August 2017 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for August 31, 2017 – Are you prepared to live?

John 14:1-4
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

This morning, my friend had surgery to repair her trachea, which was collapsing. There was a chance that she would not wake up from the surgery, but her quality of life had reached the point where she decided that the surgery was worth the risk. Thankfully, this procedure is over, and my friend will go home later today! But she told everyone via Facebook that…”I know where I’m going, without a doubt, PTL. My God is in control!!!!! I love all of you that have touched my life in such a beautiful way.”

A childhood friend laid his 22-year-old daughter to rest yesterday. She died in her sleep a few days ago. He noted that her last diary entry said, “I’ll have to give it all to God!” This dad told me, “She’s with the Father Who Heals All Sorrows.”

The children of another precious brother in Christ – Rev. John Miles, Sr. – just announced that he is now in Hospice care. Bro. Miles is not “at death’s door,” but he is in poor health and wanted the “comfort care” that Hospice provides. He declared…”God is my strength. God knows where my cure is coming from. My final healing will come from the Lord in His own time. I want to tell you, friends, that I am not afraid of death. I have grown to accept it. For me, life continues in another fashion. I am not trying to meet it or rush it along. I just want to be ready. I’ve had 87 good years, and the rest is lagniappe!”

These are just a few examples of servants who have put their full trust in God. They don’t welcome death – but they don’t fear it, either. Death does not throw them…and it shouldn’t flummox us, either! The friend who had surgery is housebound with a myriad of health issues. But she manages to encourage and bless others via social media, and she never misses an opportunity to speak of her faith in Jesus.

The friend whose child has died writes poetry and is a wonderful singer/songwriter, when he isn’t busy at his “regular” job as a Registered Nurse in one of our state’s hospitals. He has continued to serve faithfully through this sad time with words of faith – and even poems to express his hope in Christ while he grieves his daughter’s passing.

And then there is “Grand-daddy” Miles…who has established a CaringBridge page where he will share thoughts, old sermons, and general wisdom from his 87 years of life and service to Jesus. All who read his posts – for however long he is able to make them – will be blessed and encouraged.

The lesson for us is that death is inevitable, but as Pastor Miles said, it is not the end. Jesus is preparing a place for each of us where “life continues in another fashion”. Our job is to trust Him in these preparations…and to honor Him in the meantime with our faith, hope, service, and witness. I’ve just shared the stories of three friends who are doing exactly this…and I could offer dozens more. Is yours among them?

Daily Devotional for August 30, 2017 – Before the rooster crows…

John 13:36-38
Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”Jesus answered, “You can’t go with me now, but later on you will.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!”

“Would you really die for me?” Jesus asked. “I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me.”

There have been countless reports in the last six days of human beings putting their own lives on the line to save others. I personally know several people who have left their jobs and the safety of their own homes to go to the Houston area to help with rescue and recovery effort. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the people affected by this brutal, horrific storm.

Sadly, for all of the people who have literally risked life and limb to save others…there have surely been some who adopted the “every man for himself” attitude. I have to admit, I have felt a little guilty the last few days as life went on without fanfare for those of us away from this storm. We’ve enjoyed all of the comforts of our dry, air conditioned homes. We’ve taken hot showers, flushed our toilets without a second thought, enjoyed our electronics devices, driven where we pleased, and more.

We’ve gone to work and school, shopped, enjoyed hearty meals, relaxed in our spare time, and slept in cozy beds at night – without any thought of rising water. And in one way, this is exactly what we are supposed to do…as long as we have remembered to pray for those in harm’s way…to send what we can monetarily…and to support and encourage friends and family members who are in the Gulf Coast area.

But here’s the thing…there are many times in our lives where others in our midst are hurting or in need, and we are anything but sensitive. We claim that we would follow Jesus anywhere…that we would serve Him however He desires. And then something grabs our attention…and we act like we don’t even know Him – and “the rooster crows”. We do this in ways big and small. We fail to be attentive and sensitive to the needs of our neighbors…we put OUR interests and agendas ahead of all others…we pick and choose when, where and how to serve Jesus.

