GRIN AND BEAR IT

Yes, I am still sick.

And not feeling up to writing anything *new* this week.

So, I'm posting some words written by John Charles Ryle (1816-1900), who was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool.  He was a writer, pastor and an evangelical preacher.  Ryle was described as having a commanding presence and vigorous in advocating his principles albeit with a warm disposition.

His words fit nicely into a series I used to feature on my blog called "Quaint Words."

And they are most encouraging to my weak and ailing body, and my flagging spirit...

Might this also encourage you!



Welcome to "Quaint Words!"

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!


"There may be much weakness and infirmity, even in a true Christian.

You have striking proof of this in the conduct of the disciples...when the waves broke over the ship.  They awoke Jesus in haste.  They said to Him, "Master, care You not that we perish?"

There was impatience.  They might have waited until their Lord thought fit to arise from His sleep.

There was unbelief.  They forgot that they were in the keeping of the One who had all power in His hand.

There was distrust.  They spoke as if they doubted their Lord's care and thoughtfulness for their safety and well-being...

But, after all, let us understand this is only a picture of what is constantly going on among believers in every age....Many of God's children get on very well so long as they have no trials.  They follow Christ very tolerably in the time of fair weather.  They fancy they are trusting Him entirely.  They flatter themselves they have cast every care on Him...But suddenly some unlooked-for trial assails them...Fear and doubt and distress and anxiety break in upon them like a flood, and they seem at their wits' end...

The plain truth is that there is no literal and absolute perfection among true Christians, so long as they are in the body.  The best and brightest of God's saints is but a poor mixed being.  Converted, renewed and sanctified though he be, he is still compassed with infirmity...

I want [you] to see that [you] may have true faith and grace, in spite of all the devil's whispers to the contrary, though [you] may feel within many doubts and fears...so long as [you] are in the body, [you] must not expect faith to be above the reach of fear...

I beseech every reader of this message to remember this.  It is a lesson worth attention.  The apostles believed in Christ, loved Christ and gave up all to follow Christ.  And yet you see in this storm the apostles were afraid.  Learn to be charitable in your judgment of them.  Learn to be moderate in your expectations from your own heart...

Let us learn, in the last place, how tenderly and patiently the Lord Jesus deals with weak believers...The whole of our Lord's conduct towards His disciples on earth deserves close consideration.  It throws a beautiful light on the compassion and patience that there is in Him...

Let all the world know that the Lord Jesus will not cast away His believing people because of shortcomings and infirmities..."


(From "Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots" by John Charles Ryle, c. 1877, enlarged 1879)




How does the compassion of Jesus console you in times of infirmity?

Still trying to grin
and
"bear" it!! 

 
"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad -- for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." 
(1 Peter 4:12-13, NLT)

"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:5-7, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters,a when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." 

(James 1:2-4, NLT)

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:3-5, NLT)

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever.  Amen." 

(1 Peter 5:10-11, ESV)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CAN'T I JUST STAY IN BED?

I have been sick, folks.

For a week.

With some stupid runny nose, clogged sinuses, sore throat, dry cough, headache, no energy, huge BLAH thing.

I don't know how you *do* sick.

Some people are like grumpy old bears, and just want to be left alone.

Me?

I turn into a toddler, wanting constant attention and company, and special things to eat.

I've been known to whine.


Being sick isn't fun, is it?

We've all had times when we just get knocked out by the "latest bug" touring the human population we're exposed to.

I guess it's my turn.

I’d like to write about how wonderfully God made our bodies.

How He created them to instantly come to our defenses.  (This is the reason for multiple symptoms – it's our body's way of warding off the "bad guys.")

And that is true.

But, the thing that bothers me the most about being sick is how it affects me emotionally.

I get discouraged really easily.

And sad, and fearful, and overwhelmed.

I become a *bed potato* – (a close cousin of a couch potato).

Yes, when we get sick, bed rest is a good idea.  It allows our immune system to gear up for the fight.

But after a while, bed rest can become bed stuck…


No, I am still not feeling well.

