to be important. Most of the time, these requests involve my personal “spiritual” growth. I also give God a shot at all the major disasters in the world, the wars, the government, and the missionaries around the world. Often these prayers are pretty generic and all inclusive.

Another list is the list that contains the requests for the things I have managed to relinquish the results to God. I call this the “STILL TRUSTING GOD FOR THIS” list. These are the prayers that I am certain God has heard and when all things are ready he will send the answer. I know full well his answer will always be according to his will not mine and that when the answer arrives he will be glorified! So as I wait I remind God that I trust him as I wait for his perfect timing, and I will continue to thank him everyday for his answer that I am confident is on the way.

Then I reluctantly bring out the next list. This list is the “IMPOSSIBLE” list. On this list are things I have prayed for years with seemingly no answers from God. These are things that I hope will happen but I’m pretty sure won’t! These are the prayers that are shrouded in doubt. Many of these prayers are for the salvation of people that I don’t believe will ever change because they don’t want anything to do with God.  There are prayers for healing of those who are terminally ill. I also pray that God will change the hearts of people who make decisions for our country. My doubt is not in God's ability to answer. Without a doubt I know he is able. Although God is able it may not be his perfect will to answer according to my will. In the prayer for another's salvation I must continue to pray that God will stir their heart and plant a desire in their heart to know him. I must continue to pray and trust God for what I believe to be impossible.

I excuse myself from the Master and begin wandering around the garden looking at his magnificent handiwork that is found in the details of each flower and leaf. I gradually start to realize that God does care about the smallest of details in nature and in my life. Suddenly, I have the courage to go back and pull out the fourth list that I have shoved deep down in my pocket. This list is the “DON’T BOTHER GOD WITH THIS” list. Most of the time I feel God is so busy with the “BIG” list that he would never want me to bother him with the insignificant things in my life. On this list there are things like praying to find something that has been lost, or getting something I really want but can clearly get along without having. Often I am afraid to ask God for his help in planning a vacation or a major family event. Sometimes I neglect to ask God to help me free up my schedule, or neglect asking him to help me let go of stress. What about my attitude regarding a project that needs to be started? Is it possible that I could dare to ask God for motivation to get off the couch and do the project that I have absolutely no interest in doing? How could I ever be so bold to ask God for good weather, a parking place, or extra money for a home improvement? Can I really go before God and confess my frustration in not being able to find time to do something I enjoy? Can I really ask God to take away my headache? Shouldn’t I just endure it because I know tomorrow it will most likely be gone? Can I ask God to protect my grandson from a bully, or to give my granddaughter a special new friend? Do I dare to ask God to help me eat healthy and exercise?

At this point I find myself running back to the Master Gardener. I now begin a new line of questioning. “Jesus, isn’t it the insignificant stuff in life that gets my underwear in a knot and my mouth blurting out things I later regret. Jesus, I confess that the stuff in life that I consider to be insignificant and seemingly impossible is the very stuff that takes my attitude down the tubes and leads my mind to discontentment and depression. It is this stuff that sets my pity-party in motion. Lord, are these daily insignificant happenings in my life the very things that I can bring to you in prayer? Jesus replies. “You bet! That’s the stuff! Truth be told, you especially need to bring those things to me in prayer because it is those things which affect your emotions and crush your spirit.” I now remember that God’s Word tells me to bring all my frustrations, needs, concerns, desires, and hope directly to his throne so that I may find mercy and grace in my time of need. I know it is true, If I really trust God I will handover to him all of my lists.

The Master Gardner similes and reaches out to take all four of my lists. I am able to surrender two of the lists to his capable hands. He then said, “Paula, I think that one indication of how much you trust me is when you are able to get to the point that you can hand me the most insignificant things in your life and trust me for what you consider to be impossible.

I listen but tears of doubt stream down my cheeks as I reluctantly shove the lists of “the insignificant” and “the impossible” back into my pocket. I tell Jesus that I know he is right but that I just want to go home and rewrite my list and see if I have the courage to release anything on the remaining two lists into his care. I tell him I wish I could give him the entire list but that it is going to take me a little more time. He assures me that he will be here waiting to care for all that I will willingly trust him with. He whispers one last thought of love, “Paula, remember, I am not the enemy. I love you! My child, you have not because you ask not.”

