Fully Trusting

Corrie Ten Boom
Photo Courtesy of
Corrie ten Boomhuis Foundation, Haarlem.

        Today, one of my fellow Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra members posted something online that was quite profound. It was a quote from Corrie Ten Boom. She said, "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Likewise, we need to fully trust Jesus Christ, no matter what circumstances we may endure. Even in the darkest tunnel, Jesus Christ will be your light. Corrie knew this to be 100% true in her own life.

        Born to Dutch parents on April 15, 1892, Corrie grew up in the Netherlands as the daughter of a clock and watch shop owner, becoming a watchmaker herself in 1921. But she also grew up with something far more valuable than any acquired trade. Her parents were devout Christians, always helping others in need. Their desire to help others was so great that it ultimately resulted in their demise.

        During the Holocaust, Corrie and her family housed individuals who were fleeing from the Nazi regime. Their home became a refuge, or Hiding Place1, for these people. Along with a safe haven, the house guests who benefited from their open house policy also received knowledge of the Gospel, a priceless gift compared to the meals they shared or the roof covering their heads.

        Tragically, the Ten Booms were arrested along with 30 other people living in the house when they were betrayed. After they were transported to the concentration camp, Corrie was the sole survivor, freed on December 28, 1944, when the Ravensbrück Camp was liberated.

        The Ten Boom family could not trust the person who betrayed them on this earth, but they put their complete trust in the One who would never fail them. Just as Corrie said, even in a dark tunnel, you do not jump off the train. You trust the one who is operating the controls. Corrie knew that God would watch over her, keeping her safe from harm. All she had to do was fully trust Him.

        Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Instead of turning her back on God through her personal suffering and the loss of her loved ones, Corrie Ten Boom embarked on a ministry journey, which began when she was 53 years old. For 33 years, she traveled to over 60 countries, sharing the Good News of the Gospel. She submitted her life to God, trusting that He would lead her and guide her. Through her ministry, many people came to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. All because she trusted God enough to completely give her life to Him.

        What about you? Do you find it difficult to trust God in those moments when it feels as if you are stuck in a never-ending tunnel of darkness? Perhaps you are uncertain of your future, wondering where you should go or what you should do. As Corrie said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Trust God to bring you through the darkness and into the light. The Lord said, “‘I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them’” (Isaiah 42:16). If you put your trust in Him, the Lord will help you. He will be your constant friend and He will give you strength when you are weary. 

        People may disappoint you, but Jesus Christ will never fail you.

There is no tunnel too long or too dark where the love of Jesus Christ cannot reach you (Romans 8:38-39). Surrender your life to Christ Jesus. Call on the name of the Lord and you shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus said, “‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). Don’t live in darkness any longer. Put your trust in Jesus Christ today!

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1The Hiding Place is the title of Corrie Ten Boom’s autobiography, written in 1971.

Best Laid Plans

Have you ever planned an outdoor event just to have it postponed or canceled due to inclement weather?  Or perhaps you have had to change a lunch date with a friend because of an illness in the family or an unexpected work-related appointment.  No matter how meticulous we may be in orchestrating our monthly calendar; our plans often take a backseat to something that was completely unplanned.  But even when our plans change, we can always rest assured that God will work all things together for good (see Romans 8:28), according to His perfect will.

I am reminded of something one of my friends always says when she is making plans.  She prefaces the intended plan with the words, “Lord willing and the Creek don’t rise.”  In the 1800’s, people often used these words instead of responding with an affirmative yes, in accordance with James 4:15.  This scripture states, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”  The second part of the phrase, “the Creek don’t rise,” also originated in the 1800’s.  Back then, there were 19 tribes of Native Americans who formed the Creek Confederacy.  If they were to have another uprising, a person’s plans may have been interrupted.  In the same way, things happen today that are beyond our control.

In fact, our plans sometimes change drastically, without warning.  Recently, a colleague was in a car accident when they hit a deer on the way to work one morning.  One friend of mine is battling breast cancer and another is facing brain cancer surgery.  There are so many similar stories out there of people enduring seemingly insurmountable struggles.  Life is an extraordinarily fragile and precious gift.  There is no guarantee of tomorrow.  But we can take comfort in the truth that lies within the words of the beloved song that says, “Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand.  But I know who holds tomorrow.  And I know who holds my hand.”

