Defining rather than being defined.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith in this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, be we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces; perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:1-5

Life is a journey filled with sorrow and joy, chaos and peace, times that are difficult and times that are easy. Sometimes the road moves gently along shaded paths, where other times it climbs steeply or descends suddenly while the storm rages against us, or the heat threatens to parch our soul.

It is during the difficult patches where we experience the testing of our faith as God refines us more completely into His likeness. It is in these moments that it is most important to define our journey rather than being defined by it.

But what exactly does that mean?

It has been my experience that, too often, when difficulty would hinder my walk, that I would begin to feel stuck as I allowed my circumstances to define me rather than defining my circumstances. Instead of viewing the difficulty as a tool God was using to grow me in His grace and the knowledge of His faithfulness, I would fuss and fume about the situation.

It didn't make things any better.  In fact, the more I complained to Him (and occasionally others) about how frustrated I was because things weren't going according to my plan, the more miserable I became. Blessedly, there came the "Aha" moment when I recognized I had wandered down the path of discontentment and mistrust.  Instead of relaxing in God's plan for my life and allowing Him  

complete control, I realized I had been wrestling with Him over the details.

The more I wrestled, the more weary I became.

But God in His compassion as a loving Father graciously swept me up into His embrace and gently reminded me that He saw the whole, while I only see in part. He told me, again, that He will never leave or forsake me, and that nothing comes into my life without His knowledge or permission. No matter how difficult a situation may appear, He is still in control and I can trust Him completely.

And suddenly like the child that is comforted by the one they love, I found myself seeking His face again and finding grace and love shining from His eyes. There is nothing I can do to earn His love, and nothing that will make Him quit loving me.  I am much more than a sinner saved by grace. Although I may still experience trials and temptations along the way, I am His beloved child and He is leading me home, one step at a time. He will faithfully walk with me the entire way and I can experience His peace and presence throughout the journey.

May you find same true for your journey as well.

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"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is perfected in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Seeing things from God's perspective

"For now we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." 2 Corinthians 13:12

Do you ever wish that you could pull back far enough from life's circumstances to view things as God views them? You know, the whole parade from the sky view, rather than just the band that is playing loudly right in front of you.

As I watch world events unfold, I find I am more prone to wanting to see things from His perspective  The close up view often appears to be chaotic and without purpose or plan. But then I step back and try to take in the broader view.

Our college group Bible study has been studying the book of  Revelations and it helps me keep the wide angle lens on the world's events. It makes me more eager to share the gospel with those around me, and causes me to keep my heart prepared.

A day of reckoning is coming.

Recent conversations with others who have studied Revelations only affirm that view.

One day, whether it be tonight, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now, we will all stand before our Creator and give account for our lives.  All the questions will be answered and there will be no more time to make amends, forgive someone we need to forgive, or embrace the truth of the sacrificial gift of Jesus Christ. Time as we know it will have come to an end and we will enter into the realm of eternity.  There we will either joyously be invited into the kingdom of God or be cast away to eternal separation and sorrow.

The questions arise: do you know where you'll be? Are you sure of your salvation? Don't be among those to whom Jesus will say "Depart from Me I never knew you."

God is patient and kind and desires that none will be lost. He sees the whole parade, every soul in it, and their hearts.

There's a storm brewing, and He knows exactly when it's time to for the parade to end.

Finding the blessings

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

I don't know about you, but I am especially thankful these days whenever I am able to find a bit of shade to avoid the heat from the sun. The temperature has been over 100 degrees for some time now, and combined with the severe drought, it feels especially hot. Adding to the tension that comes from being hot and thirsty, there are several wild fires in the area, making the air quality nearly unbearable. The desire to grumble and complain parades itself boldly before me, taunting me with the "if only's" and the "should have's." There's nothing like feeling uncomfortable to make one want to pull out the list of wrongs that make our life seem miserable.

But don't!

Life is filled with difficulties and unpleasantness, and rehearsing them only makes us feel that much more miserable. Grumbling comes naturally to most human beings, and when you can get someone to acknowledge your complaint, then you might even have the opportunity to play the "whose life is more miserable" game. (Sarcasm intended).

Yet, what's the gain?

Do you feel better or worse about your situation?

Now don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that there is never any reason to feel frustrated with life. We are, after all, human beings working our way through this maze called life. There are dead ends and false leads, and numerous difficulties that can easily distract us from our purpose...which is to give God glory. But press on with courage and hope. He has never forsaken His children, nor will He ever. We can rest confidently in the knowledge that nothing comes to us that hasn't already been filtered through His very loving hands. We may feel uncomfortable in a current situation, but He has a purpose and plan in everything He does.  (If you've never read the book of JOB I highly recommend it. You will see that Satan had to have God's permission to pester Job).

Look for the blessings and offer God thanks for each one you find.  If you can't see any, ask Him to open your eyes to the numerous ways He has blessed you. Stay true to the path He's placed before you, no matter how difficult it might seem at the moment.

Trust Him to see you through, because once you've passed through the narrow place, having had to release some of the baggage that was hindering your progress, you will find you are walking more upright and with greater strength.  The burden was heavy for a moment, but it made you stronger. It may have seemed like the passageway into the future became more narrow, but it caused you to let go of things that kept you from moving forward. You wouldn't turn around and pick up the things you discarded along the way because you discovered they're useless, and they made traveling difficult.
It's that same with our attitude about the difficulties we encounter in life.

Philippians 4:8-10 reminds us to think on the things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue and anything praiseworthy. And with good reason.  These are the things that take our eyes and mind off the negative, and help us to focus on the blessings God has lavished on us each and every day.

And doesn't that just make you want to dance?

So be careful my friends.  Remember we are on a journey, we have been given a task, and given everything we need to complete that task with joy.
May God grant you the eyes see what you need to see so that you may always give Him the praise and glory He's due.


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"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield o:12-18f faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword o the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Sprit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6

The Unseen

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Although I love a grand adventure, I am not a thrill seeker by nature.
Anyone who knows me well, knows I like a plan, or at the very least, a vague idea of how things are going to go. I call myself "Let's plan it Paula".  Of course as life would have it I am married to "Spontaneous Sam". To say this hasn't created some interesting situations in our marriage would be an understatement. Early on in our relationship I recognized that the need for me to be more flexible would be paramount in the survival of our marriage. As aggravating as it was to give up my very controlled sense of well being, and move forward into a greater walk of faith, I am grateful God paired me with my husband who has taught me to trust God on a deeper level.
It hasn't always been an easy journey though.
Learning to surrender my plans for God's plans has been a process which I must submit to every day. I still tend to think things will continue heading a certain direction and find myself surprised when there is a sudden turn or redirect on the path. Embracing the moments I live in, rather than projecting where I think we're headed is a moment by moment decision.
It's the long curves in the road that seem to frustrate me the most. I can see just far enough that I think I know which direction we're going, only to discover it's not always as I thought. Learning to sit back and enjoy the ride is difficult for one who wants to drive.
But faith is a journey and grows with each curve and turn as I trust the outcome to the Lord.
As much as I think I know what is best, or what I really, really want, time and again God has graciously shown me how much greater His plans are than mine.
I have discovered He is always faithful and knows me better than I know myself. In addition He has given me a long view of life, and when I trust Him, I am able to better see things from His perspective and rest in His sufficiency. Every time I have walked boldly into the unseen, even with my knees shaking and my faith feeling feeble and unsteady, He has met me and shown me the greater plan and purpose. It makes walking into the curve easier every day.
Do I know what the future holds? No; but I do know who holds the future and I am confident I can trust Him completely. I know He is able to get me there safely.
My prayer is that you too may you find His faithfulness and love incentive to trust Him and to walk with Him in assurance and peace.
To Him be all honor and glory.