As I walk away I find my self drawn to a bench. I sit and I weep because I am unable to trust. Satan grabs this opportunity to torture my mind with the “what ifs”. What if God chooses something or someone for me that I don’t want? What if God asks me to do something I don’t want to do? What if God chooses not to heal the one I love? What if God allows us to lose our home? What if I am not vindicated? What if something bad happens to the person I am praying for because I am praying for God to do whatever is necessary in their life to bring them to salvation? What if they die? The Holy Spirit reminds me of the truth. I become conscious that my previous thoughts are an attack from Satan, so in the name of Jesus Christ, I send Satan packing.

Still two lists remain in my care. I so desire to be able to surrender these lists to God’s competent hands. I want to believe beyond a shadow of doubt that God cares about all of the things that concern me. I want to know and trust all of God’s promises for me. I want to learn to let go and let God work according to his perfect will, not my will. I want to trade stress for peace. I begin to reflect and remember what God’s Word says. I remember that God has promised to be more than enough in every situation. I remind myself that God is Sovereign. I remember that God has a plan for my life. I remember that God loves those I love more than I do. I remember that Jesus said that in this life I should expect trouble. I am certain that on any given day I can experience both good and bad circumstances. I remember that death is natural and inevitable and that none of us will escape death unless Jesus comes back for his church before we die. I remember that God uses the hardships and brokenness in our life as a tool to change us for the better. I remember that God is love and that he can be trusted. I remember that Satan is the enemy not God! I leave the garden with determination to call upon the Holy Spirit for his help in purging my mind of the “what ifs” and to ask him to empower me so that I can willingly open my hands in humble surrender and release all of my lists to God.

Questions:

1. Have you learned to give God the insignificant things in your life?

2. What are you holding on to?

3. Do you have a major prayer request that you consider impossible?

4. Would you consider giving that request to God today?

5. Can you look back in your life and see God’s faithfulness to you?

6. Do you believe that God is able to give you the courage to trust him with more of your concerns?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

How I long to be able to entrust you with every single thing in my life. I know that often this is a struggle between my fear, the devils “what ifs” and my own personal need for control. Search my heart today God and show me what I need to surrender to your capable hands. You, Father, are the one who has created the world. You are the one who knows my innermost parts. You are the one holds the world together. How can I help but trust you? Father, help my unbelief. Heal me from the sins of control, doubt and fear. Help me to trust you with what I believe to be “insignificant” and “impossible”. Teach me to release all things to your care and then give daily thanks that your perfect answers are on the way. Father, even when I don’t understand your will, your timing, or the outcome you choose, I pray you will help me to be strong and at peace as I choose to trust you completely. I know that sometimes I want what I consider to be “good” but you God, want what is “better and best” for my life. Father, you see the road ahead, I do not. Lord I don’t want to forget that if I call on you, you will answer and you will show me great and mighty things, which I do not know. All of your answers are perfect in every way.

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Beware of the Cave

“The angel of the LORD

encamps all around those who fear him,

 and delivers them.”

Psalm 34:7 NIV

“But the Lord is faithful,

and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

Most of the time my heart’s garden is a beautiful place. However, there are times when pruning is required and rubbish needs to be hauled off and burned. Most of the time I experience extreme joy and comfort in the garden of my heart but sometimes there is deep sorrow and sadness. I have my favorite garden paths that I walk over and over again. In the garden there are benches to sit on to rest. I love to visit the cool streams and beautiful waterfalls because they always seem to  refresh my spirit. The back fence of the garden allows me to look out onto a lush meadow and far away in the distance there stands a high mountain range reminding me of God's majesty. Sometimes I can even put on my “God Glasses” and see the ocean from afar! There are also orchards and trees of every variety and size.  Most of the time, magnificent color abounds under the canopy of blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Occasionally, dark clouds hang over my spirit when I am in the middle of a dark personal storm that has invaded my life. Yet, when I look closely I see the storm is surrounded by God’s showers of blessings and his banner over me is his rainbow of promise. Even in the midst of the frightening storm I can feel God's love.