We hear Jesus say…”This is what I need from you”…and if we like what we hear, we are more than glad to serve Him. But if it is the least bit uncomfortable…or if our efforts are not “spotlight worthy”, we are not interested. I once worked for someone who said, “I don’t care about the cost, as long as the product looks pretty.” When it comes to serving Jesus, there is no room for such an attitude. His message and mission are not dependent on our comfort – or looking pretty.

If we have learned anything from the events of Hurricane Harvey, it ought to be that serving in the name of Jesus has nothing to do with us…who we are…how much money we have…what race, creed or color we are…our sexual orientation – or even which church we attend. If someone rescued you and took you to a church facility that was sheltering victims, I don’t believe your first question would be, “How big is their sanctuary?” or “Do they have a coffee bar?”

I don’t think the folks of the Houston area care whether politicians have visited their area to make a splash in front of cameras. I honestly don’t believe that anyone who has lost everything to the floodwaters cares one whit about the personal life of their rescuers…at least not in an effort to “vet” them. All they see are agents of Jesus…ready, willing and able to get them to safety.

Yes, there are surely folks who are participating in the rescue efforts because they think they’ll garner a moment in the spotlight. Some will essentially “deny Jesus before the rooster crows three times”. But we must not be among them. Stop and examine what you are doing…how you are serving…what is a priority in your life.

Where have you truly laid down your life to serve Jesus…to minister and witness to others in His name? And where have you at least given others the impression that you really don’t know Him at all? What will you do before “the rooster crows”?

Daily Devotional for August 29, 2017 – Can you share some love?

John 13:33-35
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won’t find me. I tell you just as I told the people, “You cannot go where I am going.” But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.

I have been glued to the television coverage of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation across the Texas Gulf Coast around Houston. You have most likely been watching these events unfold, as well. Some of my family members and friends live in this area…and thankfully, they are all safe (at least for today). But for so many, the rush to get out with only the shirts on their backs has been a real-life nightmare.

Over and over, news outlets are sharing stories of people pulling together to help each other. I’ve seen TV reporters put down their microphones to physically assist in rescue efforts. One of my former Sunday school students who now lives and works in Texas bought a flat-bottom boat, rented a 20-foot U-Haul truck…and he and a buddy are headed for Houston to try to help. It is a somber time in our nation, as we all pause to pray and do what we can to help – even from remote corners of the country.

But let’s be honest…this is not literally in our back yards…so our concern and care wafts and wanes. We move on with our daily living, as we must. Truthfully, some of the things that are grabbing our attention right now are downright petty and unloving. While such tragic events bring out the best in humanity – they also can bring out the worst. There have been reports of fraudulent schemes in the making…of people who are trying to garner the spotlight and personal notoriety, even in the midst of this historically horrific event…and the frustration of victims who are dealing with bureaucracy and the inability to get needed assistance – at least in a timely manner.

How can you and I be the hands and feet of Jesus in this situation? How can we love others as we love Christ? There are the obvious answers…monetary donations, prayer – and for some who are able, literally lending a hand to those in need. But what else can we do? We can look around and think about our own back yard. Who needs help in our area? Maybe we have not experienced devastating flood waters…but there are situations where we are that are going unaddressed…and people who are not experiencing the love of Christ as He desires.

We have shut-ins who are lonely, children who are neglected, many who are sick, suffering, and grieving…and others who are hurting emotionally in some manner. We have hungry, homeless people…and dozens of homeless animals in every community. There are countless ways that we can roll up our sleeves and share the love of Christ with another of His creatures. And it shouldn’t take an 800-year flood to move us to action.

So before you settle into your coziest chair with a delicious beverage to watch television…or start scrolling through social media to see what your friends and neighbors have been up to this week…think of Jesus’ command to love others. Who needs to hear from you? Who needs your help…or to hear your voice?

Who needs to be reassured that they are loved – by you AND by Jesus? Who needs to see humble servants of Christ in action? Are you ready and willing to be one of them?

Daily Devotional for August 28, 2017 – Are you tempted to retaliate?

John 13:18-20
“I’m not including all of you in this. I know precisely whom I’ve selected, so as not to interfere with the fulfillment of this Scripture:The one who ate bread at my table
Turned on his heel against me.

