Tag: no excuses

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer

While the Nations Rage

Yesterday, we came home early from work and school because Lydia had what seemed to be a migraine. I gave her some medicine and let her rest. It was an unexpected afternoon off, and while I did some planning and a little cleaning, I mostly rested, as well.

Coming home early also gave me time to check in with a few friends and family. I checked on a couple of ladies who are in-between jobs and a friend who needs to find daycare for her child. I reached out to a relative whose sister is having health issues, too. I was able to lift them all up in prayer because God graciously gave me time back in my day.

I also prayed for America (so many issues!) and situations around the world. I prayed for persecuted Christians in Nigeria and other places that they would stand firm in their faith and that they could still be a witness for Jesus despite the great risks. I prayed for those experiencing famine, drug running, human/sex trafficking, and natural disasters. I also prayed for the various wars that are going on, including the recent Israel/Iran war (which includes many countries).

While I don’t have any great answers to these complex problems, I can trust that God is in control. He loves the world that He created and the billions of people in it. I know He has good things in store for us. I also know things are going to get a lot worse before they get better (read Revelation!).I am grateful Jesus is King. He is the Prince of Peace who reigns over all the chaos.

As Christians, we have the opportunity and responsibility to pray and work toward resolutions. However, online, we can get caught up in arguing with strangers about our causes. We must not fall into the trap that our only arena is the internet. We must show up in our communities and get involved where it matters.

Christians are unique because we have the Holy Spirit’s power in us, and He wants to use us to change the world with His love, grace, and Truth. History shows that Christians are associated with positive cultural change when they are doing what they are supposed to do. If they fail to follow through, then everyone suffers.

We can do our part by praying and taking action, and we can rely on God to do what only He can. Indeed, the Bible shows us God’s love for the nations. In Deuteronomy 32:8-9, we read how God divided the nations and set their boundaries after the rebellion at the Tower of Babel. He took Israel for Himself to serve as an (imperfect) example and to eventually lead the rest of us back to Him.

Check out the following verses:

Psalm 86:9 says,  “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”

Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 

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.”

Acts 10:34-35 says, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'”
 
Revelation 7:9 says,  “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count,  from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

 And so, we see God’s heart for the nations. No group of people is better than another; we all need Jesus Christ. That’s why we can pray with confidence: it is His ultimate desire that all hearts be turned to Jesus. We can move forward in peace as we share the Good News, knowing He will return soon.

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Heavenly Father, You reign over all the Earth! Nothing catches You off guard. While you hate evil and will soon make it right, in 2 Peter 3:9, we see You are patient so that all can have time to know Jesus. Give us wisdom and courage as we spread Your light to this dark world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are you praying for today? What can you do to help those around you?

Task: Listen to this song by the late Rich Mullins: While the Nations Rage. Remember: You don’t have to be nervous or afraid about the world’s state of affairs. Trust Jesus!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Sitting In the Silence

There is so much going on in the world right now, and much of it can be overwhelming. On the flipside, it is tempting just to ignore it ala ‘ostrich style’ and bury our heads in the sand. We don’t really have that luxury, though!

Here and abroad, violence, politics, and social issues are taking up many of the headlines, not to mention retaliation, fearmongering, persecution, misunderstandings, and twisting the Truth. Some of these issues affect people I know, while others are more distant. But on the whole, they are concerning. We are moving ever-closer to the end (Revelation!).

In times like these, I am more grateful for the hope we have in Jesus. We don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. We can submit all our fears and concerns to Him; Jesus is more than capable and will take care of them in His timing.

It is good to be aware, stay informed, speak up, and take action. But sometimes, it is best to disconnect from the media and stay close to the Lord. As we fix our gaze on Him, He calms our hearts and instills courage. He may lead us to get involved in an issue, or He may direct us stay the course and carry on with whatever He has already told us to do. It’s unlikely I will change the whole world, but I can impact my little corner of it. (Galatians 5:22-23 and Galatians 6:9).

I find that being too busy is the worst thing when I want to hear from the Lord and find His peace. I have to let go of expectations, turn off the noise, lay aside my phone, and just sit with Him so I can tune in and listen. I might read the Bible or journal. I might sit in silence or sing a worship song. The goal is to seek God’s heart, and that takes time and intention.

