Who's Your Architect?

"For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."

Colossians 3:3-4

Discovered over the weekend that the word for Ark...you know, that big boat you're envisioning right now, crammed with elephants and giraffs and Noah's family...is actually the word for "box." In fact, many linguists think that this was a derivative for an Egyptian word that meant "coffin." Yikes! So while we think of God commissioning the building of a boat, the real story is that God commanded Noah to build a box that looked like a coffin. Maybe Noah's peers laughed at him ...as He built. "So...what you're saying is getting in that giant coffin is going to save your family from a flood we haven't seen? Riiiiight." I might have raised an eyebrow myself...after all, it didn't make any sense that this is the way life would be preserved...at the time, it didn't even seem like a necessity! It was at best ironic, and at worst, insane.


Surrender and obedience can, often, to the world, look crazy and irrational. They can feel like a form of death as we release our vision of our lives, our control, and what makes sense to us. That's what Jesus meant when he said "whoever will save his life must lose it." But more than that, the ark is a picture of Christ's death on our behalf, and our resulting deliverance, eternal security. The door in the side through which they entered symbolizes our doorway through the death and injury of Jesus, the atoning blood and the purifying water flowing from His side...

Though it may not make sense, and relinquishing control may be hard for you (as it is for me!), remember that the place that seemed rational, the plan that didn't include God in the days of Noah, resulted in separation, destruction and death. But there came a time when out of that ark, that "coffin," erupted a new beginning, a people of God, a life and a future and victory on solid ground.

Enter in to that place, as crazy as it sounds...forget about all the things you are building and simply enter in to place and plan commissioned just for you by God. Look up at the window while you rest safely and securely and thank Him in prayer for the light, the warmth and His hand at work in providing that security. And as the waters of confusion and destruction rage all around you, smile, knowing that God's plan and provision and grace always... always ...rise above...always prevail...always lead to life...

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more."

Romans 5:20

"I am the door, if anyone enters through me he will be saved."

John 10:9

Thanks be unto our wonderful Father for His wonderfulword, and His steadfast love...and blessings to you today, sweet friends!

The measure of success...just a thought for today...

"Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up,
and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up,
and it will be a memorial to the Lord,
for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off."

Isaiah 55:13

I. love. this. chapter. It is all about how reading and seeking to understand God's word, and responding to it in obedience, yields success, abundance and joy in life.


And while it is a wonderful blessing for us to walk through life with those things, the ultimate purpose for that is revealed here in this verse. Jesus, the Word of God, called living water, came down from heaven and walked the earth as a man, teaching, healing, modeling... creating and nourishing life and fruitfulness in us, so that we can become like the cypress tree, known as an enduring and strong tree...and like the myrtle, emitting a beautiful and fragrant aroma, always green and so pleasant.


The effects of our obedience to God's word make us a memorial, proof, that Jesus is God, that He is alive, that that He truly is our Messiah sent from heaven. Our response of obedience proves Christ's identity to the world. In Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, he says “I do not ask on behalf of these alone (his disciples), but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." That's me and you!


It's a reasonable and wonderful thing to want to go to heaven when we die, to have success as we live. But when we surrender to Christ, our lives aren't just about us any longer. Brothers and sisters, let us never forget the vital role we have to serve as living proof of the One to whom we owe it all, to point to His glory, as we walk in newness of life and freedom...


Blessings today, sweet friends and fellow trees...

a

Singing in the Rain: How to Experience Genuine Joy in Pain

I get to spend every Thursday night with some of the most amazing young women on the planet. They are high school girls who serve as ministry leaders for children at our church, who asked me several months ago to meet with them on a weekly basis, to mentor and teach them how to walk out God's word in daily life. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of the week!


Not long ago, over a discussion of Romans 8 and steaming bowls of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup, one of the girls confessed, "I just don't understand how I am I supposed to be happy about suffering." The conversation stayed with me long after that night. She had a great point. In Scripture we read passages like James 1:2, calling us to "consider it joy when we fall into temptation and suffering," or Romans 5:3 which tells us to "glory in our sufferings," but I can hardly think of a time when being happy and thankful about turmoil or stress came naturally to me.