From personal experience, I can tell you that life does not always go as we plan.  My mom, three siblings, three grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends are in Heaven.  While I am so very happy for them to be rejoicing around God’s throne, I miss them greatly here on earth.  Nevertheless, I trust God’s will completely, as I know His ways are perfect.  When I pray, I have faith that He will work all things out according to His will, not my own.  Sometimes, His answer may be yes, sometimes no, and other times, He may ask me to wait patiently.  If you’re like me, it’s often hard to wait patiently.  We live in a society that wants everything now.  From fast food to high-speed internet, this world has conditioned us to get what we want without delay.  Yet many times the one thing we need is to slow down and watch God’s hand at work in our lives, for His timing is impeccable.

The Bible says the Lord considers a day to be like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day (2 Peter 3:8).  Therefore, we need to try to realize that everything we go through on earth is somewhat temporary.  2 Corinthians 4:17 says it best: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”  Although we encounter some very dark days on this journey called life, we can rest assured that something better awaits us.  Whether we are in a state of tears or triumph, we can take comfort in the fact that God has a perfect plan for us.

God loves us more than we could imagine.  God loved us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so our sins could be washed away.  Jesus rose again on the third day and is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34).  One glorious day, a trumpet will sound and everyone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will be called up to meet our Lord in the air.  Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life in Heaven (John 3:16).  The things on this earth will pass away, but Heaven will be our forever home.

So the next time someone asks you to make plans for lunch or dinner, or a myriad of other engagements, be sure to include God’s will on your calendar.  While you may not comprehend the way things work out, you can find sweet rest in the knowledge that God has everything under control.  He knows where we should be, when we should be there, and who we should be with at all times of the day.  His calendar is not measured in days or months, but in lifetimes throughout eternity.  Put your trust in Him today.  For the best laid plans are not made of times and dates, but of the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A Forever Fortune

Have you ever had dinner at a Chinese restaurant and been given a fortune cookie at the end of your meal?  When you opened it up and read your fortune, were you excited or disappointed?  Perhaps it left you scratching your head.  It may have read, “You will experience great friendships and abundant wealth.”  Or it could have said something nonsensical like, “Growth is not an attitude but action.”  While it may be fun to break open these special edible message vessels, the papers inside are printed in massive quantities and the fortunes received are simply obtained by chance.  Unlike the fortune cookies, there is one treasure that has been offered to every man, woman, boy, and girl.  This treasure was not one given by chance, but through God’s divine plan since the Creation of this world.  Jesus Christ gave His life for us, so that we could have eternal life.  That, my friends, is the ultimate forever fortune.

Fortune cookies are given as a way to thank you for your patronage and leave you on a sweet note, both literally and figuratively.  But what if someone gave you a gift even when you spit on them, cursed them, and wished them dead?  That’s exactly what Jesus Christ did.  The soldiers “struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him.  Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him” (Mark 15:19-20).  Even though the soldiers treated Jesus in this horrible manner, he died for every single person on this planet.  That means he even suffered and died for the very people who killed him.

God gave his only Son because he loved the world, knowing that they would crucify him.  I John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  God didn’t send his Son to die just for the rich or poor, the tall or short, the men or women.  God gave his only Son for every single person on earth.  It wasn’t by chance, like the fortunes in the cookies, but it was by the grace of God that Jesus Christ gave his life for us.  He gave his life as a living sacrifice, so that we could have our sins forgiven and be granted eternal life in Heaven.

But wait, there’s more.  Jesus didn’t just die, rise again, and return to his Father, leaving us to fend for ourselves on earth.  Romans 8:34 says, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”  Jesus is praying for us.  Imagine.  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is praying for me, and you, and every single person on this planet.  That’s how much he loves us.  He never stops thinking about us!  That is unconditional love that is only found through Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you are reading this blog and you feel you are in a hopeless situation.  Maybe you feel as if no fortune cookie, prayer, or anything else could possibly save you from your current circumstances.  I am here today to tell you that nothing is too big for God.  I was born lifeless.  Jesus restored my life.  My heart broke in two when my mom passed away.  Jesus restored my joy.  So many times, it may seem that all hope is lost.  But there is one rock on which we can stand, even when it seems the walls are crashing in.  Jesus Christ is the only lasting hope that can be found in this world.  He will always see us through.  Jesus loves you more than you could ever comprehend.  Cast all of your cares on him, for he cares for you (I Peter 5:7).