When I am in the garden I am always on the lookout for something new, different or interesting that I have not noticed in the garden before. Today was one of those days. I found myself following the sweet scent of a confederate jasmine vine entwined with some sweet tasting honeysuckle. I began pushing aside some of the invasive hanging vines and then, much to my surprise, I see an opening to a dark cave.

Curiosity began to get the better of me as I contemplated entering the dark cold cave. From behind me I heard the Gardner’s voice yell stop! I don’t know why but I continued on even though I knew this might not be a safe place. The darkness made me shudder yet I chose to move on into the cave.

Oddly enough, my eyes began to adjust to the darkness. It has been a hot day in the garden and the coolness of the cave offered relief. I consider leaving the cave but decide to stay longer. It didn’t take me very long to become comfortable and accustomed to the darkness.

For me, life has been a bit trying lately and the isolation of the cave seemed freeing, yet I knew down deep inside that the cave was not a place of freedom. I entertain the thought that no one can see me here. Maybe I can hide in here and avoid the problems of my life that are becoming more than I want to accept. Maybe here in the cave I can even hide from God. Maybe it is within this cave of darkness that I can hide my sinful thoughts and actions. Maybe in this dark cave I can stop being accountable for my actions. Down deep in my heart I know that this is not true because my God is an all knowing, all present, and all powerful God. The truth is my God is right here with me in this cave and I clearly hear his voice speak, “Run quickly – back to the light!”

I know deep within my spirit that I must run back into the light of the garden! If I choose not to run I will be positioning myself to become a target for Satan’s destruction. He will begin his work in my mind and if I am not careful I will succumb to his lies. I will push to the side of my mind the mind of my Master and allow self-centered thoughts to dominate my mind instead of listening to the Master. If I disregard the Way of my Master I will brush aside conviction and excuse my sin so I can justify my behavior. If I remain in the darkness of the cave my spirit will become as cold as the cave. If I linger in the cave Satan will whisper his damaging lies and I will become discouraged and depressed. I know that I am seeking relief from the troubles of life but I also recognize that the cool pleasure I feel in the cave is only deception that is shrouded in darkness. If I give in to my selfish desires and put my faith in the false comfort of the cave, I will eventually find myself sitting isolated on the floor of the cave alone, afraid, and wallowing in self pity!

Yes, the cave in the garden of my heart is a curious place. I dare not remain in this abyss of darkness! I look back at the entrance of the cave and I see the “Son is shinning”. This “Son” is the true light. He is the light that gives me life. I run to the light. Upon exiting the cave I notice that the “Son” is especially bright near the top of the tallest oak tree in the garden. Way on the top of this stately old tree I detect the “Son”, Jesus Christ, the Master Gardner. He calls to me and extends to me in love his nail scared hand of grace.

Jesus speaks, “Paula, you do not need to try to escape life and run into the despair of the cave. Come higher my daughter. Do not be depressed, discouraged, lonely, or overwhelmed. Paula, my child, come higher. Climb up here with me in this tall oak tree.” I begin to climb but I notice that Jesus is sitting way out on a very weak and fragile limb. I cry, “Lord, I cannot come, I am afraid.” Still he says, “Come higher, simply trust me.” Come up here for a little while and experience relief from the cares of your life. I want you to rest in my love and care. Come to me for peace and comfort. Come to me for strength and courage. Come to me for understanding. Come to me for rest and refreshment. Bring me your fear and feel the strong arms of my protection. Even out here on this extremely fragile limb I will be with you. Do not be afraid.

Questions:

1. What are you currently experiencing in your life that is hard?

2. Are you tempted at times to run to the cool darkness of the cave as a means of escape from the reality of your situation?

3. Do you understand that the cave is a place where Satan will pull you deeper into discontentment, depression and despair?