But I also know that I'm sliding into that place where I just want to roll over and never get up.

*That place…*

The place where I realize that a local flock of blue jays have nested in the knot of hair that has evolved on the top of my head – (when did I last brush it out??)

The place where I realize that my mouth aroma might closely resemble "morning mouth" – at 7 o'clock in the evening – on the second or third day.

The place where I realize that I have been putting deodorant on the outside of my shirt – instead of changing clothes, or, for pete's sake, taking a shower!

The place where my face without makeup is beyond frightening – (hey, who needs a Halloween mask?  I'm just practicing…)

Yup.

That place.

The place where "The Hub"s" encouraging words to maybe get up and walk around a little bit is greeted with my moaning…

"Can't I just stay in bed?"


If you can get past feeling awful, being sick is kinda cool.  It gives you a built-in excuse to do nothing for a few days.  To just ignore life, and put *all that important stuff* on hold.

Bills, phone calls, housework, grocery shopping, etc – POOF!

Back in the day, it also bought me a free ticket to stay home from school or work.

Nope, whatever it is, I can't do it – I'm SICK.

The problem is that I get discouraged, and then I am tempted to crawl under the covers and forget life.

Don't you have days when you wake up and just want to say:

"Can't I just stay in bed?"


Life is tough.

Facing it is tougher.

And I am convinced that the enemy of our souls does everything in his power to keep us *out of the game.*

He loves when we figuratively crawl under the covers.

Because, you see, a bunch of spiritual *bed potatoes* are no threat.

And this is his mission – to make God's followers weak and ineffectual.

To make us spiritually sick.

It is this realization that made me force myself out of bed this morning, to actually face the day.

The germs are still fighting, and I'm still fighting back – and yes, I'm still feeling lousy.

But, I cannot give up.

You see, I heard the Lord calling me this morning, and I answered:

"Can't I just stay in bed?"

His gentle reply?

"No, I've got things for you to do."


That's the mission, the challenge – to face life.  

To pursue God and His purposes at all costs, even when we don't feel like it.  

To walk when we want to crumble.  

To rise when we stumble.

Because, like that familiar saying, I want the enemy of my soul to mutter:

"Uh oh, she's up."




Have you been *spiritually sick* lately?  Are you ready to get up?!

We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed,
but not driven to despair.
We are hunted down,
but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down,
but we are not destroyed.
Through suffering,
our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus
so that the life of Jesus
may also be seen in our bodies.

(2 Corinthians 4:8-10, NLT)

(NOTE: Per the suggestion of a very faithful reader, I have changed the color of all Scripture references, hoping to make them easier to read – another shade of red, to set them apart from my own words.  May God bless you with His Word!)


"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." (Psalm 34:19, ESV)

"…for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…" 
(Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

"You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up…" (Psalm 71:20, NLT)

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.  You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me." (Psalm 138:17, NIV)

"'LORD, help!' they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  He sent out his word and healed them…" (Psalm 107:19-20, NLT)

"'I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,' says the LORD." (Jeremiah 30:17, NLT)

"'For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.'" (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)

"O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health." 
(Psalm 30:2, NLT)

"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22, NLT)

“Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:24, NLT)

"Do not gloat over me, my enemy!  Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light." (Micah 7:8, NIV)

"'…I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.'" (Exodus 23:22, NIV)

"When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid.  The LORD your God…is with you! When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. He will say to them, 'Listen to me…Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today!  Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them.  For the LORD your God is going with you!  He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!'" (Deuteronomy 20:1-4, NLT)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, REWIND FRIDAY, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CHATTING WITH GOD

Friends, I am at a loss for words this week.

So, I am re-sharing something that I wrote over four years ago in a weekly feature called, "Saturday Stroll."  

It speaks to the trials that have entered my life as of late, and I hope that it has meaning for all who read it.  (I know that I needed to read it again...)


Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

God and I speaking...

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!