It’s not a myth, a fairy tale, or a message in a fortune cookie.  Jesus Christ is alive and well today.  He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, interceding on our behalf.  Call on his name today.  Jesus will be the anchor for your soul, the light in your darkness, and the refuge to which you can run.  Don’t fret over the daily worries of this world.  The greatest treasure is not one that can be deposited into a bank account.  The most valuable fortune is one that is stored up in Heaven (Matthew 6:20).  Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.  Only then will you begin to realize the greatest gift this world has ever received.  For the greatest fortune is not a fleeting thought.  The most valuable treasure is the love of Jesus Christ and his love will last forever.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer 

Tackling the Giants

Take a look at the television schedule, the Twitter feeds, or the daily newspapers.  If you haven’t noticed already, football season is in full swing.  Everyone is rooting for their favorite team.  Whether or not you are an avid football fan or not, I want you to consider the fact that life is a lot like a football game.  We run interference, we may even fumble the ball, but with God’s help, we will ultimately find ourselves on the winning team.   And before we victoriously make every touchdown, we can rest assured that God will help us tackle the giants we encounter along the way.

David knew firsthand that God would help His children overcome the giants in our lives.  And in his case, he went up against a real, live giant named Goliath.   Other people doubted this young man’s ability to defeat Goliath, but David knew that God was on his side.  David said, “‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine’” (I Samuel 17:37).  David didn’t read a book on how to slay a giant.  He didn’t Google what weapons he needed to attempt to fight such an enormous man.  He simply relied on God to provide a way when there seemed to be no way.  David knew in his heart that all things are possible with God.

Moses encountered a similar problem.  He needed to lead a large number of people to the other side of the Red Sea.  There was one major problem though.  They did not have even one boat.  There wasn’t a large bridge spanning the distance either.  To make matters worse, they were being pursued by the Egyptians, so time was of the essence.  Moses turned the problem over the God, and raised his hand.  The Bible says, “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21).  Moses didn’t use his GPS to find the nearest ferry station or use his cell phone to call 911.  He put his trust in the One who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

David and Moses are not the only ones who have faced giants in their lives.  I have encountered my share of trials and tribulations as well.  When I was little, my two baby brothers passed away as infants.  At ten years of age, I lost my first grandparent.  Since then, I have lost three of my grandparents.  I’ve spent months in the hospital, including the weeks when I was born premature and lifeless and the weeks I nearly lost my life when I was a teenager due to a perforated colon.  Most recently, I lost my Mama.  This was the most difficult thing I have ever had to face.  But through it all, one thing has never wavered.  That is my faith in Jesus Christ.

Life is not always easy.  The news is filled with giants that threaten our health, our finances, our environment, and so much more.  But even with the uncertainty in the world, I find sweet rest in the fact that Jesus is always with us.  He will see us through.  I am reminded of a song I sing with the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra: “No matter the storms that come my way, No matter the trials I may face, You promised that You would see me through.  So, I will trust in You.”  I do not put my trust in secular entities, religious and political figures, or any other thing on this earth.  I put my trust in Jesus Christ, the Truth, the Life, and the Way.  He is the only hope we have in this world.

What or who is the giant in your life?  Is it a pile of financial burdens or a severe illness that has you bedridden?  Could it be a job that has you overstressed?  Perhaps it is a friend or family member who constantly torments you with negativity.  Whatever circumstances you may find yourself in, rest assured that God is with you.  He is aware of the giant you face.  Just as he provided David with smooth stones and a slingshot, Moses with a staff, and me with peace in many heartbreaking and uncertain situations, He will also provide you with the means to face your giants.  Put your trust in Jesus Christ.  He will restore your joy, fill your heart with peace, and help you tackle the giants in your life!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Our Shield

Yesterday, while walking through the grocery store, my cell phone began playing the song sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, “Thou, Oh Lord.”  The phone was in my purse with the lock screen in place.  No one touched it.  Yet somehow, some way, the phone began to play this song loud enough that I could hear it, even in the midst of the crowded supermarket.  I picked up the phone to see what was going on, since I have a different song set as my ringtone.  When I pressed the button to stop the music, it kept playing.  Finally, I turned the sound completely off.  The music stopped, but I am still perplexed as to how this occurred.  While I cannot explain how it happened, I am fairly certain that I know why.  I believe God was reminding me that He has everything under control.

Sometimes in life, it seems like everything is going according to our plans.  Our job provides a stress-free environment and steady income, our family is healthy, nothing rains on our parade, so to speak.  All too soon, a storm comes through like a tornado, perhaps causing turbulence in the workplace, illnesses among our family members, or other negative circumstances we must endure.  It is during these times that we need to have the calm assurance that Jesus Christ is standing alongside us, providing a shield from the calamity that threatens to overwhelm us.