I think for most of us, living out these verses looks something like twisting our faces into some distorted version of a smile and, through gritted teeth, uttering the words, "I'm fine," keeping it all inside, when what we really want to do is curl up in the fetal position, eat an entire carton of Blue Bell, tell everyone we know how unfair life is, and cry ourselves to sleep. But...I firmly believe that God calls us to live genuine lives, and He doesn't want or expect us to fake this posture. So how can we obey this command to exhibit joy in hardship?

A few related passages I found recently really helped me to understand the bigger picture here. Over and over what I see in the accounts of the great heroes of the faith is that God promises redemption, salvation, peace and blessing - but that I doesn't mean an absence of experiences that are beyond our ability, frightening, difficult or hurtful. So here are a few passages on which to meditate, so that in the midst of the storm, you will not lose heart or faith, and you might even find yourself singing along the way...

It's All Part of the Plan

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.

2 Corinthians 5:20

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

Why does it matter how we feel about our obstacles, anyway? These verses tells us the answer. For one thing, God has a plan. And a huge part of that plan is that we experience life to the fullest. He knows exactly how to orchestrate the events of our lives so that we come to that end - abundant life. And, as much as I hate to admit it, it is in overwhelming circumstances that I learn best how to prioritize my life and how to release things that really don't matter.


We also have to remember that part of that plan involves us - in each new day, every encounter, we have one mission as followers of Christ - to be His megaphone. To tell the world about who He is and how great His plan is. If the world sees us feeling satisfaction and living out joy and trust in the middle of chaos, what better advertisement could that be to a lost and dying world? The question is, do you really believe in your heart that His intentions are for your best interest? To put it another way, is the way your are living and responding to life's challenges showing the world that He is worthy of your steadfast trust? 

Come and see the works of God,

Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.

He turned the sea into dry land;

They passed through the river on foot;

There let us rejoice in Him!

Psalm 66:5-6

I find it really interesting here that this word for "awesome," which in our common vernacular means great, wonderful, or positive - in Hebrew actually means "to cause astonishment, fear, honor, reverence." In other words you might say this verse this way: "Come see how God astonishes and surprises us as He works through us, provoking us to honor Him." Has God ever surprised you, in a way that you did not fully appreciate until later?

This is one of His preferred methods, actually - and it's one that the Israelites encountered in the great book of Exodus, chapter 14. Since Psalm 66 mentions this, I think it's worth taking a closer look at what happened, so we can get the full impact of the reference:


Here's the scoop on this story's setting: God had promised release from Egyptian bondage, and He had made good on that promise; they were now making their grand exit, carrying the spoils of the great riches of the Egyptians. Finally, things would be different, they would feel safe, a new life could begin. But then God does something surprising, calling them to turn back and camp by the sea. Then, in another strange move, God actually causes Pharaoh to decide to chase after Israel. And just like that, Israel finds itself between a sea and an army - two enemies that seem completely beyond escape.


Like any rational person just getting to know the Lord would, they panicked. But notice Moses' declaration to them in this moment:

“Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. 

In other words, here is an opportunity to witness a miracle, God wants to divinely intervene here. All you have to do is stand here, trust Him, and watch Him work. The words "keep silent" literally mean "hold, hold," with the implication of engraving something, like drawing a line in the sand and standing firm.


It is important to remember the outcome of that divine surprise:

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

God did not allow them to fail. And Beloved, no matter how impossible things might seem, He will not allow you to fail either. His provision is without limit, and beautifully orchestrated, causing awe and wonder like walking through walls of water. When we encounter something that is beyond our resources, the psalmist encourages us, "There," in that overwhelming and surprising place, remember who He is, and "let us rejoice in Him." God has decided to let you witness a miracle. Will you stand with Him, draw your line in the sand, and wait with expectation? Or will you retreat into yourself and your need for control, as I often do, forfeiting the miracle God would show you?

A Place of Abundance

Bless our God, O peoples 

And sound His praise abroad,

Who keeps us in life

And does not allow our feet to slip

For you have tried us, O God;

You have refined us as silver is refined.

You have brought us into the net;

You have laid an oppressive burden upon our loins

You made men ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water,

Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

Psalm 66: 8-12

These verses have revolutionized the way I see all manner of challenges in daily life. This is the testimony of a person who has been through some tough times, but declares that we should trust in Him in tough times, for on the other side of them are a treasure. He tells us not to resist God, because, from the common annoyance to the big life or death challenges, they are all like little tributaries that pour out into an ocean of blessing.


