Bold Faith

God has clearly convicted me of the lack of evangelism in my life.  I mean, if my life with Jesus is so great, then why am I not sharing Him and His gospel with everyone I can?  And if it's not so great, then why am I just going through the motions of a Christian life?  I could feel the Holy Spirit asking me on one of my runs recently, What does Jesus mean to you?  Is He so important that people need to know about Him?  Is He so important that the girl over there needs to know about Him?  What about strangers that you pass?  Your neighbors, your family, your friends?  Do they need to know about Him?  I answered Him with an emphatic Yes! to which He replied Then why aren't you telling them?  Well, I can tell you hands down that God has given me an earthly life more abundant than I could ever ask for or imagine (John 10:10 & Ephesians 4:20) and I know my life in heaven will be even greater than the one here.  I have never experienced more joy, peace, self-control, discipline, and love than I have when I am walking with God daily.  He is my fulfillment.  He is everything; He is my Purpose, my Shield, my Defender, my Sustainer, my Redeemer.  I would have nothing without Him and I would be nothing without Him.  Nothing could happen in this life to cause me to regret following my Savior.  So, with that said, I now have to confront this issue of not telling people about Christ; otherwise, I am a liar and a hypocrite.  

The Word is clear on the importance of evangelism, and I don't mean yelling at the top of our lungs, beating people over the head with the Bible, scaring them into salvation, and offering them ultimatums. Evangelism covers a wide spectrum and it all begins with love and building relationships.  It ranges from a smile to an encouraging word, to a giving gesture or act of kindness, to sharing your testimony with someone, or sharing Jesus and the gospel without shame.  The opportunity depends on the relationship and what God is asking you to do, but if we pray for opportunities to be Jesus to others and to share His love with others, God will faithfully and gladly open doors.  People need to know that, without Jesus, they are lost in their sin and that a loving Savior came to the world and was beaten, crucified, and rose from the grave so that everyone could be purified, made new and experience a relationship with the One true God and spend eternity worshiping Him in heaven.

Matthew 7:13-14 tells us that "wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."  Later, in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus encourages us to sow the gospel to everyone we can because so few will believe and follow.  It is up to us to share.  We cannot count on man to "figure it out" on his own because Proverbs 14:12 says that a man's way seems right to him, "but in the end it leads to death."  So, there are a lot of people who need the gospel and Christ followers are the ones who are responsible for sharing it in a dark and desperate world.

The truth is, we don't know when we will see someone for the last time, nor do we know the date and time Jesus will return to earth, so we have no time to waste.  If my God is as great as I say He is, then why am I not sharing?

Divine Talent

On an episode of Jeopardy last week, there was a female contestant who was boasting of a talent she had.  When it was her turn for Alex to introduce her to the audience, the bit of information about herself that she disclosed was the fact that she could write forward and backward at the same time.  She explained that she could write forward with one hand and backward with the other simultaneously.  When she finished sharing with the audience, glaring a boastful smile the entire time, she just stood there with the biggest smile on her face, so proud of herself and soaking in the audience's applause.  A couple of days later on one of my runs, God reminded me of that moment and I thought how can she be proud of something like that?  She didn't earn that talent, nor did she create it; she was born with it.  God gave it to her.  And she was boasting like she had something to do with it.  Not once did she give glory to God for being born that way.

We all have talents and we were hand-crafted by God with specific talents, skills, and abilities, so that we can bring glory to His Name.  Ephesians 2:10 states that "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  We are not created to bring ourselves glory.  I, like all of mankind, was born with a selfish streak, although I think  "streak" is an understatement.  God has been working on my pride for a long time; I am just thankful He hasn't given up on me.  Consequently, I have to be careful in my own life about boasting about things I had nothing to do with.  We, as Christians, were given talents, skills, and abilities to bring glory to God.  Are we doing that?  How are you using your gifts to spread the gospel and Jesus's Name?

The Favor of God

Since my husband and I decided to step out on faith with our decision for me to be a stay-at-home mom, we have seen God provide in ways we never imagined.  However, with the commitment of following God at all costs comes tests and trials.  When we moved into the house we currently live in, Josh and I both worked in that county.  Now, God has blessed my husband with an awesome job in "the big city".  As we are so thankful for Josh's job (we thank God constantly for it), we don't like that he has an hour commute each way.  His driving alone, as well as any trips we make as a family to church or shopping, takes 2 hours out of our day.  So, we don't get to spend as much time together as a family as we would like.  Josh also doesn't get to spend as much time with our 21-month old daughter as he would like.  Through prayer and faith, we have put our house on the market, which brings me back to the opening of this post.