Artificial Intelligence can make it difficult to know what is true, similar to someone fired up on the internet! Pick a topic; either way, people make assumptions and generally don’t check the facts or care to present all sides of the issue.

Yet, when we sit in silence and wait on the Lord, we are reminded that all Truth belongs to Jesus because He is the Truth (John 14:6). All details, data, and decisions must be filtered through His lens. Sitting in silence does not mean remaining silent or squandering a God-given opportunity to make a difference. It just means submitting to the Lord’s timing and plan first, waiting on Him instead of forging ahead on my own.

When I read a post online, sometimes I wonder if I am doing “enough.” People debate whether Jesus would do this or that… when statistics show they’ve likely never read the Bible in its entirety. Do they actually know the real Jesus, or just a cultural idea of Him? Then, I think about all I do daily to provide insight or to listen to patients, friends, family, etc. I would much rather pray and respond in my actual life than get into a heated debate with a stranger I’ll never meet in person or someone I only run into a few times a year (or less).

I don’t generally share all my thoughts and opinions in person, let alone on the internet! But that doesn’t mean I don’t have ideas to share. I generally prefer to wait, gather well-rounded information, and share it with those I know personally. We don’t have to agree, but we can have a respectful conversation!

The key for me is sitting with the Lord and listening, so I know what to say when the Holy Spirit gives me the opportunity. His words are life and peace. We have the ability to bring His merciful conviction or gracious comfort to a world in desperate need. But, we can’t be in a rush or ignore Him!

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Lord, thanks for giving us peace, grace, wisdom, and courage. Help us listen to You today and be willing to pivot in a new direction, as needed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a difficult time hearing from God? What is He telling you today?

Task: Sit with the Lord today. Lay aside any distractions and be willing to sit in silence, if that’s what it takes. Write down anything He tells you for future reference.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Worship

Well-Nourished

Last week, I had a cool conversation with a Veteran, and it confirmed I am right where God wants me! And to think, I almost missed the call! I ended up calling him about half an hour later because I had overlooked the appointment on my schedule. Ooops!

The man answered the phone right away and was forgiving. He was a little younger than me and had several food issues, including ulcerative colitis and food allergies, that were causing him much stress, fear, and anxiety. It was such an interesting conversation, and God opened a door to talk about spiritual matters.

Of course, we reviewed some strategies to help him avoid certain foods. We talked about how to communicate his needs to his family and about having a separate spot for some of his favorite foods, so he doesn’t feel left out. We discussed symptom management regarding his other eating issues. We came up with a game plan.

Then, I brought up how the vagus nerve is part of our fight or flight mechanism, and it connects the brain to the gut. If someone is mentally anxious, that can affect how well the gut processes food. Similarly, if the gut is struggling to digest something, that can impact the health of the brain. So, for this Veteran, it was cyclical!

We also talked about stress management and coping skills. He agreed that talking with a mental health counselor could be helpful. Then, he shared some spiritual concepts he is learning, and I let the conversation go that way. I am not paid to talk about Jesus, but I am allowed to share my faith. I don’t ever start with that, but it is always surprising how many people need spiritual support and connection. At the VA, we treat the whole person, and I am grateful to meet each person’s needs individually!

Subtly, I worked to apply Scripture to this man’s anxiety and fear. I said we are commanded to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2), and that fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). I explained how our enemy could be using his food issues to distract him from his greater purpose. I told the Veteran he could trust God with his meals, since Jesus wants the best for him and wants him well-nourished. At last, a lightbulb went on, and he said, “So I don’t have to be afraid. I can stay calm and use my Epi-Pen, if needed. It doesn’t have to be life or death every day!” He was both in awe and relieved.

At some point, this Veteran asked if I was a Christian. When I said yes, he asked if he could pray for me, and I could pray for him. I was happy to participate and prayed that God would give him peace and show him the power he has over his thoughts.

Later, I got to share with some of my coworkers what God had done. We talked about His goodness, faithfulness, and timing. Moreover, I was so happy God could use me both nutritionally and spiritually!

Food is nourishment, but so is God’s word! We can’t help others on our own; we need to be in our Bible daily, soaking it up so we have something to share. Last week, it was amazing to see the work Jesus has done in my heart, enabling me to call out fear in others and teach them to combat it with Scripture. Thank You, Lord!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for using me to change this Veteran’s life by giving him a new perspective. Help him continue to make progress in renewing his mind. Give him health and guide our next conversation at his follow-up in a couple of weeks! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has the Lord been using you lately to bless others? How can you renew your mind with Scripture today?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to praise God for how far He has brought you. He is so faithful and good. Then, listen to this song, “Won’t Start Now,” by Seph Schlueter.