Being "tried" is receiving an opportunity to apply the things we commit to doing for the Lord. "Refining" comes when the heat gets turned up in our lives and we feel the pressure of deadlines, decisions and conflicts. "Nets" are situations where we feel trapped or aren't sure what to do, or maybe circumstances where we feel discontent with where God has us. "Oppressive burdens" might come in the form of illnesses, losses, heartbreaks, disappointments, or seasons of waiting. And men riding over our heads are just dealing with other people, especially those who attack or oppress us, put us down, betray and disrespect us. I think this pretty much captures every kind of problem we might face. And yet, through all that, the writer tells us that on the other side of those things are abundance.


That word, abundance, is a great word. In Hebrew it's revayah. It means to not only drink your fill but to be completely saturated, having more than you could ever drink. It's also, if you remember, the purpose that Christ said Himself that he came to achieve in you. So in other words, trials, conflicts and struggles are often the very vehicle that get us to the abundance God has for us.


How you ask? This has come in four main ways in my life - maybe you can relate:

Increased Self awareness. Often when things don't go my way, certain character traits that are not very godly bubble to the surface. Sometimes, God simply throws us a curve ball to let us know that a change in our heart is needed.

Increased Faith: When I get to the other side of my mountain, the view is so gorgeous. I can see all the ways God provided along the way. And going forward, I can rest a little easier in my God's ability to see me through the dark times.

Increased Dependence on God: In the moments of being overwhelmed, I am reminded that I am a person of limited means and resources. I simply can't do it all. So, I reach out for my Abba and my prayer and intimacy in my relationship with Him dramatically improve. Here is His gentle reminder that this is the way it should be every day.

Increased Sense of Purpose & Passion: There's a prophetic passage in Ezekiel 39 that I adore about a war with a formidable enemy that God will defeat on Israel's behalf in the future. When the battle is over, the weapons that were meant to harm Israel will be used as an energy source, a fire that will burn for seven years. It works the same way for you and me now. When God fights a battle for me, all that it seems was meant to hurt me actually ends up fueling me. You can use the mistakes of your past for ministry, you can share your testimony to show other's God's power. Trials can be a valuable tool to help you find your gifting and calling.


So, next time you find yourself in the midst of a sticky situation, try to resist the gut reaction to retreat into what you can do, or to rebel against what God wants to do. Remember that these situations are God's vehicle, driving us toward something amazing and supernatural. We can rejoice because God brings us to our obstacles deliberately, so that He can bring us out triumphantly. We can wait expectantly to see big things. I wonder what it is that God wants to show you today...Don't forfeit your miracle, Beloved...embrace it with courage and joy. Let's go dance in the rainstorm...


Blessings!

amanda

Stay in the Battle! A Note of Encouragement

 

 

The Lord is a warrior... Exodus 15:3

And My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel... Ezekiel 39:7

Why does it feel like every day is such a battle? Well, because it is. We get hurt, lose things, people disappoint us, things change unexpectedly...and we nurse our injuries, our egos bruised, plans blown to bits - we fight through tears in valleys of hunger and thirst of ...spirit...we navigate minefields through the unknown, valleys and darkness, we feel the spiritual tension and sense the nearness of the enemy encampments all around. And it's so easy in these raw, vulnerable moments...so easy to forget that our major battle is not to overcome our circumstances... it's not about gaining the high ground, finding the resolution, receiving the cure or even relief, not really.
 

"Therefore," our predecessor Paul notes, "we are ambassadors for Christ - as though God were making an appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).


What is He calling you to show to the world about Himself through your unique situation? And what is He trying to reveal to you about Himself in it? His sufficiency? His forgiveness? His peace? His holiness? His faithfulness? What a novel, beautiful concept that sometimes, our circumstances are not about failure or success, but rather an opportunity for God to define Himself through them - and us.


Let us embrace, and not resist, our circumstances, even with gratitude and trust, lest we forfeit our great calling. In the midst of my own heartwrenching struggles, and even in the superfluous ones, through the noise and the tears, I see My God ever fighting alongside me, heming me in before and behind, and I hear Him saying to us, "Do not be discouraged, precious ones. Stay in the fight, do not give up!" And I do not intend to.