“I’m telling you all this ahead of time so that when it happens you will believe that I am who I say I am. Make sure you get this right: Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me.”

Suppose you went out of your way to help someone…you sacrificed your time – and maybe even your money – to support this person and make life easier for him/her. And then you discovered that this person had spoken to others about you unkindly or critically – or they had squandered what you had given them. Or let’s say your employer or someone in a position of authority emphatically assured you that he/she would address a concern you had…then turned around and pretty well did the exact opposite.

Suppose you spoke to someone in confidence about a situation…and he/she immediately told others. What if you wrote a letter in support of a person or a situation, and this person’s superiors threatened to inflict some sort of recourse toward him/her as a result. Imagine if you spoke out against discrimination, bigotry, hatred, exclusion, and more…and fellow believers ostracized you or spoke negatively about you to others because of your stance.

While these are not at all on the level of what Judas did to Jesus…they are all forms of betrayal. Every day, someone is betrayed by a person that he/she tried to help in some way. Sadly, there are plenty of people who will say one thing to our faces…and another when we turn to walk away. And let’s be honest…this hurts! We feel disrespected…we are disappointed…and sometimes, we get angry.

There may be times where we can say, “That’s it! I’m done with this person or situation” and walk away. But often, there is no place to escape. There are many circumstances in which we cannot avoid someone who has treated us unfairly – or committed an outright act of betrayal. We still see them at work, at church, or in our neighborhood. Worse yet, this person may be a member of our own family! How are we supposed to handle this? How can we continue to behave kindly toward someone who has mistreated us so badly?

The answer is two-fold. First, we have Jesus’ example of Judas as our ultimate guide. Knowing that Judas was going to hand Him over to the Roman soldiers, Jesus washed his feet…and offered him “the bread and the cup”. Jesus did not make a distinction between Judas and the other disciples…He loved them all – “the good, the bad, and the ugly”.

Additionally, Jesus noted that receiving someone else was the same as receiving Him – and God. Because we are all created by God – and equally valuable in His sight – to mistreat another person is to mistreat – or disrespect – our Heavenly Father. To retaliate when we are hurt or betrayed in some manner makes us a “Judas” to Jesus…because we are essentially hurting or betraying Him.

Man! This is hard stuff! Not only must we extend grace and mercy to someone who has offended or disappointed us in some manner…we must treat all other people as Jesus would – with love, compassion, respect, forgiveness, kindness, and acceptance. We must “turn the other cheek”…offer a smile and a handshake…and hold our tongue! This doesn’t mean that we cannot speak up when we see an injustice…or that we must remain silent when we see something that is wrong or unfair. But we must always react – and interact – as Jesus would…with gentleness and diplomacy.

In the current world climate, this is often hard to do. We see examples every day of hatred, discrimination, exclusion, and yes…betrayal. The temptation to retaliate is gigantic! I find myself repeating this mantra several times a day…”What would Jesus do? What would Jesus do?”

We don’t have to wonder…we know what Jesus would do. He showed us over and again throughout the New Testament. To do anything less would be a form of betrayal and make us no better than Judas. We cannot eat bread at Jesus’ table…and then turn on our heels against Him! How well are you doing these days?

Daily Devotional for August 27, 2017 – Are you ready to wash some feet?

John 13:12-17
Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

We took the children to the park today after church and enjoyed a pizza picnic and some play time. While Timmy and Zola were swinging, Timmy looked up and asked, “Why don’t you smile anymore?” I asked him what he meant, and he said, “You used to smile all the time…but you aren’t smiling today.” Honestly, I thought that I was smiling. We had not seen the children in several weeks, and we were thrilled to spend time with them on such a pleasant late-summer day.

Clearly – at that particular moment, at least – I was giving my nephew the impression that I was less than upbeat. He asks us often…”Why do you smile so much? Why are you two always so happy?” But today, Timmy noticed that I was not smiling as often. I probably was just concentrating on watching him and his sister swing at one end of the park…while keeping an eye on Nathan, who was wandering back toward his Uncle Greg and Grandma E on the other end. There were a lot of visitors at this park today – and people were passing through on their way to a cookout or to the lake for a swim. So Timmy probably caught me in a serious “security mode” – and it just so happened I was not smiling as much.