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

A Soft Heart

Doing hard things requires soft hearts. As we gently move along with Jesus. We don’t have to worry or figure it all out because we trust that He’s got us covered.

As I explained last week, I put off my MARPE journey for many years. Looking back, this was mostly because of my own ignorance, pride, and fear – I didn’t want to learn anymore about it and just kept putting the idea behind me. It was easier to think, “I’m fine.”

Well, I started noticing a few issues in my mouth I hadn’t before. Just normal shifts over time which made me compare old photos and ask questions. I saw patterns in my patients who have lost teeth. The Lord finally got my attention!

When I was going through the decision-making process, I thought of something my mom told Lydia when she started braces seven years ago. She said, “Do everything you can to have healthy teeth and mouth.” She had had a variety of teeth issues all her life and didn’t want Lydia to go through that. I felt she would tell me the same thing, if she were here.

Several times, in the past few months at church, we’ve sung “The Lord will Provide,” and the lyrics settled my soul. “Everything I need, I know my Father has it… So seek first the kingdom and its treasures… Everything else, it will be added, All that I’m needing… I know the Lord will provide.”

Having a soft heart means you are able to perceive what Jesus is doing and where He is leading you. For reference, the picture above was from October. My cute smile is a little crooked, and if you zoom in, you can see my teeth are misaligned, which is one aspect the MARPE should address. God does not waste our pain or our life experiences.

My mouth pain and other symptoms are improving overall. I am actually breathing better through my nose, which is a huge perk! I’m still working on eating and talking clearly, and my smile looks a little wonky (maybe due to nerves?). Thank you to everyone who has checked in on me! I appreciate the calls, texts, cards, ice cream, and cute plant!

A heart soft to God invites peace into every situation. On Monday, I wasn’t sure how my day would unfold. I had four patients, mostly back-to-back. I didn’t know when I would eat lunch, let alone have time to attend to my new mouth routine. I didn’t expect sympathy, but I also didn’t want to confuse my patients with my sometimes garbled words. I prayed about it and just decided to let God organize my day.

A soft heart means less stress, and I was able to enjoy my day as it played out. When I briefly explained my situation, the first Veteran commiserated, “Oh, I was just at the dentist!” The next man said, “I understand – I’m going to the dentist next!” And the other said, “No worries, I’m hard of hearing anyway!” The last patient no-showed, which meant I had adequate time to eat lunch and take care of my teeth. What grace!

In the afternoon, I had an orthodontist appointment, followed by my church training. I added some rubberbands to my new gear and turned the wrench on my device for the first time. I skipped the meal and ate beforehand so I could clean my device thoroughly. A friend brought Lydia home after school events. It all worked out!

Yesterday, I had another busy day, and God worked it out for me in a similar way! I am grateful God softened my heart, and I humbly listened to His wisdom about my teeth. I have learned a lot, and it is already drawing me closer to Him!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your peace and provision. Thank You for ordaining my steps each day. Help me bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How can you humble yourself and have a soft heart today? What would that look like for you?

 Task: Watch this video on the Pharaoh of the Exodus and the hardening of his heart.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Finding Grace #517

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was pretty ‘chill’ since I was recovering from oral surgery! Lydia had her final orthodontic appointment on Monday, and I had my first! On Tuesday, I had my palate cut and the expander placed, and then I was home the rest of the week!

I’m glad I was able to clear my schedule, other than one appointment, and dropping off Lydia at school and picking her up a few times. Mostly, I was able to take some naps, read, and study (a little) for my training course at church. My coworkers have been great to check in, and they signed a card and gave me an adorable little plant.

It’s funny how long it takes to eat, brush my teeth, and take a variety of medications (separate due to timing). I think it will get better when I am done with the antibiotics. I am taking some kefir to help restore my gut bacteria. It’s helpful to be a dietitian, lol!

Overall, I am grateful for minimal pain and the flexibility I had this week. I still have a little pain and swelling, but I am figuring out what I can eat, and many of my other symptoms are resolving. It could have been much worse. I am determined to make the best of this and praise God for the opportunity to address these issues – staying home in the bitter cold was a bonus!