Psalm 3:3 says, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (ESV).  The Lord never sleeps nor slumbers.  He is always awake, watching over us, interceding on our behalf.  When you are having a wonderful day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  When you are having a miserable day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  It doesn’t matter where you are or where you are going, Jesus Christ will always be a Shield surrounding you, helping you along the way.

A couple of weeks ago, my dad and I were out working with our cattle.  As I opened one of the gates, a swarm of wasps came out after me.  Because I had never been stung before, I was extremely concerned as I felt a wasp sting my leg.  I prayed that no others would sting me.  At that moment, I know that the Lord placed a shield around me, keeping me from getting stung multiple times or getting stung on the face.  I am grateful for His protection and His healing, as the sting did not cause an allergic reaction.  On the same day, my dad was charged by one of our cows more than once.  This particular cow had horns, which could have caused a serious injury.  I prayed that my dad would not be harmed in any way.  Once again, the Lord proved faithful and true, placing a shield around my dad, protecting him from the potential danger.

Sometimes, we get so busy with our daily activities that we do not even notice the hand of God working in our midst.  A traffic delay could be saving you from an accident down the road.  An unexpected phone call could keep you from slipping and falling on a piece of ice in your kitchen.  Having to go back inside your house for a forgotten item could serve as a reminder to turn off the stove or unplug the curling iron before it causes fire damage to your home.  You see, there are so many scenarios where God sees the possible outcomes before we could ever begin to process them all.  He knows our future.  That’s why we need to trust in His timing, because He knows what lies ahead.

As human beings, none of us are perfect.  Our natural tendency is to call on the Lord more when we are in distress than when everything is going well.  When we are sitting on cloud nine, we tend to believe we are doing great on our own, like a captain of a ship enjoying smooth sailing on a sunny day.  But just like the captain should be thanking God for the calm seas, we need to remember to thank Him for His blessings every day.  In the good times and the bad times, we need to praise Him for His endless love and mercy.  We need to trust that He will work everything out for our good, no matter what is going on around us (see Romans 8:28).

God’s Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  The Bible doesn’t say to acknowledge the Lord on Sunday and don’t worry about it the rest of the week.  It says “in ALL your ways acknowledge him” (emphasis added).  We need to completely depend on Jesus Christ, making sure that everything we say and do revolves around His plan for our life.

Jesus Christ is our Shield.  He is the glory and the lifter of our head.  Jesus wants us to live an abundant life.  He wants us to be happy.  He wants us to lean on Him.  By doing so, we can ensure that our focus is not on the trials and tribulations of this world, but on the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.  If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we’ll find that the difficult times are more bearable and the joyful times are even more delightful.  Let us praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all that He has done in our lives!  From dawn until dusk and all through the night, the Lord is watching over you, keeping you safe.  Jesus Christ is our constant Friend, our Lord and Savior, and our Shield.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Peace Beyond Understanding

Have you ever experienced something in life that tried to rob you of your peace?  There are minor instances where our peace is suppressed only momentarily, such as when we have a flat tire on the way to work.  Sometimes in life, though, we endure hardships that seem too difficult to bear.  I know firsthand what the latter feels like.  Nearly six years ago, on August 2, 2008, my mom went to be with the Lord.  That night, my world was shattered.  But even in the midst of the most horrific night of my life, Jesus Christ wrapped His loving arms around me and my dad.  Although our human eyes saw what looked like a devastating storm raging in our lives, He showered our hearts and minds with peace beyond our understanding.

All of my life, I have read Philippians chapter four and it still one of my favorite passages of scripture.  But it wasn’t until I went through the tragedy of losing my mom that I truly began to understand the meaning of verse 7.  Here is the verse in context, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).  The Apostle Paul tells us that we should not be anxious.  That means we should not worry about anything.  Instead, he tells us to pray in every situation.

You might be thinking, how could I possibly not worry and pray when I am upset, stressed, or grieving?  I know, it sounds nearly impossible.  But I can tell you that a life with constant anxiety is much more difficult than a life with prayer at the center.  That night, as we called loved ones to give them the devastating news, Psalm 121:1-2 ran through my mind repeatedly.  It says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  I looked up at the silhouette of the mountains under the moonlit sky and prayed that God would give us strength in the coming hours, days, months, and years.