(Words and thoughts taken from Job 23, Zechariah 13, Psalm 139, and Job 42 - NASB and NLT translations)



A DIALOGUE FOR TIMES OF TESTING


I'm afraid my complaint is rebellion.  But it is still a bitter one.  Not that I'm bitter, Lord.  I'm not resentful (maybe a little) – but life is a bitter pill to swallow – difficult to accept, often unpleasant.

I try hard not to groan aloud.

But Your hand is heavy despite my groaning.

Why, Lord?

I just don't get it.  It is so hard to understand You when life is difficult – when I have turmoil – when loved ones are suffering – and circumstances are impossible.

Oh, if only I knew where to find You, where You might be.  If I knew that, I might come to Your seat!

Yes, I would go to Your court.

I would present my case before You, laying it all out.  

And I would fill my mouth with my arguments.

Then I would listen to Your reply.  I would learn the words that You would answer, and perceive and understand what You say to me.

Would You contend with me?

Would You use Your great power to argue with me?

No, surely You would pay attention to me.  Surely You would give me a fair hearing…

…wouldn't You?


So, I search for You.

I go forward, but You are not there.  I go east, You are not there.  I move backward, but I cannot perceive You.  I go west, but I cannot find You.

When You act on the left, I cannot behold You.  I do not see You in the north, for You are hidden.  When You turn on the right, I cannot see You.  I look to the south, but You are concealed.


Where are You, Lord?

Why are You silent when I need You?

Why are You hidden when I need You?

Why do I feel so alone…when I NEED You?


But I am consoled and comforted and strengthened by this one Truth.

You know the way I take.  You know where I am going.  And when You have tried me, tested me, I will come forth as gold – pure and unblemished.

For I have stayed on Your paths.  

I have held fast and followed You.  

I have not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commands of Your lips.  I have treasured the words of Your mouth more than my necessary food.


But You are unique.

And You're a little (a lot) scary, Lord.

Once You've made a decision, who can change Your mind?  What Your soul desires, whatever You want to do, that is what You do.

I know that you will do to me whatever You have planned.  You will perform that which is appointed for me.

You control my destiny.

I guess my heart struggles with Your sovereignty, Lord.

And sometimes I am just so scared, and hurt, and despairing.

Darkness is all around me – thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.

Deep gloom covers me.


But I am not silenced by the darkness.

NOR AM I.

Lord, is that You?!

I will bring you through the fire and make you pure.  I will refine you like silver and purify you like gold.  When you call on Me, I will answer. 

I will say...

"This is My child."

Will you trust Me?


Oh Lord, I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my very own eyes.

You are the LORD, my God.


I AM.




Have you had a conversation with God lately?

Bent but not broken...

...still reaching for the Son. 

"You have been my God from the moment I was born.

Do not stay so far from me,

for trouble is near,

and no one else can help me.

My enemies surround me...

Like lions they open their jaws against me,

roaring and tearing into their prey.

My life is poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart is like wax,

melting within me.

My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.

My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.

My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;

an evil gang closes in on me...

I can count all my bones.

My enemies stare at me and gloat...

O LORD, do not stay far away!

You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!

Save me..."

(Psalm 22:10-17, 19-20, NLT)

"Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

I was so foolish and ignorant –

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever."

(Psalm 73:21-26, NLT)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, LET US GROW, 




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

IS ANYBODY OUT THERE?

Hellooo…

Is anybody out there?

Sometimes I feel this way – like I say "Hello" and all I hear are crickets answering me…

Chirp, chirp.

Seems to me like Blog Land has been kinda quiet lately.

Which leads me to wonder – is blogging dead?

If you google this question, you'll find various opinions on the matter.  But most people agree that its *heyday* has come and gone, that its peak popularity is in the past.

I certainly know that many people I became acquainted with when I first started blogging have long since left.

I get it.

It's hard to keep up with it.

Inevitably, if you blog long enough, you'll face either writer's block or burnout, or both.  And life happens.  Other things take priority.  I know that there have been a few times when I seriously considered discontinuing my blog.

I felt like my words were dry, my inspiration was lagging, life got complicated.

But somehow I felt like God wanted me to stay, and He kept giving me one more idea at a time.