Putting our house on the market is a step and a test of our faith.  More than anything, we want to sell our house and move closer to everything we do so that we can spend more time together as a family, save on gas money, save wear and tear on our vehicles, and not spend so much time on the road.  But is it what God wants for us?  Does He want our house to sell and us to move?  Although we think it's best based on our limited perspective of what we can see, God has a bigger eternal picture and He wants what's best for us.  We have done several renovations on our 1967 ranch-style house and we have 3 more that are still in progress.  We were going to wait to finish all the projects before we put it on the market, but someone advised us to go ahead and get it out there so people can begin to visit.  


As Nora-Kate and I were driving to the city last week, we were listening to "Focus on the Family" on the radio.  The producers of the movies Courageous and Fireproof, etc. were the guests on the show and the interviewer was asking them questions about why their movies are gaining such success and fame in Hollywood right now.  They were comparing their movies to the "big guys" in Hollywood and wondering why, when their movies don't have big name actors, they are still succeeding.  The producers' answer was that God's favor was on their movies.  It is their goal to produce movies that God would have them produce; they don't want to take over the movies or make them about their own agendas, but they want to portray what God wants them to portray on the big screen.  They want God to get all the glory from the movies they create.  And that's the same with our house.  We want God to get all the glory in everything we do, whether the house sells or whether He chooses to keep us where we are.  It doesn't matter how many renovations we do or how much work we put into the house, ultimately, if God is not in favor of our house selling, it's not going to sell.  


So, as my husband and I wait on God's timing, we will wait patiently and prayerfully and in complete worship and submission to Him and His will.  I have learned to always pray about everything and when I can't see anything changing, to remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which reminds me to be thankful in all circumstances because this is God's will for me in Christ Jesus.  He wants me to pray, but He also wants me to be thankful for the location and the situations He has placed me in because He will get the glory.


We love our God!  He is so amazing and we can't wait to see what He will do in our family!

My Sacred Role

Wives have such a tremendous and important job in their households and, more specifically, with their husbands.  We, as wives, were designed by God to uplift, encourage, and strengthen our husbands physically (through touch), verbally (through our words), and spiritually (through prayer).  We have a choice to cripple them or build them up so that they can be the confident, strong spiritual leaders God designed them to be.

My role as an encouraging and nurturing wife was something I have struggled with when it comes to my attitude sometimes and the words I speak, but I didn't realize the impact that my role played on my husband until recently.  Looking back as I reflect on our marriage, I can remember times (even today) when my attitude, words, or actions toward my husband have been anything but pleasing to God.  My sin of negativity and lack of trust toward my husband is just as great of a sin as pornography, murder, adultery, lying, or any other sin that exists (James 4:17).

My husband is my best friend and I must always see him in that light.  It is easy, in day-to-day activities (especially if you have children) to begin to see your spouse as a business partner, with your house and family as your business.  It is easy to focus on situations, circumstances, jobs, and tasks rather than on God, each other, and your family.  When we take our focus off of God, that's when anger, bitterness, and resentment start to rise, tempers start to flare, and arguments begin to erupt between spouses.

God has given me specific roles and responsibilities that no one else can fulfill for my husband.  I am special and sacred to him, as my best friend and my spiritual leader.  One role is to encourage him through my words.  Proverbs 12:18 tells us that "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  With my words, I can either pierce my husband to death or use wisdom to speak words of healing and life.  I have noticed that when I am critical of him, he shuts down, and I don't blame him.  My criticism causes an attitude and mentality that he cannot measure up to my standards, so why try?  Nothing will be good enough anyway, and truthfully, that's the message that my words convey when I point out things that are wrong or when I don't speak words that encourage (Eph. 4:29).  I am implying that he is not good enough and that nothing he does will be right, whether I would like to admit that or not.

God designed men and women differently on purpose.  He wants us to be more like Him and better understand His relationship with His Bride, the Church and with each one of His children.  Women are natural mothers, wanting to nurture, correct, and guide our children, but when we behave that way toward our husbands, it can be detrimental.  Our husbands are not our children, they are our best friends and our life mates.  We are on the same team and when it comes to life, we are not to compete with one another, but to walk together, in unity (Philippians 2:2-4).  Ultimately, our husbands are our leaders and they can and will lead with the proper encouragement from their wives.  So, when I start to focus on my husband's negative behaviors, I have to check myself first because almost 100% of the time, he is acting that way because of me.