You see, even as I stood outside our camper with a broken heart, I knew that Jesus Christ was not only standing beside us, but He was holding our hands, to keep us from falling.  He is the Prince of Peace.  Although the circumstances were anything but peaceful, Jesus brought peace to our troubled hearts.  My dad and I sat beside my mom and sang, “Living by Faith.”  Our faith was the only thing that kept us going in that heartbreaking moment.  We prayed that God would send the Comforter to us.  Through our faith in God, we were showered with the peace that Paul wrote about.  We had peace in a situation where it doesn’t even seem to belong, according to our human perspective.  This kind of peace is a peace that exceeds all understanding.

One day my parents and I were enjoying a family vacation in the mountains and the next day, my dad and I were going to the local funeral home.  My heart had shattered into a million pieces.  My dad and I were exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  But we still had peace.  It wasn’t the peace like one feels while lying in the sun at the beach or listening to the raindrops go pitter patter on a metal roof.  This was the kind of Heavenly peace that I cannot understand nor fully explain.  Inexplicable peace that comes from Heaven above when the current circumstances seem like peace should not be found.  That is the kind of peace Paul writes about and the kind of peace that we experienced that night.

Six years later, I still miss my mom daily.  But my dad and I have found a new normal and a new purpose.  The same God who gave us peace in the midst of a tumultuous storm six years ago is the same God who gives us peace now, whether we are on the mountain top or in the valley.  Life without my mom is not easy, especially on days like her birthday, Mother’s Day, or even this coming Saturday, August 2.  But our lives are made glorious by the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ!  He is the reason we live, the reason we laugh, the reason we love!  I thank Him every day for His countless blessings and His peace that passes all understanding.

I want to encourage you today.  Whatever it is you are going through, put your unwavering trust in Jesus Christ.  He will never fail you.  The peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is unlike any other you will ever encounter on this earth.  With Jesus Christ living in your heart, you will experience a truly abundant life.  Through the good times and the bad times, He will guard your heart with peace like no other.  He will fill your heart with joy unspeakable!  You will be able to face each and every day with the calm assurance that God will give you peace beyond your understanding!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

You Will Persevere!

This past Monday, Americans woke up to a routine Monday morning.  That night, we went to bed with saddened hearts.  What began as a beautiful day in Boston, Massachusetts ended with a horrifying scene as loved ones tried to come to terms with what happened toward the end of the Boston Marathon.  Three innocent lives were lost in this attack and nearly two hundred individuals were injured.  Yesterday, an explosion caused mass destruction, causalities, and injuries in West, Texas.  In both of these tragedies, an infinite number of people have suffered emotional trauma that is utterly beyond comprehension.  My heart is saddened, just thinking of the coming days ahead as they gradually begin to pick up the pieces of their lives.  Still, I want to speak specifically to everyone in Boston and West and the surrounding areas.  Even though it may seem like a hopeless situation at the moment, you are going to make it.  While your lives have been turned upside down, you will find a new normal and life will go on.  With God on your side, you will persevere!

Tragedies like this one cause us to ask, “Why?”  Why should children’s lives be taken so suddenly?  Why should people have to endure such destruction and loss?  Why should a seemingly safe place quickly turn into a danger zone?  While I wish I had all of the answers, I certainly have no answers to many of the questions that are being asked.  I cannot comprehend why someone would want to cause any type of destruction, much less have a desire to harm another human being.  And there are no words to explain the feeling of helplessness I am sure is felt by many in Texas as they try to determine the cause of this horrific explosion.

While I do not have all of the answers, I want to encourage each and every one of you today.  Jesus Christ says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  When He was walking upon the earth, He encountered unimaginable trouble.  He was beaten and bruised and put to death on a cross.  But God had Him in the Shelter of His arms and now He reigns victorious.  Jesus knew that we would also encounter trouble in this world.  But He reassures us that everything will be alright.  Although there will be days when we don’t feel we can put one foot in front of the other, He will be with us every step of the way.  Why?  The answer is simple.  Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

Perhaps you are facing a battle of your own today.  You may be sitting by the bedside of a loved one who is terminally ill.  Maybe you just received news that you have been let go from your place of employment.  Or you may have been personally touched in some way by the tragedies in Massachusetts and Texas.  The Lord says to you and me, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).  No matter what you are going through, Jesus is right there with you.  He will hold your hand.  He will walk with you every step of the way.  He will never leave you.  Even amid the questions that surround us, Jesus Christ is the answer for the world today.  Rest in Him.  Trust in Him.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  With Jesus Christ as our Lord, Savior, and Friend, we will persevere!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