So I'm still here.

But I firmly believe that God is the only one who can tell us whether we need to stay, or that it's time to leave.  

And we should heed His voice.

It's just that I miss some of my old blogging friends.


Losing contact is a hard thing.

Sometimes it's nobody's fault, it just happens.  People move out of the area (like I did), or life gets busier, or we add other people to our lives.

But still…

There are times when I feel like my voice echoes back to me when I cry out…

"Is anybody out there?"

It’s hard enough to feel this way with people, but sometimes I feel this way with God.

Like He's moved somewhere and neglected to give me His forwarding address.

Hellooo…

Are You out there, God?

Chirp, chirp.

I have often wondered to myself – why is it that sometimes when we need God the most, He seems silent or hidden?

I have heard this referred to as the north face of God.

(Though I have not read this book yet, I find that it's highly recommended: "The North Face of God" by Ken Gire.  Also great, a book that I have read, "Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey)


What does this mean?

The north face of a mountain in the northern hemisphere is generally the coldest, iciest and most formidable route to climb.

I like the word picture of our faith journey being like a long trek up a steep mountain.  There are so many apt parallels that can be drawn.  But perhaps my favorite of all, is the treacherous ascent to the summit.

Climbers on Mt. Everest have a name for it – the Death Zone.

"At the higher regions of Mount Everest, climbers seeking the summit typically spend substantial time within the death zone (altitudes higher than 26,000 ft), and face significant challenges to survival.  Temperatures can dip to very low levels, resulting in frostbite of any body part exposed to the air.  Since temperatures are so low, snow is well-frozen in certain areas and death or injury by slipping and falling can occur.  High winds at these altitudes on Everest are also a potential threat to climbers.

Another significant threat to climbers is low atmospheric pressure.  The atmospheric pressure at the top of Everest is about a third of sea level…resulting in the availability of only about a third as much oxygen to breathe. Debilitating effects of the death zone are so great that it takes most climbers up to 12 hours to walk the distance of 1.07 mi from South Col to the summit." (Wikipedia)


Yes, sometimes the walk of faith is dangerous – fraught with trials and temptations.

And sometimes it can be a lonely walk.

Because sometimes, when we are in the midst of adversity, this is exactly when God seems absent.

Why is that?

I went on a search for answers, and found many interesting verses about the seeming "hiddenness" of God.

And many of these verses speak about times when God tests our faith (I've included them in my Scriptures at the end of this post).

At first, quite honestly, these verses kinda riled me up.

My reaction was like, "C'mon, God.  I'm in the midst of difficulty and You choose this time to feel far away?  Not fair…"

And then I started to think about His promise to never leave me nor forsake me.

Is that what He's doing – leaving me?

Grrr…

But then, as I pondered this more, I began to realize that there is a big difference between God's promise and my perception of it.

Just because God "feels" far away doesn't mean that He is.

And the sense of His absence is actually a way for God and I to draw closer to one another, and a way for my faith to grow stronger.


Let me put it this way.

When my sons were little I hovered over them like a crazed helicopter pilot.  Not wanting them to get hurt or scared or sick, I was right by them all the time.

"Whoop, whoop!"  (Rotor blade sound effects...)

But as they grew older, I realized that it was important for them to launch out into life.

My toddlers ventured farther away from me.

My preteens moved even more.

My teenagers traveled into the far reaches of independence – testing the boundaries, learning their own.

And now, my sons have developed into mature adults.

Strong in their values, their decision-making, and their wisdom.

Did I ever abandon them?

Of course not!


In much the same way, God works for our spiritual maturity.

He tests us along the way, allowing us to build our faith stronger in times of trouble.

And sometimes that means that He will feel far away.

I am consoled knowing that I am not alone in these feelings.

David felt them:

"Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.  Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief…Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me." (Psalm 22:1-2, 11, NLT)

And Jesus quotes David's words from the cross:

"'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" (Psalm 22:1, NLT)

No, we are not alone in feeling alone.


The north face of God.

The chilly silence.