Here’s the thing…people are watching…and they are looking to those of us who claim to be servants of Jesus for examples of how to speak and act at all times. They notice when we are not ourselves…when we smile a lot and act happy – and when we don’t. They see how we treat others…how we respond and react in a crisis…and where we direct our time and attention.

People notice when we treat all others with kindness and respect…and when we are judgmental and hypocritical. They observe how we react when we are spoken to or treated unkindly…and they notice if we pick and choose with whom to associate – or try to “cherry-pick” the better “assignments” in our service to others. Jesus did not “sort the people” before He fed them near the Sea of Galilee. He didn’t say, “I will only heal those who are wealthy, attractive, or well educated.” Jesus didn’t say, “I will serve those with smooth skin…or white skin…but I won’t touch someone with leprosy, an old person, or someone of another race or religious faith.

Jesus didn’t say, “I will be happy to serve the church meal…but don’t ask me to clean up or empty the trash.” He didn’t say, “I’m glad to write a check…but there is no way I will work with the youth or children. Jesus didn’t say, “I’ll rock babies in the nursery…but don’t expect me to change their diapers!” Jesus showed us what it means to serve wherever, whenever, and however is necessary. He washed the feet of ALL of the disciples – even Judas. He shared a meal with a tax collector and healed people of other races and faiths when they dared to ask – and believe – that He would do this for them. And we are His students…or we should be.

Where is Jesus calling you to serve today? Are you smiling enough? Are you willing to get your hands and feet dirty to represent your Savior? Will you be awake and alert to His call to serve all others in whatever manner He deems necessary? How well have you learned the lessons of your Master? Are you really ready to put them into action – and live a blessed life? Is this the day you’ll get started?

Daily Devotional for August 26, 2017 – Has Jesus washed YOUR feet?

John 13:3-9
Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?”Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.”

Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!”

Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.”

“Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!”

When you are a teacher, everything is “fair game”. One morning, a child approached me – lunch money in hand – and said, “Mrs. Robus, I think I’m gonna be sick.” And he promptly threw up – all over my open-toed shoes! Even though our school had janitors, we teachers often had a lot of unpleasant situations to clean up on our own – and this was one of mine. This just went with the territory. Teachers have to be ready, willing, and able to serve as mom (or dad), nurse, janitor…and so much more. There is often no opportunity to say, “Not my problem!” Any person who is unwilling to take on these roles and make sacrifices for students has no business stepping into the classroom!

You are probably wondering why on earth I am telling you this in relation to a scripture passage about Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Two thousand-plus years ago, dirty feet were a daily occurrence. Many people went barefooted…and “shoes” were vastly different from those we wear today. Moreover, if you think about what passed for “roads” back then – mostly dirt or mud, with plenty of “livestock waste” – then you can only imagine how filthy a person’s feet got by the end of each day.

Most people had servants to handle the unseemly task of foot washing. This was not something that anyone wanted to do for another person. But here we have Jesus shedding His outer garments, and “getting down and dirty” to clean the feet of His disciples. It’s no wonder that Peter protested! But as you read in this scripture passage, Jesus insisted on doing this. In fact, Jesus told Peter that if he didn’t allow this, he could not be Christ’s disciple!

So here’s what this means for us…God is going to call on us to do some unpleasant things from time to time – and we must do them. He is going to essentially tell us, “Either you are willing to do whatever I need, whenever and wherever I need…or you are not fit to be a Disciple of Christ.”

Nobody who is serious about furthering God’s Kingdom gets to pick and choose the times, places and circumstances for serving Him. You have to be willing to clean up a mess – or serve those who have betrayed you in some way with the same love and care that you offer to anyone else. Whatever Jesus demonstrated, we must take to heart – and put into action.

I remember thinking…”I went to college for several years and even acquired a Master’s degree in education…and a child just threw up on my shoes.” If I was going to love and serve children – and truly be a “teacher” in every sense of the word, I had to do so even when my students were at their worst – and sometimes downright unlovely!