Blessings!

 

Counting My Omer: A Survival Guide for Seasons of Waiting

In case this is the first time you've read my blog, one thing to know is this - we observe the biblical calendar in our home. Not to appear hyper-spiritual, and not because we believe it has anything to do with salvation - We do it because we find that beneath these observances, there are pictures of God’s character, of His redemptive plan, amazing and insightful principles that reveal His nature and ours only as they are lived out... and that helps us to honor Him more fully. These "moedim," appointed times, have blessed and challenged us for the last several years as we have walked through them with open minds and hungry hearts.


These days, I find that the biblical calendar eerily - yet not surprisingly or even for the first time - aligns directly with my own personal hurdles in life and faith. In all ways, I am living in a season of waiting, hoping and longing for a harvest - and that's exactly what "counting the omer," as it has come to be called, is all about. From First Fruits to Shavuot, also called Pentecost, this fifty day period doesn't take up much explanation in the scriptures. The days are simply to be counted off, numbered. And honestly, I never paid quite so much attention to them. Until recently...

A Season of Waiting...

An Agricultural Event
This season of God's calendar is one of waiting. In its original observance, Israel spent these days waiting for the harvest to fully ripen. They had seen the barley harvest begin to bud. Now they waited for the promise of that first fruit growth to fully bloom into a harvest that would feed and sustain. Their survival in the year to come would depend on whether or not God brought it all to fruition. Had they not trusted God completely, it could be a very frightening time, a time when they focused on what wasn’t there, when they became negative or even lost faith.

A Historical Event 

In addition to an agricultural season, the feast is also a commemoration of a historical event in Israel's history - it marked the time between Israel's redemption from Egyptian bondage to their first direct encounter with God Himself - on the mountain of Sinai. It is believed that from their departure to the giving of the 10 Commandments, 50 days elapsed - and at that moment they heard God's voice, and a great gift was given from Him to the people.



A Pattern in God's Word

You may be more familiar with New Testament repetition of this pattern, found in Acts 1. From Christ's resurrection to the moment when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in that upper room and history was made there was a waiting period of 50 days.  So again, we see a picture of the first of a great harvest promised (Christ resurrected to eternal life), a waiting period, and a fantastic and powerful encounter with God Himself among men (the baptism of the Holy Spirit) - which rendered 3,000 souls for the Kingdom that day.


I often wonder what life must have been like for those men and women of God during these periods of waiting. The Israelites left home and all that was familiar to wander in the desert with a man they didn't really know. The disciples watched the man who had become their friend and mentor brutally murdered. Was the movement over? Who would lead them now? How long would they have to wait? What would a baptism of the Holy Spirit look like?


One thing was clear: there was no going back - they would simply have to trust and obey.

Counting My Omer...

I don't always let down my walls to let readers peer in to my life and heart, but I feel that in this case, it's important to share that I am in that "50 days" season. I am counting my omer. There are first fruits of a harvest in my life that I’m waiting for God to bring to fruition – longings and gifting and promises and seasons of life that I yearn for, that I feel are necessary to my very existence here on this planet – and yet I have no idea when my 50 days will end. I’m like those scared Israelites in the desert, those frightened disciples – maybe some of you can relate with me on that….


Aren't we all waiting for something? Longing for things? Whether it's healing from a broken heart, waiting for circumstances to change, hoping for an answer to prayer or just wishing Jesus would hurry and come back, we are all craning our necks with hopeful expectancy for what lies next. And in the waiting, life is happening: hearts are breaking, hopes are dying - because we have not learned, as a people, how to thrive in seasons of longing. But despite our instinct to clutch and control, there is a way, a biblical model, for how to long for something in a way that honors God and brings peace to our lives…

 Let it Go... 

 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:4-8

I can certainly relate to the disciples in this moment. Here is this culmination of the ministry of Christ, in which He is sharing this wonderful promise and giving them His last words... and all they want is the inside scoop. They want to know what He's up to, to have their hands in it, their minds wrapped around the purpose of it. Fredrich Nietzsche once said, "He who has a why can endure almost any how." Yet notice Jesus' response. It applies even today - it's not our concern to know the big picture. Instead, it's our job to focus on being the witness we've been called to be.