The icy hiddenness.

The formidable sense that we are all alone.

Hellooo…

Is anybody out there?

Are You out there, God?

He is.

Ponder this –

Those mountain climbers who dare to ascend the north face of Mt. Everest rely on one thing more than anything to make it to the summit…

Oxygen.

The very stuff that keeps them alive.

"…he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:27-28, KJV)

"For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being." (Job 12:10, NLT)


Yes, though my sense of His presence can be faulty at times, though He may seem distant for a time of testing, the Truth remains the same:

He is with me.

Every step of the way.

So I keep climbing…




Have you ever felt like God was far away?

He's as close as my heartbeat,
As near as a sigh,
A part of each breath,
He is ever nigh. 

So where is God hidden?

He's here, in my heart,

Directing my pathways

As He has from the start.

Where is God hidden?

He's not! Don't you see?

The Most High of the Universe

Dwells within me.

(© Sharon Kirby, October 4, 2000)

"However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." 
(2 Chronicles 32:31, NLT)

"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." (Deuteronomy 8:2, NIV)

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.'" 
(Exodus 16:4, NIV)

"The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man." (Psalm 11:4, ESV)

"'I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested.'" (Zechariah 13:9, Holman CSB)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my…thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)

"I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.  Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." 
(Psalm 26:1-3, NIV)

"But he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." (Job 23:10, NLT)

"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried." 
(Psalm 66:10, ESV)

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine.  Test yourselves.  Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." (2 Corinthians 13:5, NLT)

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." 
(James 1:2-4, NLT)

"So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT)

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NLT)

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8, ESV)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

AT THE RED SEA - A POEM

Ever feel like you're stuck?

Like you're in a season of life when nothing makes sense?

When hardships and struggles and fears threaten to overwhelm you?

And you just don't know what to do?

Yeah, me too.

Lately I've felt like I'm in a sort of *holding pattern* – trapped in an anxious and edgy state of mind, feeling all sorts of turbulent emotions, and seeing nowhere to turn and no way to escape.

So, as I was contemplating what to write about this week, I remembered a poem that I had written several years ago.

Ah, the search began.

I ventured down into the pile of unpacked boxes, cache of pack-rat treasures, storage room to look for my notebook full of poetry.

I'm happy to say that I located it right away – (you see, there is a method in my madness!)

I reread the poem, and realized that God once again used the words to speak to my heart, right now, right where I am.


You see, when I wrote the poem I was contemplating a decision.

And I just didn't know which way to turn – what to do, where to go – and I couldn't figure out when and how to do it, if I was even supposed to do it in the first place.

I thought of Moses and the Israelites, standing at the Red Sea.

Looking behind, all they could see was the quickly-approaching armies of Pharaoh.

Scary.

Looking ahead, all they could see was the impassable waters of the Red Sea.

Daunting.


Here's the scene in Scripture:

"The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh's army – all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops.  The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore…As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.  They cried out to the LORD…" 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)


I can relate.

The sense of impending doom, the panic over the surrounding circumstances, the urgent cry to the Lord…

And the anxious waiting for Him to DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

Of course, we know how the story ends.

God did arrive, He did act, and He saved the Israelites – defeating the Egyptian forces in rather stunning fashion.

But there were *those* moments…

Moments on the shore, when doubts crept in and fear threatened to overtake the bravest of hearts.

Nervous moments of waiting.


I'm not facing a decision today, but I am facing life.

And lately, I have to admit, I've felt like Moses and the Israelites.

Trapped between a Pharaoh of fear and the daunting Red Sea of circumstances.

Waiting for God to show up and DO. SOMETHING. NOW.


So, I share this poem today, and hope that it brings encouragement to you.

For, no matter what we face, the Lord is indeed there with us.

Waiting to move…



AT THE RED SEA

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

I know You've led me
through troubles in the past,
But why, oh why
can't those victories last?

So here I am
hoping to rejoice,
For all I want
is to hear Your voice.

Just to know
which way to go,
Just for Your presence
within me to grow.