4. Is Jesus calling you to climb out on a limb to sit with him and to trust him with your fear?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Restore in me the joy of my salvation! Protect me from the darkness that is found in the caves of sin. Protect me from Satan and his lies that promise me nothing of any value. Father, I praise you for the relationship that we have in the garden. I thank you for your faithfulness to meet me in the garden everyday because this is where I find my peace and comfort. Your joy is my strength. Our relationship is my treasure. Jesus my hope in every situation of life is found in you alone. Help me not to fear going out on a limb with you. Father, I know that even if the limb should break and I should fall, still you will be standing on the ground ready to catch me in your everlasting arms of love.

Jesus, in your name I pray. Amen.

God's Amazing Resume

“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”

Exodus 3:14a NIV

One of the things I have always dreading doing was updating my resume. Yet I have found that in this day and age no one is going to TRUST you enough to hire you unless you can prove to them that you have experience and that you are a good fit for their organization. So when seeking new employment I was faced with trying to put my best foot forward on paper.

Then I began thinking about God and what his resume might look like. When I realize who God is and what his amazing attributes are I discovered that God’s amazing resume enabled me to trust him with my life and the lives of all those I love.

GOD’S NAME

To Moses, God called himself the “I AM” and he told Moses to tell the people that
“I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14b I AM is his name.

That name includes I AM all present, I AM all knowing, I AM all powerful.
I have always been and I will always be. God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The bottom line is I can trust God because his name is the great “I AM.”

GOD’S ADDRESS

“I AM” resides in heaven above, in the earth below, and within our hearts!
“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” Isaiah 66:1a

As believers we know that God lives within our hearts.
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you?

I Corinthians 6:19a God resides in heaven and also within our hearts. He is always at home and is constantly available to you and me.

GOD’S PURPOSE

Redemption made possible to all mankind through sacrificing his son.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believed in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God desires to have a personal relationship with every person he has ever created. God wants to restore you and to have a personal relationship with you.

GOD’S WORK EXPERIENCE From: The Beginning – Throughout: Eternity

Creator of the universe – Creator of you and your inmost being – Design expert – Gardener and landscaper – Miracle worker – Experienced in sea parting – Deliverer of a nation – Experienced in wall demolition – Commander in Chief – Lion tamer – Fire, wind and rain expert – Giant slayer – Great physician – Healer – Wealthy beyond our imagination – Great philanthropist – Expert travel agent and tour guide – Owner of a daily bread distribution company.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Provider – Shepherd – Teacher – Counselor – Acquainted with sorrow – Experienced in personal sacrifice – Oversees and adoption agency – Father – Friend

CIVIC AND SOCIAL

Ability to ignore social and economical status – Serves all humanity – Relational – Active in wedding planning for “His Bride,” the church of all believers.

OTHER

God has as exceptional organizational and people skills – Known for his extraordinary ability to know and hold the future – Has great wisdom and discernment – Possesses way above average ability to love, forgive, and care for mankind.

REFERENCES

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Lord above all Lords and King above all Kings.
Those who serve him can testify to his amazing love and faithfulness.
Satan’s reference is not needed but if asked,
Satan would have to say that, God is awesome enough that he desired to be like Him.
Satan could testify to God’s magnificent power and glory.
Satan would also say that the “I AM” is who the demons fear.

This day I am again reminded that God’s Resume is flawless! His attributes are impeccable! His reputation is perfect! In light of this amazing resume that belongs to my Heavenly Father, how can I not trust God with every detail of my life and the lives of those I love?

Questions:

What is God asking you to trust him with?

Do you need to find God’s strength to help you trust him with your life and the lives of those you love?

What part of God’s Resume gives you the strength to trust him?


Prayer:

Dear Father,

I confess to you today that I do not always trust you immediately. But I know deep down in my heart that I should. Some things are just too scary and uncertain. I have tried many times to trust you but I keep coming up short. I need your help. Help my unbelief. When I see your amazing resume I know that only a fool would choose not to trust you. I need to stay in the garden with you until I feel I am safe in your care. Help me to find your peace through trusting you.

In Your Son’s Name I pray. Amen.