Lydia had a Speech meet today and placed third in her very first extemporaneous event! I hope to see her at one of her local meets soon!

While she was gone, I did some of my usual Saturday things at home. I enjoyed making some phone calls. I am feeling better day by day, and it was good to practice speaking with the MARPE device in my mouth!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous

Doing Hard Things

Starting a new adventure is never easy! But we can’t keep moving forward if we are unwilling to do hard things. You can’t have transformation without tension.

For several decades, I have been told that I “should do something about my teeth.” Just about every dentist I’ve had has said something to that effect. By and large, I have ignored them. Although three years ago, I reluctantly agreed to at least talk with an orthodontist where Lydia was receiving care. He mentioned palate expansion with oral surgery and possibly double jaw surgery after that! I said, “No way, that sounds intense!”

Well, this past August, my dentist mentioned it again. To be honest, I was pretty annoyed. Per usual, I thought, “What’s the big deal? My teeth are fine!” Yet, to ‘get him off my back,’ I returned to the orthodontist to see if they had any new tools or ideas. Nope!

This time, I asked what the actual problem was and received a fair amount of education. I knew my palate was too small, but I didn’t understand the implications until that day. Essentially, my top teeth are causing my bottom teeth to crowd into place. Imagine how you might squeeze the lid over the fourth corner of a Tupperware container.

I see patients every week with chewing problems. They might be missing some teeth, have a full set of dentures, or have a combination of both. Most of the time, the patients lament their situation to the point that I often pray about my own teeth. “God, please help me to have good, strong teeth that don’t fall out or have issues.”

So, when the orthodontist presented my options, I quickly realized that ignoring the problem would not make it go away. I’ve waited long enough. If nothing else, aging is a factor, and teeth just naturally move around over time. My bottom teeth have tilted inward around 40 degrees, which could expose the roots and invite damage or loss. My goal is not really aesthetic but prevention!

I prayed, discussed with family and friends, weighed the pros and cons, watched lots of videos, and read comments online. As it all sank in, I realized this option could be an answer to prayer. It doesn’t take any faith to do nothing! As the orthodontist said, I should not let fear dictate my decision. He said whatever I decide should come from the fact that I deserve to have a healthy, functioning mouth.

So, as you might guess, I decided to do the palate expansion called a MARPE, which stands for Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Palate Expansion. On Monday, I had an orthodontic appointment and learned more about what to expect. I already had peace, but this was confirmation.

Then, yesterday, I had oral surgery to cut part of my palate down the middle because it fuses closed in our youth. The MARPE device was attached with six screws! It was minor surgery, but they put me out for it. Thanks to my friend, Sara, for being my ride and staying with me until evening!

After a week or so of initial healing, I will start cranking the expander to split my palate. Over time, my body will fill the cut with new bone, making the result several millimeters wider. I’ll have a gap in the middle of my front teeth again, just like third grade!

I am still in some pain, which is to be expected. I took the rest of the week off to recover and focus. I am learning to eat and talk in new ways, which is a bit awkward! Right now, doing hard things includes a little pain, swelling, a bloody nose, a sore throat, multiple medications, and eating soft foods for a couple of weeks.

I am mostly looking forward to the process, seeing it as a step of faith and obedience. I appreciate your ongoing prayers for minimal pain and no infection. It won’t be easy, and there are no guarantees, but I’d also love to avoid the major surgery down the road!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your healing and protection. Thanks for leading me on this path and using it to make me more like Jesus. Help me be patient as I take each step of obedience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What hard things are you dealing with today? What is one step of faith and obedience you can take, however small?

Task: Consider the pros and cons of following through, taking one step, toward that hard thing. Compare a faith response with a fear response. Reminder: Doing nothing is often a fear response!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Finding Grace #516

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was busy, but felt relaxed at the same time! The cold weather made everything more exciting – okay, at least it gave us something to talk about!

I hosted our Sunday Zoom call with family, like usual. Some of us also met on Wednesday night, too, because my niece wanted to say hi to us. 🙂 It is always a highlight of my week, so this was a double blessing!

Work was busy “on paper” with many patients, but it turned out to be fairly smooth. I had several cancellations and no-shows, perhaps due to the frigid weather (well below zero most days!). I was grateful because I was able to stay caught up on my notes!