I want my heart
to follow Your will,
But Lord, I cannot
make myself still.

You know all I want
is just to obey,
To do only and everything
that You say.

So I wait for You
to appear at this sea,
To make Yourself known
to come here and calm me.

Speak to me, Lord
show me the way,
Lead me, guide me
hear me as I pray.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

Wait just a moment
What do I hear?
A rumbling, a tumbling
I feel God coming near.

There's an unmistakable
quaking in my heart,
I think the Red Sea
is about to part!

So I stand on the shore
and wait for dry land,
I wait for the arrival
of God's powerful hand.

I wait and I wait
and I wait some more,
And yet I'm still standing
on this daunting seashore.

Oh Lord, I say
as I fall to my knees,
Why aren't You answering
any of my pleas?

Then, miracle of miracles
my face in the sand,
I finally feel
the stirring of God's hand.

Oh yes, there is something
that God wants to move,
it's my desire to control
that He seeks to reprove.

I am the sea
that He wants to part,
The immovable obstacle
is within my heart.

Oh God, I am yielded
once again to Your will,
For You are the only One
who makes my heart still.

So shake me and shape me
for I want to obey,
And rest in the promise
that You know the way.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Marveling, grateful
that of course You see me!


© Sharon Kirby
March 26, 2010 (revised October, 2015)



Move me, Lord...

When I'm stuck
between a rock and a hard place,
God will lead me.
His rod and His staff
will comfort me.
And I will find my way
home. 

REMEMBER THE STORY AGAIN...


"They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?...'

But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.  The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.  The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm.'

Then the LORD said to Moses, '...Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea.  Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.  And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites.  My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.  When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!'

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.  The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night....

Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind.  The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.  So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Then the Egyptians – all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers –chased them into the middle of the sea.  But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.  He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive.  'Let's get out of here – away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!'

When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, 'Raise your hand over the sea again.  Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.'  So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place.  The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers – the entire army of Pharaoh.  Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.

But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.  That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day." 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)



"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. 

God is in the midst of her...she will not be moved;
God will help her when the morning dawns.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. 

'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]."

(From Psalm 46, AMP)



"'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" 
(Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)

"'Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, KJV)

"'Be strong and courageous...It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, ESV)

"'...[For] lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, AMP)




If you're between *Pharaoh and the sea,* are you letting God move you?




Linked with:

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SHARING HIS BEAUTY

(I'll be linking up with other blog hops next week!)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SHOES, SHOES, ALWAYS SHOES

You know, life is tough when problems arise.

(Captain Obvious is my cousin…)

We all know that, right?!

But for me, sometimes life is tough when things are going great.

WHY?

Because it seems like I'm always waiting for the "other shoe to drop."

Definition: to wait for something bad to happen.

(This expression originated in the late 19th/early 20th century.  During the manufacturing boom of this time, tenement living – and other similar close-quarter living styles – was common.  Apartments were often built with one bedroom underneath another bedroom right above it.  Thus, it was normal to hear a neighbor removing their shoes, and sometimes hearing them loudly hit the upper floor.  As one shoe thumped, the expectation of the other shoe making a similar disruptive sound was created!)


I know that this is a self-defeating thought process.  I know that it exhibits my tendency toward negative thinking.  I know that it doesn't say a whole lot about my faith and trust level.

I can make a bunch of excuses for it. 

In fact, here are a few…anxiety issues, obsessive thinking, a faulty temperament.  (OK, I feel slightly better doing that).  But the truth of the matter is this – it isn't all that wrong to look at life this way.

There will always be *shoes*…and they will drop.

It is the one sure thing in this life.

Stuff happens.

It's Murphy's Law – (an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong...and usually at the worst possible time.")

I looked it up on Wikipedia.  It's a rather interesting article.  The one thing that really struck me was the many fields of study that have found this one basic adage to be true – physics, mountaineering, magic, engineering, medicine, law – to name a few.


Hey, I can even quote some Scripture that supports this idea:

"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." (John 16:33)

Was that statement uttered by Murphy???

Nope!