Through my husband, God has taught me to be more Christ-like.  He has taught me about the meaning of life, true relationships, and truly walking in the footsteps of Jesus.  My husband has been a constant companion when others would run away.  He has been a constant source of encouragement when others would find nothing positive about me.  He has been patient and kind, showing me what true love is according to 1 Corinthians.  There is no doubt that God placed my husband in my life purposefully and perfectly.  

Lessons I Could Not Have Learned Anywhere Else

God has taught my husband and me some important lessons early in our marriage, but He had to place where He did for us to learn them.  We serve an awesome God Who wants to lead us down paths of righteousness and give us His best; we just have to trust in His plans and timing.  Isaiah 55:8-9 and Jeremiah 29:11-13 remind me that He has plans that are so much better than anything I could ever dream up.  Here are eight lessons I have learned from living and working in the city that we call home.


1.  The most important things in life are God, family, and relationships.  Living outside the "big city" has forced me, in particular, to focus on God and relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.  My husband has never had a problem with that; he thrives on relationships and socialization, but I have always been very reserved.  God has definitely brought me out of my comfort zone!  I love my God!!


2.  Depend solely on Him.  There have been so many times that God has been the only One to show up and answer our prayers and needs.  When people live in a city, everything is at their fingertips and family and friends are close by to help when they need it.  However, we have found that very few friends and even family members are willing or have the time to make the drive to help us when we need it.  Although it makes us feel lonely and somewhat sad sometimes, it also forces us to get on our knees and seek the only One Who can fulfill every need and every desire in us.  God always provides for all our needs (Phil. 1:19).


3.  Slow down; enjoy life and moments with our loved ones because life is fleeting.  When I first started teaching, our holidays and breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter Break, & Spring Break) seemed to last as long as they should, but as I started getting older and, especially when I had a child, those holidays seemed to fly by.  I realized that even short work weeks still felt like full work weeks.  God opened my eyes and taught me that it's not the number of days we can spend with our family, but the quality of the days we spend with our family.  I learned to treasure every free moment I have with my husband and daughter and to make the most of every opportunity.  


4.  It's not what we own, but how we spend and invest what God gives us--time, money, resources, etc.  We don't have much, but very little can go a long way in God's kingdom.  Proverbs 11:25 tells us that a generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (even if you don't have much to offer).


5.  Blessings are everywhere.  God is always ready to bless us; we just need to make sure we're walking faithfully with Him so we don't miss His blessings!


6.  Great people and lost people are everywhere.  There are great people around us that we need to connect with who will enrich our lives and encourage us.  There are also lost people everywhere who are dying and need to experience the real and passionate love of Jesus Christ, the love that brings true life and hope.


7.  Prayer changes everything.  I always hear people telling others to pray about a problem, care, or concern if they don't see a solution.  It's not cliche; prayer is so powerful!  It is a way of life, to be in constant prayer with my Father.  I do not know how I would get through each day if I couldn't talk to Him and I DEFINITELY wouldn't be a full-time stay-at-home mom without the power of prayer.  One of my mentors, after I told her three years ago that God had placed a desire in my heart to stay at home and homeschool our future children, but couldn't see a way to do it, told me to "pray, pray, pray!"  Those three words (or the same word) changed my life forever.  That day, I committed to praying about that situation, no matter if I could see a light at the end of the tunnel or not.  Then, God showed me 1 Thess. 5:18, which tells me to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  So, through my trials, God has taught me to pray about everything--the good, the bad, problems, worries, praises and to trust Him and His timing.  Then, if I don't see anything changing, give thanks because that's where God wants me and keep praying until something happens, until He moves.  Additionally, God taught me not to wait until a problem arises to pray, but to pray every day, all the time.  Through my daily communication with Him, He prepares me for the bumps, curves, twists, and storms that lie ahead of me.


8.  Don't make rash decisions.  This is sort of tied to the lesson about prayer, but after having made several wrong decisions and suffered the consequences, my husband and I now have a new rule about making large decisions that affect our family.  We will pray about them for 2-4 weeks before making a final choice about the matter, and now, from our mistakes, we can teach and model for our children the importance of patience.  Although something looks good, it's not always what's best for us.