Jesus demonstrated clearly that there is nothing we are called to do that He has not done…or that is beneath us. Are you ready and willing to allow Him to “wash your feet” so that you can “wash” those of others? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for August 25, 2017 – Are you prepared?

John 13:1
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.

One of the “life lessons” that my husband and I have taken to heart is to be as prepared as possible, should something happen to one – or both – of us. It may seem morbid to some, but knowing that we have our “ducks in a row” – and hopefully, we aren’t leaving a lot of work for someone else – helps us sleep better at night. To that end, we have prepared living trusts, written wills and final wishes, pre-arranged funerals, and designated executors of our estates. We’ve also begun to “clear out the clutter” and get things in some semblance of organization. Sorting and sifting through someone else’s things will motivate a person to get his/her own “house” in order!

The question that John 13:1 presents in many ways addresses another form of “preparation”…“Am I loving and serving fully to the very end?” Is what you and I do as Christ’s servants enough? If God calls you to Heaven today, have you loved all others in His name? Do you have “unfinished business”? Is there a relationship you need to mend…an “I love you” that you need to deliver…a witness you need to share with someone? Are you confident that you will have loved and served others in Jesus’ name – to the very end?

How are we preparing for eternity – physically, mentally and spiritually? What are we doing to ensure that we live every minute for Jesus until He calls for us to leave this world? When we are gone, will there be lingering doubts…loose ends and unanswered questions…tasks that should have been completed – but weren’t?

God has given us a mission…as saved and sanctified Disciples of Christ, we are called to prepare thoroughly – and make every minute count! How well are you doing?

Daily Devotional for August 24, 2017 – Are you “sneaking a peek”?

James 4:4-6
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

I’ll be honest…the solar eclipse that occurred on Monday made me pretty nervous. I’ve been around children enough to know that one of them was bound to peek, despite the best efforts to assure that they donned “approved” eyewear – and kept it in place at all times. Even our president stared at the sun, with aides standing by shouting, “Don’t look! Don’t look!”

Prior to the eclipse, I read online accounts of people who had looked at these events in the past without any ramifications – or so they thought. Years later, a spot occurred in their vision, which was determined to be a retinal burn that could be traced back to staring at the sun during a solar eclipse. So it is easy to see how people would take the chance and say, “See…nothing bad happened!”

This is what too many of us do with God. We “flirt with the world”. We say and do things that we know are not what God desires – or endorses. We tell ourselves, “Nothing bad happened, so we must be okay.” And then we are baffled when the ramifications of our words and actions are brought to bear later.

I’ve said before that it may seem like more than a few people skate through life unaffected by their words and actions…that they appear to “get by with murder”. I have said of some, “If I said and did those things, I would be in jail!” Let’s be clear…nobody is “getting away” with anything. There will come a “day of reckoning” for all of us. My mother always said, “Two wrongs don’t make a ‘right’!” In other words, just because we can say or do something doesn’t mean that this is what God wants us to do – or that He approves of our behavior.

When we choose to go our own way…to put our wishes above those of God…to “throw caution to the wind” and “let ‘er rip”…we essentially offer God a slap in the face. We say to ourselves – and the world – that we are superior to our Creator…and that we really don’t care about anyone but ourselves. When we do this, we break God’s heart…and we rob ourselves of the potential for the fullest abundance of His grace.

Will God stop loving us if we go our own way? No. Will He withhold blessings – or even punish us? I can’t say for certain. But why would you test this? Is a “quick peek at the sun” really worth losing even a moment of grace from the Son? Are you humbly serving God today with all of your thoughts, words and actions? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for August 23, 2017 – Is it well with your soul?

August 23 – James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

This morning, I shared a post on Facebook that told the story of Horatio Spafford, a successful businessman and lawyer in Chicago, whose four daughters perished while headed to Europe in 1873 aboard the Ville du Harve. This boat collided at sea with an iron-hulled ship. In all 226 passengers aboard the boat perished. Spafford’s wife was among the 47 survivors. A few years earlier, the Spaffords had lost their four-year-old son to pneumonia…then a fire had destroyed Mr. Spafford’s place of business. This family was no stranger to tragedy and tribulation.