Jesus Himself said those words.

And trust me, He knew what He was talking about!

Look at His own life.

He's born – YAY.
Herod tries to kill Him – BOO.

He's the Son of God – YAY.
His brothers think He's crazy – BOO.

He gets baptized, and receives God's blessing – YAY.
He gets tempted in the wilderness – BOO.

He brings the Good News to his hometown – YAY.
They try to kill Him – BOO.

He calls twelve disciples – YAY.
One betrays Him – BOO.

He's hailed as the King of Jews – YAY.
A week later, He's crucified – BOO.


I'm thinking that's why Jesus could say those words.  

He knew it from experience. 

LIFE. IS. TOUGH. 

And just when things are starting to look up, just when things are beginning to go well, just when you think you can catch a little breathing room…

BOOM!

Is that that other shoe again???

(Like the giant puddle of antifreeze that magically appeared under one of our cars the other day – or finding out a certain beagle's preventive care medicine isn't stocked at the vet anymore, and you have to order it online, and now you have to pay for shipping – or the coffee that spilled all over my legs and feet and floor on a particularly tight mountain curve as I was speeding driving off the mountain last week.  Seriously???)

I don't mean to be pessimistic, but honestly – I don't know why it has to happen this way.  It's just so discouraging.  

In fact, I can't understand…

"Psst.  Sharon."

As I was saying, I can't understand…

"Sharon.  Listen to Me."

Huh?! Is that You, Lord?

"Yes.  I have something to say to you."

Me, Lord?  Am I in trouble?

"No, not in a punishment kind of way.  But yes, in a forgetting something kind of way."

What have I forgotten?

"The second part of the verse.  That's not all I said, you know."

Oh…

Right…

The second part of the verse.  

The best part of the verse!


"But take heart, because I have OVERCOME the world." (John 16:33)


OVERCOME.

(Some great synonyms: succeed in dealing with, surmount, control, master, conquer, defeat, beat, trounce, thrash, rout, crush, vanquish, get the better of, triumph over, prevail over, win over or against, overwhelm, overpower, outdo, outclass...yeah!)

It's a word I have to hear in my head, and believe in my heart, over and over and over again.

HIS Word –

Take courage.  You will not be alone.  I will not abandon you.  I understand what you're going through.  *Stuff* happened to Me, too.  But I won the victory.  I overpowered the enemy.  I conquered death.

YES!!

He was crucified and died – BOO.
But He rose again – YAY!

And you know what?! 

In that moment, the *other shoe* dropped on the devil! 

He thought things were going great.  He thought he had killed the Son of God. He thought he now ruled with all the authority on earth.  He thought we belonged to him – finally.

BOOM!

Did his heart quake?  Did his knees tremble?  Did his snarly little sneer turn upside down?  Did he look over his shoulder and see a stone tumbled away?

Did he hear the shoe drop?

Jesus won.


In this life, there will always be shoes. 

But we are not ruled by "Murphy's Law."

There is no randomness to our lives, no impersonal destiny, no out-of-control chaos. 

We are kept in the hands of The Lawgiver Himself.

He brings victory out of defeat.  He brings joy out of sorrow.  He brings peace out of turmoil.  He brings life out of death.


He wears the shoes – and when we are too tired to walk – He carries us.

YAY!


(This was a repost – with some 2015 tweaking!  Sorry, but it's been a "Murphy's Law" kind of week!!  Hope you enjoyed…)

Hey, lookie here!

The other shoe dropped!!

(Hee hee...) 

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14, NIV)

"...[Therefore]  let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

"[For] we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." (Galatians 6:5, NLT) 

"You will not need to fight in this battle.  Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf...Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.  Tomorrow go out...and the LORD will be with you." 
(2 Chronicles 20:17, ESV)

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37, ESV)

"'Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.'" (Revelation 3:21, NLT)

"'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace.  In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.'  

[My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]" (John 16:33, AMP)




Had any *shoes* dropping in your life lately?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SOLI DEO GLORIA, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING PARTY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, ENCOURAGE ME MONDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"