God Is Always Enough

Over the past few weeks, my Dad and I have been watching The Bible Series on the History Channel.  While I have heard many positive as well as negative comments concerning this popular miniseries, I have personally enjoyed watching this phenomenal representation of the Greatest Story ever told.  To feel as if I am walking beside Moses as God gave him the ability to part the Red Sea.  Or to feel the intensity that Daniel felt as he was in the midst of those hungry lions.  It was so incredible to watch as the walls of Jericho were tumbling down.  What an amazing journey to travel with Mary and Joseph on the road to Bethlehem, knowing that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would soon make an entrance into this world.  As I watch these heroes of faith walk down the road of life, I soon realize that their lives were not a lot different from our own.  Sure, our struggles are much different, but one thing is certain.  No matter what we’re facing, God is always enough.

Like David, are you facing a giant in your life?  Or do you feel as if you have been thrown into a fiery furnace like the three Hebrew children?  Perhaps you feel like you are being asked to do the unthinkable, much like Abraham’s obedience to God was tested when he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.  I want to encourage you today.  God will be with you wherever you go.  God will give you strength in every situation.  Our God will always be enough.

David knew that God was on his side.  He said to Goliath, ““You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty” (I Samuel 17:45 NIV).  He knew that if he had faith even as small as a mustard seed, God would provide the courage and strength he needed to stand up to Goliath.  He didn’t need a lot of armor or weapons.  He didn’t need Saul’s army.  All he needed was a small stone and a slingshot.  Why?  Because God was enough.

I’m sure the three Hebrew children were afraid as Nebuchadnezzar said that he would throw them in a fiery furnace.  They said to Nebuchadnezzar, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand” (Daniel 3:17 NKJV).  Even in the midst of their fear, they did not bow down to other gods.  They trusted in the one true and living God.  They knew that He would be enough.

Consider Abraham.  God spoke to him and said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NIV).  What must he have been thinking?  I’m sure he was questioning God.  Still, he obeyed God.  One thing I think is important is the fact that he didn’t decide to think about it or pray about it to prolong the inevitable.  The Bible says that he got up early the very next morning and headed to the mountain (Genesis 22:3 NIV).  Abraham trusted God fully, with the knowledge that God would always provide.  Even as his son questioned what was going on, Abraham replied, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8 NIV).  Just as Abraham was about to take his son’s life, he saw a ram caught among the thickets.  He knew that God had provided the sacrifice, sparing his son.  God knew that Abraham trusted Him to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice.  And Abraham knew that God would always provide.

What problems are you facing in your own life?  Is it a daily struggle to lose weight?  Or are you trying to stop smoking or taking drugs?  Are you recently widowed or divorced?  Maybe you are afraid because of someone or something that has been haunting you each and every night.  Has your faith waivered to the point where you find it hard to trust God at all?  I want you to know that God has not left you.  He sees your pain.  He knows where you are.  He will always be enough.

I pray the song below is an encouragement to you.  It is one of the most anointed songs I have ever heard.  I know that God must have had His hand on Kelly Garner and Kevin Stokes as they penned the lyrics to this song.  And I know that God has His hand on Karen Peck Gooch every time she sings this beautiful song.

My God will always be enough,

For the longings of my soul.

He alone can fill my cup,

Till my spirit overflows.

From a well of living water,

He renews me with His love

My God will always be enough.

Whatever you are facing, God will always be enough.  Call on the name of Jesus Christ right now.  It doesn’t matter if you are sitting in your pajamas in your living room, or if you are walking down the aisles at the local grocery store.  Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine and you can talk to Him every day of the year, every moment of the day.  For all of your physical shortcomings and emotional weaknesses, He will always be enough to make you whole and to make your life complete.  If you feel empty, He will fill you up.  If you feel alone, He will be your Friend who remains closer than a brother.  If you feel like you are living in a world of uncertainty, you can be certain of one thing.  Our God will always be more than enough.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

God Is With Us!

This past Sunday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m., the doorbell rang.  Chills ran up and down my spine.  Questions filled my mind.  Who was it?  What did they want?  Why were they here?  I was genuinely scared.  Immediately, I began to pray.  While I didn’t have an answer for the questions racing through my mind, I knew that God had everything under control.  I had the reassurance that God was with us.