Loving Others Where They Are

God has laid a certain phenomenon on my heart and has allowed me to observe, over a long period of time, how it has played out in my life and in the lives of those around me.  I have noticed that I, and others in my life, only want to help people when it is on our terms or when it is convenient for us.  There are days when I am absolutely exhausted.  I am worn out from my duties as a mom, wife, and full-time school teacher and I just want to come home after picking up Nora-Kate from day care, sit down, and read books with her.  Sometimes, she wants to do that, too (she loves books), but other days she wants to go outside and ride in her car while Mommy pushes.  I have found myself, on the days when she wants to go outside and I literally feel like I am about to fall asleep, trying to get her to do what I want her to do, which is to read books or play a quiet activity.  This doesn't happen very often, but when it does, she gets frustrated because she wants to go outside and I get frustrated because I don't want to go outside.  Consequently, I came to the realization that playing quietly may not be what she wants, or what she needs to feel loved her.  Sadly, in those instances, I really just want to love on her and spend time with her according to my desires and not make the sacrifice to do what she wants to do.


I have seen this play out in my teaching career as well as my other relationships.  I want to help my students, but I tend to want to do it on my terms.  "God," I'll pray, "I really want to help this child, but he's just not seeing it my way" and I get frustrated at the child.  If I am getting frustrated at my child, my student, my husband, my friend, or other family members when they don't see things the way I see them, then I have to admit that the problem lies within me and not them.  The problem is with my own motives.  Clearly, I am not trying to help them or love them according to their needs, but only the way I am comfortable with showing them love. 


Radical love, which is normal love to Jesus, means stepping out of our comfort zone, forgetting our own needs and desires, and giving the other person whatever they need to know that we and Jesus love them passionately.  If we are trying to help someone or mentor them and we're getting frustrated with them, then I believe we need to check our motives.  The problem may be with the one who is "trying" to help them.  Jesus died on the cross for our sins, not because He felt like it, but because it was what we needed so that we could know TRUE LOVE.  He made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so I believe that I can make trivial sacrifices in my own life to show someone else I love them the way Jesus does.  This love does not come naturally to me, nor do I believe it comes naturally to any human because we are, by nature, selfish.  If it came naturally to us, Jesus wouldn't have had to tell His disciples in the book of John to "love one another.  Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  It is a love we have to work at perfecting and continue to learn from Jesus daily.

Myth Buster?

I have often heard it said that God will not give anyone more than they can handle.  That statement makes me cringe and my stomach churn because I don't see that concept anywhere in the Bible.  People often repeat that phrase when they're trying to comfort someone.  They say it because it makes us feel good, but that does not mean it is Scripturally based.  In my opinion, there are two reasons why people repeat that sentiment in the middle of a tragedy: one, they get it confused with 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, or two, they mean that with God's help we can face anything life throws at us.

If people are getting that statement confused with 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, which states "So, if you think you are standing firm, don't fall!  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it," we must be careful to consider what Paul is referring to in this Scripture.  He is referring to temptation and sin.  The verse states that no temptation can overtake us unless we choose to let it.  God's promise here is that He will always provide a way out of temptation so that we don't have to sin; we just have to seek His way out.  Making the choice to take God's escape route when faced with temptation makes us more like Him.

On the other hand, some people might mean that with God's help, we can face and handle anything that comes our way, no matter how rough, tough, or fierce it is.  No matter how hard the battle is, no matter how severely the storm rages, with God's help, we can and will overcome it.  The problem with stating that fact through the words "God will not give us more than we can handle" is that it could cause people to start to doubt God's faithfulness when they're in the midst of a storm they really feel they cannot handle.  It can cause people to turn away from the living and true God because we start to ask the question, "I thought you said God would never give me more than I could handle?  Well, I CAN'T handle this.  I'm not strong enough!"  When we are in a storm that shakes our world, that turns it upside down, and shakes the entire foundation of our lives, we really don't feel that we can handle it.  And we CAN'T!  That's why we need God's strength to get through it.  God will give us trials that we can't face alone; those are there to draw us closer to God and to rely on Him when we literally cannot see the next step in front of us (James 1:2-4).  When we have no idea which way to go or where we're going to get the strength to move, that's the PERFECT time to rely on God.  He is faithful; He is faithful through the good and tough times.  He has already won the battle, and if we are His followers, we have already won, too!

When my husband and I decided to step out on faith to follow God's leading me to be a stay-at-home mom, we had no idea where the money would come from.  We did not see an answer; we did not see the provision, but that's where faith came in.  It's not faith if we already have the answer.  We must put our faith in God 100% and trust Him when he asks us to step, leap, or dive forward.  We put our faith in Him and wait on His timing to provide just what we need right when we need it.  We will question things, such as situations and outcomes.  It's sort of natural to do that.  I know I am selfish by nature, so when I question God about why a certain situation or outcome occurs, it's because I am miserable or am experiencing discomfort.  His plan is perfect and I just have to continue to trust in His promises!