As Spafford traveled to be with his wife after the disaster at sea, he penned what has become a well-known hymn…”It is Well With My Soul.” I read about Spafford and this heartbreaking series of events several years ago, and I have thought a lot about this hymn since then. Spafford did not write these words with apathy or a hard heart. He wrote them with humility and recognition that God is in complete control. As I think of the words of this hymn now, I am reminded that even if God were to take everything and everyone we love from us, He would still be worthy of our service and praise. When we are at our lowest point and it looks like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, God can lift us – if we will trust Him. God can make things “well with our souls”…when we humble ourselves before Him.

I leave you today with the words from this amazing hymn. Whatever is happening in and around you…let these words soak into your heart and mind. Remember that “the sky, not the grave, is our goal”…and that God is preparing our way. Ask Him to truly make it “well with your soul” as you humbly serve. And give Him praise for “whispering peace to you” at all times – and in all situations.

It Is Well With My Soul – c.1873 ~ Horatio Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Daily Devotional for August 22, 2017 – Is your faith being tested?

James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.

I belong to a group on Facebook where people who live in and around my county share photos and memories of their ancestors, local landmarks and historical sites as they have appeared through the years. We have a lot of fun taking a trip down “Memory Lane”! We’ve also discovered some family connections we didn’t know existed…and some stories, photos and information that had never before been shared.

In one instance, I learned that a 3rd-great-grandmother became ill and unable to live alone, and no one was able to afford to care for her as she required. Based on what I’ve read, she probably had some form of dementia. My 3rd great-grandmother was sent to a “poor farm” on the outskirts of our town (there were no nursing homes in that era), where she was given room and board until her death. She is buried there…and while her grave has no personal marker, her name is etched on a stone that lists all who were laid to rest in this cemetery.

Today, someone posted…”I am always amazed looking at these pictures. It shows me how strong and determined our families were just to survive in those days and to be able to raise a family and still be decent loving people.” I have often wondered about this grandmother and her family. Surely her faith was tested in ways that I cannot even imagine…as well as the faith of her children and family members.

While I certainly have no first-hand knowledge of whether she gave her heart to Jesus, I do know that there is a “history” of Christian faith among most of my ancestors. I picture this grandmother in heaven now, healthy and whole, and “tending to” her children and grandchildren with love and joy…sound of mind and full of energy and exuberance for the blessings of her day.

If we are completely honest…each one of us could say that our faith has been tested in some way at one time or another. But when someone says to me, “You have gone through so much,” I honestly have to respond…“God has truly blessed me.” How can tests of faith be considered a blessing? Look at all that God has done for you. Even on your hardest day, God was there managing the details.

I look back on some troubling times in my life…illnesses…losses – both sudden and prolonged…profound personal challenges…heartbreaking frustrations…and even “good” stresses that caused happy anxiety and momentary disruptions. In every single instance, I see how God orchestrated the details. I see that His timing was perfect…He showed up right on time and made everything work out where I could not see a solution. I see how God shielded me from more than I could manage…and protected me from many obstacles and heartaches.

So today, as I look at all that is happening in our world, I can’t help but wonder (because I am human), “LORD…how is this all going to work out? Where and when will the ugliness end? When will we start to get along and quit fighting? How will You fix XYZ? What lies ahead?” And the unbelievably clear answer that comes to me is, “Trust Me in all things…I’ll make a way. This may not happen today – or even soon. It may not work out like YOU want it to…and you may not like My answers at all! But I will take care of you and all of My children…and all of My plans will be perfect.”

If this sounds like “pie-in-the-sky” to you, then maybe you really haven’t had your faith tested! At the end of the day, I have seen enough to know that God is right…and perfect…and I place my hopes on Him. I cannot give up – even on days when I am so tempted to do so! I trust God to bless me and care for me, just as surely as He did my ancestors – and yours. And I look forward to reminiscing with them in person some day about “the good ole days” – and all that God has done for each of us.

I am confident that God is planning a seat for me at His Table beside others who “kept the faith”. Will you be joining us?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: