"At their wits' end......."

Have you ever been at your wits' end?  What are wits anyway?  Are you sure we all have wits?  Does it mean you can outwit someone or that you just have a brain?  Regardless of what "wits" really are, you know when you are at your wits' end.

So, again I ask....have you ever been at your wits' ends?  Whether your dog just threw up on your clean laundry, you can't find your wallet and keys, or you just got a serious diagnosis from the doctor, you know when you are at your own personal wits' end. You feel it in your gut.

What can we expect of God when we are at our wits' end?  That is the question for Christians.  We know God is faithful but even some light readings of Scripture or remembered Sunday School lessons remind us that heroes of the Bible didn't have it easy.  Some didn't even survive their crises.  Godly people give testimonials about their faith journey and struggles and we are moved to tears by the grace God shows as He moves them through very serious, difficult, even crushing experiences.  We hear them say that God is more important than circumstances, but do we really believe it?  Do we want to be a hero of the faith or give that kind of testimonial ourselves?  I don't I guess.  I thought I did. Somehow as you age, things become scarier.  Children become more precious and life more fragile.

"They were at their wits' end.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,

and He brought them our of their distress."  Psalm 107: 27-8

Scripture is full of promises.  We are promised God is with us always.  He is faithful when we are faithless.  He is able to bring us out of our distress.  Does he fix the circumstances?  Sometimes.  Do we learn and grow through them---yep.  It comes down to faith and trust. What we can expect from God is the very best for us in His way and His plan.  How can we argue with that?  

Tackling Giants.......

David hurried toward Goliath.  Amazing!  He HURRIED toward a giant--a giant with weapons!  When was the last time I hurried towards any problem of mine?  What can I learn from little David?

Goliath was challenging the Israelites.  He was in their territory.  He taunted them.  He cried out twice a day, morning and evening with his threats instilling fear in the whole army and nation.  My problems cry out to me daily.  The most persistent problems are in my territory---my family, my home, my job, my own heart.  Sin and unbelief taunt me daily, often more than twice a day.

The Israelite army was afraid.  The daily taunts, the size of the giant, his weapons....all struck fear.  The worries I have, the things I think I cannot handle, the broken places in the lives of those I love...all seem too BIG and scary and they taunt me and frighten me.  Daily I look at these problems and shiver in fear.

David's brothers and the rest of the Israelite army saw Goliath as a physical threat.  They saw a need to fight in an earthly sense.  They wanted an earthly hero.  Each man wanted someone else to rise to the challenge.

"Coincidentally" Jesse, David's father sends him on an errand right at that time.  David is sent to bring some snacks to his brothers in the army at the battle front just in time to see and hear Goliath's threat.
How often has God purposed something in my life to just "happen" at the exact moment when He has a plan for me that I don't even see yet?  David could have complained at the interruption to his shepherding duties and the need to find someone to cover his flocks while he took this journey.  He went and he found someone to take care of the sheep in his absence.

Aside:  Ever wonder why Saul doesn't fight Goliath?  After all he was the mighty king!  He was well known for his battle prowess.  What scared him off?  What had changed in his view of life?  Did his attitude as leader infect his army?

David spoke boldly to Goliath despite the mocking and lack of support from even his own brothers.  David's confidence was in the Lord God Almighty.  Although I claim to have faith and confidence, do I speak boldly?

David HURRIED toward Goliath and the enemy army!  Do I hurry, confident in faith that the Lord will provide success?  Imagine hurrying into trouble!  Hurrying towards a giant!

When God "coincidentally" puts us in a position to speak His Word, or do His Work I need to hurry forward and speak boldly. If a fourteen year old shepherd who was resented by his brothers and seen as insignificant even in his own family had enough faith to rush boldly forward and slay a giant, how can I hold back?  I Samuel 17:  45--47

Super Heroes...or Heroines.....

Movies are full of them. Comic books have always revolved around them.  You can dress like them at Halloween.  Your birthday party can carry the theme. Toy and department stores are full of playthings and sheets and clothes showing off our favorites.  Playground discussion revolves around who is better among these heroes, each with a remarkable "super power" that we envy and covet.  Perhaps the one we choose as our favorite tells something about what we yearn to be....well, maybe not. Maybe we just like the color of the costume or imagine flying over the city at night taking in the sights as we soar towards the bad guy!

Now me, I don't want to catch up with the bad guy.  I just want to do the flying!  I also covet the perfect figures of the women super heroes and their gorgeous hair!   Ah, but I digress.......

Why are we so fascinated with these super heroes?  Why is the theme continually a block buster in movies and marketing?  We imagine ourselves greater than we are.  I often wonder if we are more excited about being "super" than doing the "super deeds".  We smile as our children enjoy the fantasy of these super characters, but we know it is just make believe.  Soon they will come to understand the limits of human strength, but in the meantime.......

                 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power."  I Corinthians 4: 20

Do we as modern day Christians, full of scientific knowledge and superior understanding of what makes the world go around---do we realize that our God is "supernatural"?  What is supernatural anyway?  Seen any water turned into wine lately?  Any members of your neighborhood Bible study walked on water or ordered their grass to grow greener?  Before you get too upset at my flippant attitude, think about it! Do you realize that your God is supernatural?  And, but the way, what does that even mean? 

The Bible tells us over and over again that "with God nothing is impossible". (Luke 1: 37)  That He is the ultimate power.  That there is "incomparably great power for those of us who believe--the same as the power that raised Jesus from the dead"! (Ephesians 1: 19 & 20. Do you feel powerful?  

I don't think I will be donning my super hero costume any time soon, but I wonder if I act and live every day as if I have power from My Father through the Holy Spirit.  Do those who see me live my life realize that there is a power within me that is greater than just being a "nice person" who helps folks in need?  Do I show the optimism of one who knows that a powerful God is in charge and therefore I can have peace despite trouble and pain?  Does the confidence of one who has a Father who created and controls the entire universe show in my choices, my words, my deeds?   Am I afraid of setting God up to fail by claiming His promises publically?  

Everyone wants a super hero.  But everyone doesn't know that they have one in a loving God and Father who sacrificed His Only Son for each of them despite their unworthiness. Can I let the super hero show through me to a world who cries out for saving? And, yes, it is indeed God in me, not me myself who has the power.  How gracious of Him to share it with His children.  xo

My Mother's Hands.........

I saw an episode of the old TV show "Twilight Zone" when I was growing up and it didn't really register then, but lately I am haunted by it. No, it isn't because of scary monsters or aliens. The story was narrated by a pretty young girl who was in love with a wonderful guy and planning her wedding or something very uplifting. Just as the story is about to climax with a happy ending, the woman narrating the story of her life looks down and sees an old woman's wrinkled and gnarled hands. She realizes in horror that those are her hands and she was that young girl, but now she is old and in a facility of some sort, and that joy is just a dream of the past.

WOW! Age alert! I have been looking at my self and seeing my mother since I became a mother myself. As I grew older, I sorta reflected her body style although she was smaller of frame than I am. Now I look at my hands and I see my mother's hands from the days when I cared for her at the end of her life. I see an old woman's gnarled, age spotted, and wrinkled hands. Despite the jewelry worn to brighten them up, my hands are now her hands--the hands of an old woman.

So, I think of that "Twilight Zone" episode and the shock that the narrator feels in realizing that she is at the end of her life and not in Chapter 1 planning her future. Why is this concept of aging so startlingly sad? Why did the author of this story see horror in a woman's discovery that she was old and not still that pretty young girl? Why do I get so misty looking down at my own hands, a reflection of my mom's hands, and not feel proud and wise and stronger because of living a life that has been full and rich and is still going on forward. I still have a future.

If you haven't stopped reading by now or gotten too depressed, let me tell you the other thought that comes to mind when I see my mother's hands in my own. I remember her love, her kind touch, her patience, her gift of teaching, her crazy obsession with saving stuff since she grew up in the depression. I remember that she loved Jesus and taught me to do so also. She made sharing and putting others first fun. We talked and talked and talked and grew together despite our difference in age. We prayed. She touched my children's lives and left indelible marks of distinction. She made me a better wife. Mostly she reflected Christ. Her faith was her core.

Even when she was crotchety and made mistakes, she came back to Scriptural truth, repented, and loved all the more.

I miss her. And so I want to make looking at my old hands and seeing my mother's hands a kind of reminder for the rest of the life God blesses me with on earth. I want to be like my mother, but more so, I want to be like My Father in Heaven--just as she taught me......I see her smile!xo

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children,

talk of them when you sit at your house,

when you walk by the way,

when you lie down and when you rise up." Deut. 6: 6, 7

Not even muddy......

I don't know if you remembered or not, but I didn't. We all know that God parted the Red Sea to allow the Children of Israel to escape Egypt, but I hadn't noticed that He did it again in Joshua's time! In the book of Joshua chapter 3 we find that the Israelites were blessed by God parting the Jordan River as they set off to take the promised land.

"The priests stood on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan,

and all ofIsrael crossed over on dry land..." Joshua 3: 17

OK, we know God can do great stuff. We know He parted waters before. And later in the New Testament we find Jesus, His Only Son, walking on water! We modern readers of the Bible get used to these 'everyday miracles' from Scripture and we nod and read on.

But it struck me--their feet didn't even get muddy!! OK, a small point, but really! God parted waters, but shouldn't the ground at least have been wet? We are told all crossed over on DRY ground. Not so amazing when you remember that in leaving Egypt and wandering in the desert headed towards the promised land, the Israelites didn't have to worry about food or new shoes. God provided. OK, we know He provides. But right down to the detail of having the ground be DRY!? A small thing perhaps, but nonetheless, a muddy crossing would have been not only yucky, but just one more obstacle to get through.

God provided a dry path. He thought of that little detail. So, I wondered.....how often does God prepare the way for me down to the minutest detail and yet I somehow still complain or miss the miracle? A quick review of my life shows God has indeed blessed me greatly. Right down to the very last little detail of His perfect planning. Did I always notice at the time? Did I complain in my prayers? Did I rebel at times against not getting what I thought was the right thing for my plans?

The question for today, then is ...What is God doing for you--right down to the very smallest detail? Are you noticing? Or, are you too caught up in what you had in mind?

Do we sometimes have to trudge through the mud? Yep, but start noticing the times that God perfectly prepares a way for you and thank Him for it. Good thing He is in charge, huh?

Little by little......

Remember the Little Engine that Could? The point of the story was that even though he was little, the Little Engine could climb high hills and succeed in his trips if he thought he could---"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." Self confidence and tenacity--good lessons for both our kids and ourselves. Little by little he succeeded and we strive to do that in our lives today. First school and/or college, then the job, then the relationships, then the family, goals for our children as they grow, retirement--not necessarily in that order. Quitting is not an option. We want to succeed. We know we can!

But what if success as we define it comes "little by little? What if we don't get there fast enough--or rather on our own timeline. Do we work ever the harder? Do we believe in ourselves all the more? Do we try a different route? Maybe. What if God intends this particular journey in your life path to be "little by little"?

The Children of Israel certainly had a BIG lesson in the concept of "little by little". They were slaves in Eqypt. Rescued in miraculous ways by God and led by Moses to the promised land. Yet, they didn't get there right away. They complained and bemoaned their fate asking for water, food, meat, and a tangible idol to show them God. They waited. They waited. They worried. They fussed at their earthly leaders. Then finally when they do reach the border of this infamous promised land--God says this....."The Lord your God will drive out the nations before you 'little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest........" (Deut. 7: 22)

The lest in this case was that wild animals would move in and take over the land if all the Canaanites were destroyed at once and it took awhile for the Children of Israel to develop the land for crops, herds, and cities. Now, you might say, "God could have kept the animals at bay".

You might say, "God could have sped things us." Surely a loving Father God understood the impatience of His people as they had waited and travailed so long to reach the jackpot--and here it was, yet they had to go slowly. "you will be UNABLE to destroy them all at once...."

What kind of God is this? Why is it always that He does things on HIS timeline? He knows we are frail and impatient. He loves us. He made us. He ought to get it that we would be able to be so much more faithful if He would only move things along more quickly. Why we can see exactly how things should work out for us and when and why. Not only that, but He said they would be UNABLE--why couldn't He just give them the super ability and move along!

Preachers would tell us that God uses this kind of situation to teach us, humble us, grow us, show us our dependence on Him and Him alone. He shows us that He knows the timeline and the best way and timing for all things in our lives. We have heard the sermons. God sees it all, made it all, controls it all, and will do all for our good and His purposes. (Romans 8: 28)

Somehow knowing all that doesn't make it any easier. As individuals we have plans and visions. As families we want things now for our children. As businesses we know what is best for our enterprise now. As Christians, when we pray, we want answers now. We want the things we yearn for and the ministries we care about to prosper now. We know how much better things will be all around when we get what we think is important right now. But we are unable.......

So then is our Father in Heaven deliberately slowing us down in achieving what we want? Is He putting up roadblocks? Is He making us wait--disabling us? Do we stop even trying so hard--give up persistence and tenacity and perseverance (all Biblical teachings)? Why 'little by little"?

I was struck as I read the passage in Deuteronomy about the slowing down of the Children of Israel in their so long awaited entrance into the promised land. What is God holding me back from and does He have good reasons? What am I holding myself back from by not trusting and obeying Him? How can I pray for others who wonder and worry and weaken their faith when goals are not achieved--prayers don't seem to be answered? Questions to ponder in the life of faith. Questions without immediate answers maybe, but often I find that God teaches me the most as I look back and reflect on things He did His way that I would have done so differently and in a very different time frame. I wouldn't give up even one of the blessings He has bestowed upon me --none of which I would have had I hurried on and gotten things my way.

All of this teaches me that His ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55: 8 & 9)and I better slow down, pray, spend time in His word, and listen. His timing is the only timing that counts.

Undivided hearts...."

Ever hear of Twila Paris, the Christian musical composer and singer? She did this wonderful song that I won't hum or sing to you--aren't you glad? It is about having an 'undivided heart" for the Lord. In fact, the chorus is "give me an undivided heart..place a new spirit in me". Sounds like a reminder to seek God first. It also sounds like today's politics.

Given the state of the nation, the upcoming presidential election, and the Republican primary in process; the news is full of division. Yet candidates call for unity--not division in their ranks. Most everyone has his or her own idea of how to straighten out our nation, at least those who care. I still think there are folks who just want to live day to day and shop at the mall. Unless it really hurts them personally, they could care less. This class of folks makes for an interesting voting block--or non-voting block! Then there are the folks who believe strongly that their way is the only way. Match that group up against the folks who are afraid of social and moral issues--or those who only want to talk about social and moral issues. Are they afraid that someone will tell them what to do--more so than is done already? There are the blame shifters and finger pointers who see sins in the closet of everyone but their candidate or their own lives. Divided as a nation? I think so, and so do the pollsters who show figures like 46% want this and 44% want that. The group polling higher is often a function of last night's TV news. What did we fight the Civil War for? Is this democracy? Will special interest groups win the day? What about the silent majority--is there one--a majority I mean? Where is our 'union'?

So I ask myself, both politically and spiritually--do I have an 'undivided heart'? Can there be one person or one opinion or one truth out there in this world that is really true and worth fighting for? Or will we always have to compromise? When is standing up for something and not giving in the correct state of mind and action? When is being willing to give a bit to meet the needs of others a better course?

I admit that I admire anyone who won't give in when he or she believes in something. Even when I disagree, I admire tenacity. But the real issue is what to believe in. Since time began that has been the rub as Shakespeare would say. I believe in God. You believe in Allah. Someone else doesn't believe at all. Even among those who believe in God, the Christians argue over doctrine and issues of faith. All those engaged in the argument believe that they are right. So, they fight on.

"Teach me Your way, O Lord and I will walk in Your truth;

Give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your Name."

Psalm 86: 11

Guess that solves my problem. When I seek the Lord and learn of His Ways, then I will know the truth and walk in it. So, I pray ..."give me an undivided heart" that I may do just that and then guide me to apply that Truth to your world here on earth. Not an easy task, but we have the ultimate Helper. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...." Proverbs 1 xo

ENOUGH......

Often spoken in disgust when we want someone to just stop something that is bothering us. Or a thought spoken aloud, or in our hearts when we look around the world and want the bad stuff to end. What about this......

"The material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done--

indeed too much." Exodus 36: 7

Enough in the sense of not needing more. A big Thanksgiving dinner leaves us feeling we have had enough. But usually we want more. Rarely are we 'filled up' in the areas of life that really count--areas like love, contentment, material goods. Did I say areas of life "that really count"? Can we have enough love; when is enough too much and we stray into obsession or spoiling our kids? Material goods--we have all heard the sermon about 'fixing our wanters' and learning to differentiate needs from wants. Are we good at practicing what we preach or have heard preached? Not so much.

This verse in Exodus tells that the people had given so much to the building of the tabernacle and the outfitting of the priests, etc. that they had to be asked to stop bringing offerings. These were the same 'stiff-necked' folks that had built the golden calf and whined to Moses for bringing them into the desert. You'd think that they would have learned, but some continued to sin and want more or maybe just different stuff than they had. Yet God renews His covenant with them through Moses' mediation and they start again with grateful hearts to give to and serve the Lord. Were they just overwhelmed that they had another chance? Were they fickle? Were they ignorant of God's power and mercy? Were they just afraid?

The idea of ENOUGH strikes me as interesting in the arena of faith and not just material things or offerings. I whine when I don't have what I want to eat or enough money to comfortably pay the bills and buy something I want but don't need. I worry about big things (to me) like wells drying up and water pumps breaking (to the tune of almost $900 to repair). I fret over prayers prayed for healing and safety for my friends and family. All the while, I encourage others with Scripture and more prayers said on their behalf. Where is my faith? More aptly--don't I have ENOUGH faith? When is enough ---well just that--enough?

So, I put it out there for you to muse and ponder. Hopefully your pondering will include some Bible and prayer time. Ask God to "increase our faith" like the apostles did in Luke 17. Good idea. Listen for God's voice and direction that you might "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3: 18). Only in knowing Him would it seem that we have any shot at all of learning sufficiency, contentment, love, grace and all the other fruits of His Spirit. We know we will have a good understanding of ENOUGH when we get to Heaven, but I pray that we would seek His Face and come to a better understanding of ENOUGH here and now. Then we can reflect the peace of Christ to those so hungry to know the Good News.

Oh, and in thinking about the Children of Israel in the Exodus story, I think that they were just like us. They were faithful on and off. Scared sometimes, confused, mixed up because of the cultures that surround them with false gods, ideologies, and promises. Impatient....easily upset by circumstances. Those folks in Exodus sound a lot like me. Again I pray to have ENOUGH faith that I would give my all unto sufficiency and even until there is too much--at least some of the time. Forgive me, Lord, when I fail. Thank you for your constant mercy and grace. xo

E.V.O.O.

OK, so I am not exactly a good cook. Really that is an understatement! But, there is hope--I have begun watching the Cooking Channel. Although so far it only makes me hungrier than I was to begin with, I have learned a lot that neither my mother nor the Home Economics teacher taught me (If you don't know what Home Economics is, then you are too young!)

One of the things I have learned is that E.V.O.O. is really 'extra virgin olive oil'. Who knew?? I lived my whole childhood watching my mom use Crisco and never even heard of plain old olive oil.

But now E. V.O.O. seems to be used for everything--it must be good for us or else really cool and popular. Cooks on TV don't even pause to tell the viewer what E.V.O.O. is--you are just supposed to know somehow innately! So now I know--I am not a better cook yet, but at least I am learning the language. Now to conquer things like sear and roux.

My reading of the Bible shows lots of stories about oil and I guess some at least must have been E.V.O.O. According to one reference book I checked, Bible folks had two grades of olive oil also--the premier grade for lamps, cosmetics, and ritual offerings and anointings. The lower grade was for cooking. So, OK, now I know that I am really behind the times in knowing my olive oil!

A favorite "oil" story of mine is found in I Kings 17. Elijah is sent by God to a widow in Zarephath to find lodging and food. The widow points out that she and her child are starving--there is only enough flour and oil to make one more small meal before they die. Clearly she is not feeling hospitable. Elijah responds with that much used command in the Bible, "Don't be afraid". He tells her to make the small meal for him first, and then promises that the "jar of flour will not be used up, nor will the jug of oil run dry until the Lord provides"...(in this case through rain to end the famine). Amazingly, the widow complies and after feeding Elijah, finds that indeed her provision is secure --God's promise is true. I don't know exactly how long the dry spell lasted in Zarephath, but the jist of the story is that obedience to God brings provision. God provided for His prophet and the widow He chose to serve.

What does this have to do with my cooking skills or lack thereof? Should I pray to be a better cook? Sure, but it is the widow's willingness to obey and the overflowing jug of oil representing daily provision from God that strike me as most significant. Maybe this widow was so discouraged and worried about what she saw as the impending death of herself and her child that she chose to listen to Elijah. What did she have to lose? Have you ever obeyed God or taken a leap of faith because you had nothing to lose? Would God prefer that we serve and obey out of deep love and devotion and trust in Him? Yes, but does He honor obedience and the taking of chances in our lives? I believe He does.

We don't always 'get it'. Reading the Bible tells us over and over again that things God asked of His people often seem ridiculous and unachieveable to earthly eyes. Neither did God's chosen in Scripture always make wise choices, nor remain sinless--yet He used their lives and loved them and saved them nonetheless. "Amazing love.....that saved a wretch like me...."

Now when I hear E.V.O.O. on the Cooking Channel, I will think of the widow. I will remember her trust and faithfulness and willingness to gamble all to feed God's prophet Elijah first before herself and son. I will remember that she probably was afraid despite the admonishment not to be. I will be reminded that I need that kind of faith and that kind of trust in God's provision. God's economy is not based on the GNP. Unless by GNP we mean "God's Natural Provision" for His children and even the rest as 'the rains falls on the just and unjust'.

God planned our lives before the foundations of the earth and He knows every step of the way. He is in 'large and in charge' as they say. I am glad that I have a little reminder of His love and provision--now if I could just learn to cook! xo

FAIR....?

Parents hear the cry as do teachers and even bosses---"It's not fair!" Usually there is a whine or slightly hysterical tone combined with a raised voice designed to cause cringes and anger in the hearer. "Life isn't fair--who ever said it was?" is the common reply. And we are right to reinforce the idea and teach our children that life is, indeed, not always fair. But should it be?

Ask a politician and he or she will most likely promise fairness to all. The votes of all are necessary to win the honor of leadership in an elected democracy. Popularity is also a key trait among winners. Honesty....not always so much.

Cynical thoughts to open a discussion of 'fairness'--perhaps, but I wonder what God thinks is 'fair'. Was it fair that the Children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt? Was it fair that Jews were subjects of the Romans in the New Testament? What about the impact of war on citizenry? What about college admissions that have to balance out socio-economically as well as academically. Is allowing a woman to 'choose for her own body' fair to her unborn child--the person he or she would be? What if one son wins the basketball tournament and the younger brother is shy and doesn't seem to excel at anything?

So what does God think is fair? Apparently He thinks it is fair for Him to sacrifice His Only Son for our lousey sinful ways. He thinks it is fair to offer someone multiple chances to become His Saved Child. God seems to indicate through His sovereignty that losing that job you really wanted just leaves your calendar open for what He has planned for you instead. Our Father deems it fair to create us and bless us with gifts and human breath and nature and oh so much more.

True, we all aren't thin blonds. That's what I always wanted to be when growing up--especially in high school. We all can't hit a golf ball to target. We all aren't artists. Certainly we all can't sing or dance. And, we all aren't rich--or are we? Looking with Godly eyes at the fairness of our Loving Father God, life seems to be a bit more fair than we thought--if we look at it His way.

Talking to Him regularly and reading His Word are sure fire ways to learn what 'specialness' God has given you. How wonderful His creation truly is. Is there anyplace you would rather be than "engraved on the palms of God's hands"? (Isaiah 49: 16)

Let us seek God and not so much what seems fair in an earthly sense. In knowing Him, you will come to see God's fairness is so much greater than you would ever find on earth! xo