We also celebrated a coworker’s retirement. We are going to miss her, but are really happy for her. We had a little party at work on Thursday, and then surprised her by going out to eat afterward. We have a great team, and it was fun to hang out after work!

The news has been pretty heavy the last couple of weeks. I am keeping our nation in prayer. I know God is still on His throne, and we are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Lord, may we have the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it!

Lydia continues enjoying Speech and had her first meet today. She was gone most of the day but had fun and won a beginner’s award!

I did some cooking, a little organization, and the usual Saturday things at home. I also read a book and took a nap. 🙂 It was a great day, made better when Lydia arrived home to tell me about her day!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Pivot

Making Disciples

Recently, I read a social media post that reminded me that most of Jesus’ twelve disciples were likely teenagers. With the exception of Peter, who would have been at least twenty years old as he was required to pay the Temple tax, along with Jesus. The boys Jesus chose would have been those who were not the best students. They would have entered the workforce around thirteen or fourteen after completing their basic education.

I knew the disciples were young, but I never connected that on a deeper level. Now that Lydia is a teenager, I can see how things went over their heads! I am reading the Bible a little more clearly! Jesus told them about His death multiple times, and they missed it. Instead, they were competing with each other and asking Jesus for special favors. It was tough sometimes, but Jesus knew what He was doing!

The disciples were awkward, impulsive, eager, and brave boys (until they turned panicky during storms or fled when Jesus was arrested). Being teenagers also probably partially explains how they were so passionate and energetic after the resurrection. They were all in, ready to give their lives for the cause. If they had been older, they might have relied on “human wisdom” (reasonable caution!), rather than on God’s strength and power.

Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” You can compare how each of the four gospels records it here.

The verses above are known as The Great Commission, some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples. Discipleship starts with connecting through relationships. Then, we can learn and grow in our faith. Most of us have opportunities every day to share the love and good news of Jesus. That may be out in the world or in your own home.

I am so proud of who Lydia is becoming. But sometimes I have to remind her of simple tasks and chores on repeat. She is fairly reliable otherwise, so maybe that’s why I expect her to “get it.” Sometimes I have to laugh and stop myself from getting too upset. Lydia is totally normal, and I’m reminded that she’s my little disciple. How I say things is just as important as what I say. Indeed, I can offer her grace, especially since Jesus has been so gracious with me, and my resistance and dumb mistakes!

Last weekend, I gave Lydia the opportunity to drive in a blizzard. She did really well despite the lack of visibility! The next day, however, she decided against the “opportunity” to help me clear snow in our driveway. 🙂

Yes, teenagers are awesome in many ways. They can be funny and lighthearted. They hone in on what is important (to them) and go after it. They can be persistent and think outside the box. I have seen them do amazing things, going above and beyond.

Teens are not to be discounted! I appreciate the church youth group leaders who build into Lydia and her friends each week, and all those who built into my life years ago…

Now, let’s go and make disciples!

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God, thanks for Your patience and grace when we drag our feet or make mistakes. Help us to grow in wisdom, understanding, and endurance. May we be quick to help others and run to You for all we need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What can you learn from the teenagers in your world?

Task: Invest time in the teens around you today. Take them out to lunch and listen to everything on their mind. Pray for them and encourage them to follow after Jesus!

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Worship

My Personal Hall of Faith

Last week, I mentioned the so-called “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, as we read in verse six. I talked about how it would read if written from a fear-based perspective. In short, Noah would never have built the ark, and we would not be here!

That got me thinking about my own personal hall of faith. Here are a few things that came to mind on what that might look like… Keep in mind, all of these are only possible by God’s grace – He has done all the heavy work, I am just walking them out. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

By faith, Natalie accepted Jesus into her heart at age three. And though she struggled at times to live it out, she kept close to the One who loves her most. Praise God, I’m in my fortieth year of following Jesus!

By faith, Natalie trusted that God somehow still had a good plan when her teenage best friend died in an accident. It took four years to be able to even talk about it without crying, but God never left her side.

By faith, Natalie went two-and-a-half hours away to college. It would have been easier to stay close to home, but she knew God had good things in store for her.

By faith, Natalie focused on her studies and asked the Lord to help her succeed. She did what she could do and trusted Him with the rest. She knew her life was in His capable hands, so she didn’t have to overachieve – she just focused on finishing the work in front of her.