That's a tough truth for me. We have a desperate, carnal need to know, to understand, as if the criteria for validity is that we 'get it.' Even typing these words I feel how saturated they are with pride. But, friends, our calling is not defined by our knowing and agreeing. When we stop trying to figure out the plan – make the plan – run the plan – help the plan happen in a way that makes sense to us  - then we can focus on what our call actually is - to simply be His witness.

If God has given you a call, a desire, if he has set you on a course and promised you something, simply walk in that identity! You don't have to worry about placing yourself in the right circumstances or creating the perfect conditions. You don't have to map out your course...or justify His call on your life at all -  simply take possession of the promise and watch Him exceed your expectations as He paints your life into His masterwork. Sometimes in submission and surrender we will not fully understand, and that's okay. The important thing is that we know - and reflect - the Who. So choose to walk by faith.

Go Back to the Upper Room...

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying...

Acts 1:12-13

It’s interesting to me that "counting the omer" is what time and tradition have titled this season. An omer was a unit of measure and changed from one time period to another. But there’s an occurrence of the word omer in Exodus 16 that I can't help but bring up. Here we read about the Israelites crying out for food in the desert as they travelled to what, at the time, was an undisclosed location. They were frightened, they were tired. And they were worried they wouldn't have food to live in the wilderness. Then, God provides a miracle...bread from heaven. They called it manna. The Israelites were instructed to go out and gather their manna - guess how much they got each day? You guessed it. An omer.  

God still continues to provide His manna  for us every day. It's not laying out on the dew-covered grass every morning outside our homes. Instead, it's sitting on our bedside tables, hiding in drawers and on bookshelves. His Manna is His living Word - the Bible. It's Jesus, the bread of life, who fills and sustains eternally. Are we gathering our portion daily?

The holy scriptures were not accessible to disciples in that day. So they went to the place that they had experienced intimacy and the presence of their Savior. To the Upper Room. They went to the place of breaking the bread, the exchange of His words, to remember their story and His life. Since you and I do, let's be intentional about taking in our own God-given omer every day. Let's spend time, real time, with Him in honest prayer, intimate communion. Let's continue to cultivate our own Upper Room experiences by sitting at the table of the Lord, every single day.

Don't Wait Alone...

These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 1:14

I have the sweetest husband in the entire world. He also happens to be one of the strongest individuals I know - not a complainer, and an excellent listener. When you're talking to him, it's as if you're the only person in the world. And he's never once diverted the topic of conversation to himself while I was in the middle of a story or a thought.


While this is a beautiful gift and such a blessing to me, as a pastor, he's always so busy taking care of everyone else, listening to everyone else, that every now and then, he simply reaches his limit, plops down on our couch after work without warning and says, "Honey, I'm no good." It's then that he begins to unravel the burdens and worries and challenges that he has carried around, alone, for weeks, sometimes months. And I'm always astounded, being a talker and someone who has to process my feelings vocally, at how much a person can carry alone.


My friends, God has not intended for us to carry burdens alone. That is why the body exists. To edify, strengthen, help and support in the bonds of Christ's love. It's one of the great perks of being a King's kid. Yet it's one of those privileges that is so often misused, because of corruption in the church, or even worse, unused, because of pride.


It's vitally important for believers to not only carry burdens but also to share victories together. John 4 recounts Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. I love the end of the story, and I envy their Samaritan community in a way... because they celebrated her story, through it the faith of many was ignited and bolstered. Rejoice in the victories of others, remembering that this God is your God too! The more you encourage a sharing within your circles, the more you will see Him moving, and ultimately you will believe that He is, He can and He will do for you too.

Forward Motion...

From Israel to the disciples to the countless other individuals in the Bible who waited for a promise to be fulfilled - one thing in their stories remains constant - no matter how long they had to wait for what the yearned for, they all kept walking. The biblical principle is that in seasons of waiting, we go to the harvest, it doesn’t come to us. From Acts 1:15 on, we see Peter take the lead in continuing the work that had been entrusted to the group. And we must do the same. Continue the work you’ve been given – build the team, hone the skill set, carry on the work, be present in the tasks at hand rather than dwelling on what may or may not be part of the future.

Let me emphasize, also, that by forward motion, I mean - don’t get stuck. It is so easy to get mad, to grow bitter, to lose hope and focus. Many times rather than continuing to walk, we sit down and build fences, count our grievances rather than numbering our blessings and cry out "Bring it to me or I won’t take another step with you, God!"

But that is not the way it works, Beloved. There is no pattern or story in the Bible that justifies us stopping and demanding for Him to bring the harvest to us. It's His harvest. We must labor in the vineyard, keep walking on the road to the places He calls us, holding on to the promise of the Word:

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting

Psalm 126:5

So walk steadfastly and obediently toward your God in your season of longing. What do I mean, you ask? I mean what we do while we wait matters – actions count!


Leviticus 26 sheds some light on what I mean...in verse three, God says, "If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out..." and finishes the thought all the way down in verse 12, "I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people." Sandwiched in between those bookends are the blessings, what happens when you walk in God's direction and He dwells among you. Now these are not conditions of salvation. These people were already redeemed at this point. This is all about how to live with peace and quality of life. God says if we concern ourselves with getting to know Him, learning what He loves, valuing what He values, and responding to that by acting in a way that honors Him - walking uprightly - then you are going to experience peace, abundance, fulfillment. It doesn’t mean the circumstances are perfect. It means regardless of the circumstances, those things can be yours. 


So are we constantly fixated on what we don't have? Resentful of others and always comparing ourselves? Living with anxiety? with pain? With constant fear and paranoia? Beloved, this is a sign that we are not walking in obedience, but rather sitting, pridefully and stubbornly. Nothing good can come of that, we'll never get where we desire to be if we refuse to move. It's time to get up and begin to walk toward Him once again. When we live “as though God were making an appeal through us,” as Paul says, then the fulfillment and blessing and joy and peace are just the natural result.

Speaking from Experience...

 

All the things I write today are lessons learned tearfully, painstakingly, slowly...I have longed, waited and yearned...I have cried out for the answer, for the why...like all of you have...

For instance, it was not easy to hear words like "cancer" and "hysterectomy" as a newlywed and before the age of 35. They were big, scary words. Words that change courses and expectations for life. Thankfully, one was very manageable and the other unnecessary...for now. But they set my life on a trajectory of  manmade timelines and unnecessary fear that have recently collided into a new scary word... "infertility." The details are still nebulous and we are only at the beginning of a journey to I don't know where...it has been frustrating and unexpected, and many, many times over the last two years I have sat down, shaken my fist at God and refused to move. I have allowed my faith to be shaken, have tried to control the plan, I’ve been fearful and completely focused on the obstacles rather than the carefully selected divine plan for my life. However - just because I can't see how the story ends, doesn't mean hope is lost. 

The fact of the matter is this: everyone has their own "scary word." No one knows what the future holds and we might not ever get to hear the why. We can use those as excuses to number our grievances, sure that God is spitefully interrupting our plan, or they can serve as reminders to count our blessings, to live in the present, to enjoy and be filled by our Omer each day, come what may. In my powerlessness and now my surrender, I have been challenged to accept that dying daily means to really give over my vision for my life...and to embrace His with gratitude and perfect trust.
 

I've learned, as I hope to impart to you, that to take hold of peace and satisfaction in the face of longing and hoping are to reflect our Savior. It's a divine call to become acquainted with grief, suffering and sacrifice and to still reflect joy and obedience. And through my own experience with those dark places, I have discovered Who Christ is in a powerful new way - I have become a daughter acquainted with her Father's sorrows. More than I want, more than I hurt, more than I hope - He wants me to trust His plan; He hurts when I rejected it, when I accuse Him of not giving me what I need. He hopes that today will be the day His daughter will finally stop fighting against Him and see that He is trustworthy and good. He can't wait to show us the harvest...He waits too. So every longing, for the human being created in God's image, is a way to connect and relate with the Creator.

 

Can you hear Him calling to you in the midst of your dark places and scary words? Can you hear His promise? Just keep walking, waiting in faith, counting your omer...and the harvest, my child, WILL be yours...

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

So you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security.

Take delight in the Lord,

And he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord

Trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your vindication as the light

And your righteousness as the noonday

Psalm 37

Blessings