My dad went to see who was banging on our door violently and ringing the doorbell repeatedly.  An individual who was under the influence of either drugs or alcohol had flipped their car and landed in a neighbor’s field.  This person had come to our house for help.  We called 911 and soon they were being attended to by the EMTs.  I prayed that they would be alright.  And I also thanked God for standing beside us, protecting my dad and me, and giving us His wisdom and peace even in an uncertain situation.

Sometimes, it is difficult to have faith that God will be with us through every trial in our lives.  I cannot tell you that it was easy to trust God while someone was beating on our door in the middle of the night.  There are times when we will be frightened to the point of trembling.  In these moments, our human nature tries to take over and tells us that everything is not okay.  But if we listen closely enough, we will find that there is a still, small voice saying, “Child, I am with you always.  Everything is going to be alright.”

Other times, it is so easy to trust God completely.  Last weekend, I attended a church ladies retreat.  At the retreat, we laughed and enjoyed a lot of delicious food, including delicious, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and copious amounts of fresh strawberries straight from Plant City, Florida.  Most importantly, we were fed spiritually.  By Sunday morning, we were on cloud nine.  Right before the communion service, we received news that our retired pastor’s cancer was in remission.  At this very moment, God seemed so very near.  Trusting God was so simple.

On Monday morning, I learned that Pastor Jim had gone on to be with the Lord, having stepped through Heaven’s gates peacefully in his sleep.  He was such a kindhearted man of God, who was humble in every way.  He loved his family, his church family, and most important, he loved Jesus Christ with all of his heart.  We prayed for Pastor Jim on Sunday, just as we had been doing for months.  And on Monday, our prayers were answered.  Only it wasn’t the answer that we were praying for.  You see, we don’t always understand God’s answers, but we can always be assured that He knows best.  When we are on top of the mountain, trusting God comes easily for us.  But when we are in the valley, it becomes much more difficult to trust that God has a perfect plan.

I want to encourage you today.  This valley that you are going through will not last forever.  Sometimes you have to go through a storm in order to enjoy a rainbow.  Even in the sunset, there’s sunshine awaiting you.  Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”  Don’t rely on what your human mind can or cannot comprehend.  Rely on God.  God knows exactly what you are going through.  He is right there with you and He will walk every step of the way right by your side.  The Bible says that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).  Things may not make sense to you right now, but a day is coming when everything will be made clear to you.  God will show you His plan for your life in His timing.  Trust in Him.  Follow His steps.  Take comfort in the fact that God is always with you!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Ultimate Father

What does it mean to be a father?  Is it about a person who provides a shelter, food, and clothes for their family?  Does it refer to the way they protect their children from harm, even to the point of putting their own lives on the line?  Or can being a father simply be described as someone who loves their sons and daughters unconditionally forever?  No matter how you define what it means to be a father, one thing is absolutely for certain.  Fathers are always ready to hand out advice, allowances, and accolades, making them irreplaceable heroes in the eyes of their children.

This Father’s Day, many children, young and old alike, will honor their fathers through cards, gifts, and the greatest treasure of all, love.  And yes, dad will likely receive tie #87 to add to his collection.  But it isn’t about the sentimental greeting card bearing the perfect verse or the funny card with the verse that says “How much do I love you?” leading to the giant hands that pop out and say, “This much!”   Father’s Day is about honoring the man who cared for you as a child and through your teen years.  He loved you even when you spit up on his new suit on the way to church, he loved you when you accidentally backed his car into the garage door, and he loves you even now, no matter how old you are, with your quirks and all.

I am blessed to have a dad who loves me unconditionally.  He is always there for me when I need him and he is the rock my foundation is built upon.  My mama and daddy taught me the most important lesson of all: a life with God at the center is the life worth living.  No matter what I am going through, my dad always has a word of wisdom or encouragement, or maybe just a hug to let me know he cares and he understands.  I am grateful to have such a loving father and I know I am blessed beyond measure to enjoy such a special father-daughter relationship.  It is something I cherish and will never take for granted.

Perhaps you have never had a relationship like that with your father.  Or maybe your father has gone on to be with the Lord and you’re left on this earth feeling alone.  While it is understandable that you miss him and that you wish things were different, I want you to know that you are never alone.  Jesus Christ, your Heavenly Father, is always with you.  Joshua 1:5 (NIV) says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  This promise means that our Heavenly Father, just like your biological father, will always love you, quirks and all.  It doesn’t matter if you can see Him or not.

