I’m pretty sure that winter was created so that spring would be more appreciated. As a child I don’t really remember winter causing much problem. Although I know it was cold, I don’t remember suffering in any way because of the cold. Standing outside waiting for the school bus or playing in the snow: neither of these things bring memories of hardship. I do remember the year that it was snowing so hard the school bus driver didn’t see me standing on the porch. Did we even have snow days back then? Oh beloved, are you feeling the chill …
Courage Resilience and Transformation
So one of our daughters recently had a birthday. One of her gifts was a sewing machine. She’s never sewn so we went together to get a pattern and material. There were extra items needed as well, including straight pens and elastic. It amazed me that there was not a single bit of elastic to be found. Until I remembered that many people have been making masks at home. When will we be able to buy elastic for everyday use again? For now it’s find it in your own storehouse of stuff or go without. Oh beloved, God speaks to …
Courage in the Crisis
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9 (ESV) “One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Joshua 23: 10 (ESV) “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed you. All have come to pass for you; …
Receiving Encouragement Requires Courage
“If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.” Judges 6: 10-11 Do you see the irony here? If you’re afraid with only 300, take just one and sneak up into harm’s way. God is offering to reassure Gideon, but even the means to receive the reassurance requires an extraordinary step of faith. If caught, surely they would be put to death and …
Panic or Promise?
One of our sons in law got his first turkey yesterday. It’s not turkey season. But that old bird flew out of nowhere and smack into his windshield. It landed with such force that he almost broke through the windshield. Unexpected. Out of nowhere. Boom! Life is like that. We’re traveling along enjoying life. And suddenly, out of nowhere, something hits us with such a force. We want to dodge, we try to avoid, but life happens and shatters right in front of us. No one is immune from the possibility of it. So what do we do when disaster …