By faith, Natalie walked up to a friend at a wedding to say hello after not seeing him for a few years. She and Dave grew closer over time and were soon happily married.

By faith, Natalie and Dave moved to North Dakota, trusting God for a big adventure. They did not know what that meant, but wanted to be in the center of His will. That included crazy winters, being apart from family, becoming parents, and colon cancer. But, God was so good to them and helped Natalie address her deepest fears.

By faith, Natalie kept moving forward when Dave died. As a widowed single mom, she knew she needed to work through her grief and rely on God so she could be an example for Lydia someday. It is an ongoing process, but God has been so gracious to walk with them.

By faith, Natalie wrote a memoir and finally published it. It was a sacrifice of love, but it has touched many lives. It has given Natalie opportunities to bless others going through difficult times and point them back to Jesus.

By faith, Natalie trusted God to help her steward her household and finances. It was touch-and-go at times, but He is a good provider. Natalie has worked various jobs and has had the best coworkers. In His wisdom and grace, Natalie’s passion for nutrition was reignited, and she found new ways to serve her patients.

As I review the list above, it is fun to look back on how God has blessed me and come through for me. I can see Jesus’ faithfulness over time, and this helps me trust Him more now and in the future. He is so, so good. On the contrary, what if I hadn’t trusted God for all the above? I don’t even want to think what my life would look like in reverse!

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Father God, thanks for staying close to me and bringing me through all my challenges. You are trustworthy and true. Thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me. My life is Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What life stories would be in your own hall of faith? How would that affect your faith going forward?

Task: Review Hebrews 11 and then write your own version! I’d love to see it in the comments!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

A Fear vs. Faith Comparison

Romans 12:2 NLT says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

God’s will includes holiness and living honorably, abstaining from sinful behaviors, being thankful in all circumstances, praying in the Spirit, rejoicing, and growing in patient endurance and humility, while continuing to meet together with other believers. Read through Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews 10, and more!

I haven’t written about fear and faith in a while, but in many ways, the Bible verse above is key. We cannot let ourselves be ambivalent, thinking two ways about something and letting fear win. We need to let God change our minds and how we think. Only then will we be able to walk in Victory.

So, how can you know if you are responding in fear or in faith? To start, love and faith go hand in hand. When reading 1 Corinthians 13 (“the love chapter”), I found it interesting to put fear in the place of love and reverse it with a slight rewrite (verses 4-7): Fear is impatient, fear is unkind. It is full of envy, boasting, and pride. It dishonors others, is self-centered and easily angered, and tracks tit for tat. Fear delights in evil and hates the truth. Fear never protects, never trusts, never offers hope or encouragement, and always gives up. In short, fear is a dead end.

Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the Hall of Faith. It reviews the faith of several people in the Old Testament and how they pleased God by trusting Him. (Now reread this chapter as if it were written from a fear point of view! “It was by fear Abraham did not believe God…”) Hebrews 6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God…” Conversely, we understand that fear never pleases Him! Faith is essential, and fear cannot be our default.

When we operate in fear, we have to work quickly and jump right in. That’s because fear gives in to pressure and tries to solve its own problems. At the same time, fear can mean shutting down and stalling. Yes, a fear response can feel chaotic and out of control… all over the place as we try to find what will work “best.”

On the other hand, living by faith means we pause to check in with the Master, Jesus Christ. A faith response is in no hurry because the solution doesn’t depend on us. Faith means going at the Lord’s pace, which often feels slow, yet is always right on time.

Fear involves sticking with what you know because it feels familiar, if not safe. Often, fear refuses to look at the data as a whole, yet obsesses over every detail. Fear involves confusion!

Faith involves asking Jesus for wisdom to know what to do and the courage to follow through, knowing He will fill in the gaps as you move forward. Clarity comes along the way, as you don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith. Often, faith pushes our limits and requires us to trust God to take risks and try something new. But it is always worth it.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for empowering us to live in faith, not fear. Lord, we want to please You! May honor You with our decisions and in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What pattern of fear are you struggling with today? What does walking in faith look like for you in that situation? Can you flip the scenario around to see the difference?

Task: Take the next step of faith on your journey today. When you are vacillating between fear and faith, consider which choices will please God. Dare to do the difficult thing!