One Sunday morning at church, I learned about a special tradition between a Cherokee father and son.  According to the Cherokee Indian tradition, a young boy must exhibit bravery in order to become a man.  To do this, his father takes him deep into the forest.  Once they are in the appropriate location, the father places a blindfold over his son’s eyes and instructs him to sit on a stump.  The son is not allowed to leave the stump or remove the blindfold until after sunrise the next morning.  During the night, he hears the sounds of wild animals and other frightening things around him, but still, he cannot leave the stump or take off the blindfold if he wants to successfully complete this rite of passage.

When morning breaks, I am sure he is relieved to feel the sun on his face and know that he can finally remove the blindfold after enduring a long, fearful night.  When he looks up, he is stunned.  For it is only then that he realizes that his father had been sitting on a stump beside him all night long, watching over him and protecting him from harm.  You see, the father wanted to know if his son was brave, yet he was not willing to put his son in harm’s way to do so.  Instead, he ensured that his son was safe and constantly under his watch all through the night.

Similarly, our Heavenly Father watches over us, day and night.  When we feel alone, He is there.  When we are afraid, He sends His Comforter.  When we just need to know that everything will be okay, He will provide the calm assurance we so desperately need.  He has already carried our load, mended our broken hearts, and restored our lives.  All we have to do is call on the name of Jesus.  Just like the young Cherokee boy who could not see his father sitting beside him all through the night, we need to have faith that everything will be alright.  We do not have to see Jesus Christ to know that He is with us.  We simply need to trust that He will watch over us in the darkest nights and protect us from all harm.  Our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we ask.  He loves us with a fierce, unconditional love.  Best of all, He is always sitting on the stump right beside us.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

Fear

Have you ever been afraid?  Not just a little scared, but truly in fear for your life?  Perhaps you were in a car accident, or saw your child fall down a flight of stairs?  Maybe you were scared that you would lose your home to a fire or due to lack of funds to pay your mortgage?  Many times, fear can cause us to literally shut down, unable to live our lives as God has intended.  God knows that we will be afraid at times, and He has promised that He will help us through the most terrifying experiences of our lives, so we can enjoy the rewarding, peaceful life that He has planned for us.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) says, “I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  No matter what we may be experiencing at this very moment, God is standing beside us.  Not only that, but He is holding our hand, guiding us through the rough patches of life.  He longs for us to have the peace that only He can give.  He wants us to have the reassurance that He will help us through any situation that life may bring our way, no matter how frightening it may be.  He is the calm before and after the storm.  He is the master of the wind and maker of the rain.  Put your faith in the Lord, and He will calm all of your fears.

If you feel that being afraid is a sign of weakness, I want to assure you that this is certainly not the case.  Consider Jesus’ disciples.  One night while they were out on the lake, they were literally afraid of Jesus himself, thinking that He was a ghost.  In Matthew 14:25-27 (NIV), we read: “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”  Even when His disciples did not recognize Him, He wants them to be at ease, unafraid at seeing Him walk across the water.  He wants them to know everything there is to know about Him, beginning with the fact that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, able to walk on water.  He wanted them to trust Him completely, just like He wants us to do today.

Even the Psalmist David knew that He needed to put His trust in God in order to avoid the fears that encompass us in life.  Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  David is reminding us that we do not need to be afraid, even if trouble comes.  Even if the bill collector calls or a friend stabs us in the back, there is still no reason to be afraid.  When we put our trust in God, nothing can steal our peace.  Nothing can steal our joy.  Nothing can take away God’s hand working in our life.

Mary was afraid when she saw the angel standing before her, delivering the message that she would be the mother of Jesus.  “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30 NIV).  There are times when we may receive news that is saddening, shocking, or simply unexpected.  Regardless of whether the news is positive or negative, God is in control.  God knows that there are times when we may experience fear in order to make the journey from where we are to where we need to be.  Like Mary, we may be afraid for a season, only to find that we have been called to serve the Lord in a way in which we had never even dreamed.

Time and time again, the Bible tells us that we should not be afraid.  Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.”  Hebrews 13:6 says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”  Even Jesus himself tells us in Revelation 1:17 (NIV) that we should not be afraid, and He says, “I am the First and the Last.”  So, no matter what trials come and what fears may Jesus Christ has paved the way for you to live a fearless life of joy.  He has a dream for your life, void of all fear.  He wants you to experience a fearless life that is greater than anything you ever imagined.

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer