Daily Devotional for February 28, 2022 – It’s time to read the fine print!

John 10:25-30
“I have already told you, and you don’t believe me,” Jesus replied. “The proof is in the miracles I do in the name of my Father. But you don’t believe me because you are not part of my flock. My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one shall snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else, so no one can kidnap them from me. I and the Father are one.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

How many times have we been promised the moon – about a product or a situation – but when we “read the fine print” or got right down to the small details, everything was not as we thought?! For me, this happens with a lot of food items, cosmetics, and medicine. A product will say “corn-free,” or someone will say, “This is safe for you to use.” But when I read the fine print, that is not the case. A product will offer a “life-time guarantee.” When you read the fine print, you discover that either this does not apply to every part of the product…or the company’s idea of “lifetime” is one to five years, as in “the lifetime of normal wear and tear on the product”– not your lifetime.

In virtually every aspect of life, we must read the fine print. We cannot assume that others “have our back” and all is well. When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, His promise is clear…”My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one shall snatch them away from me.” Where a lot of us miss the mark is that we don’t “read the fine print” that precedes this… “you don’t believe me because you are not part of my flock. My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

We often fail to truly embrace Jesus wholeheartedly and in all things. We don’t surrender completely. We try to hold certain ideas and activities in reserve. Those who truly know Jesus and belong to His flock can trust His promises completely. Those who follow Christ’s commands to love one another and treat others as they wish to be treated realize that they are really following God Almighty, because we know that Jesus and the Father are one. Whatever power and authority God has is present in Jesus Christ.

It’s time to “read the fine print” and figure out where we have missed the mark in our faithfulness and discipleship. Where have we failed to surrender completely to Jesus Christ and become part of His flock? How have we missed the connection between complete obedience and constant promises and peace?

Jesus is performing miracles and wonders in our lives – and all around us. Some do not believe, because they have not fully committed to Christ. Don’t be one of them. Trust Jesus to be with you every single minute, in whatever you are experiencing. “Read the fine print” and do what He has commanded. Be a part of His flock and recognize His voice in your daily living.

Rest in the promise of Eternal Life in the presence of Christ Jesus…and the power and protection of His mighty hand on this earth. Other “warranties” and “fine print” may offer “escape clauses” or offer conditions that nullify the guarantee…but the assurances of Jesus Christ are real and true. Make sure you are part of His flock, forever and ever. Hallelujah!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 27, 2022 – Loving God with your whole heart – and following His commands with honor and obedience

Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the new contract I will make with them: I will inscribe my laws upon their hearts, so that they shall want to honor me; then they shall truly be my people and I will be their God.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine these days. They are fighting to save their homeland from the snares of an evil dictator. Their rule of law is a democracy, but they are having to resort to guerilla warfare in order to protect this way of life – and their very lives. They are fighting to honor the allegiance they carry in their hearts for each other and this land – and their future in it.

There are laws that govern us and bring about safety and order. We know that we are supposed to obey the speed limit, pay our taxes, respect the property of others, and more. Most of us also feel a deep allegiance to our family, friends and community. If someone does something to insult or injure one of us, this affects us at the core. The “laws of the heart” kick in, and we do what we must to honor and protect those we love.

This reminded me of God’s commandments to Moses. Of course, the “Ten Commandments” are important and to be honored and respected. But when we consider the commands of Jesus in Mark 12:30-31 to love God “with all your heart and soul and mind and strength,” and to “love others as much as yourself,” we get to the heart of the matter. With all my heart, I want to honor Jesus and belong to Him. So it would follow that I will not only obey the commands He delivered…but I will by default honor the earlier commands of God as given to Moses and the people of Israel.

Essentially, it’s all or nothing when it comes to keeping these commandments. But if we don’t love Jesus with our whole heart, we won’t be willing and able to do all that is necessary to keep them. If the Ukrainians didn’t love their homeland with all their heart, they would not be inclined to fight so hard to keep it. This is why we are so insulted and indignant when someone dishonors or disrespects a family member or dear friend – or our “community.” We honor and fight for what – and who – we love. And if we truly love Jesus Christ, we must demonstrate heartfelt honor and allegiance to Him and His commands.

Choose today who you will follow. Make up your mind to give your whole heart to Jesus and follow all His commands. Put the love of Christ at the center of everything you say and do – and you won’t even have to wonder whether your heart is in the right place. And pray for the people of Ukraine – and the people of Russia. They are God’s children, too. Pray for their hearts – and for their courage, hope and safety in the days ahead. Amen!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 26, 2022 – God is ready for us to find Him – it’s time to get serious about the “hunt!”

Jeremiah 29:13-14
“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me.

“Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.

“I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”—God’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

A couple of Fridays ago, the children and their mother visited us for a few hours. Even though they were out of school for “winter break,” it was unseasonably warm outside, and we spent most of our time in the fresh air. Our youngest nephew, Nathan, wanted to play “hide and seek” with some colored balls that we use for a tossing game. For years, the children have loved “hiding games” – especially our youngest two. They delight in a good game of “Hide and Seek,” and they think hiding Easter eggs is just the greatest fun ever!

Nathan delights in hiding the balls/eggs as much as finding them. So we “take turns” with this part of the game. When it was Nathan’s “turn” to hide, he would always follow me around the yard and all but tell me where to look for the colored balls. When I found one, he would giggle with delight. I can still hear his funny little laugh. He was almost giddy that I had not only found the hidden object, but He was also pleased with himself for hiding them so well. Nathan makes sure that when we go looking for whatever he hid, we always find it!

As I read the words of Jeremiah, I thought about how God is continually giving us “clues” to find Him. He may not literally say, “You’re getting warmer,” or “You’re getting cold.” But God does indeed show us how to find Him – and we can easily be reunited and rest at “home” in the safety and security of His love and care.

I wonder if God laughs with giddiness and joy when we “find” Him. I’d like to think so. I know He loves us so much that He wants us to come “home” and enjoy His blessings and abundance. And we can do exactly this! We just have to get serious about the hunt – and want to “find” God more than anything else in this world. I can’t think of a better pursuit. My prayer is that you will join me and seek God with intention and purpose.

When we finish hiding the balls/eggs, the one who hid them calls out, “Okay! I’m ready!” God is calling to us today, “I’m ready!” It’s time for the most serious “hunt” of our lives to begin. It’s time to find God and come “home” to Him for good. Grab your things and let’s go!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 25, 2022 – God created us for this moment…a message of hope and promise

Isaiah 54:10
Every mountain and hill
may disappear.
But I will always be kind
and merciful to you;
I won’t break my agreement
to give your nation peace.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Last night, a post appeared on my Facebook wall that began…“Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids/grandkids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident.” The post cited examples in scripture where God equipped His children to handle seemingly impossible tasks or situations…Daniel, David, Esther, Peter. It concluded with an admonition that we are not to be afraid for our children. We are to consider it an honor that God chose us to help them navigate this world…and we are called to rise to the challenge. If you want to read this entire commentary, click here*.

Yesterday was a dark day in the world with the news of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Even if you tried not to pay attention to news reports, it was virtually unavoidable unless you totally swore off ALL electronic devices and newspapers. A couple of times, I walked out on the back porch in the cold air and just watched and listened to the birds fluttering at our feeders. Their only concern seemed to be waiting for a turn to grab some suet or a sunflower seed! And the God who cares for even the songbirds spoke to me through the post I’ve referenced and reminded me that He is still in charge. This morning, I read Isaiah 54:10 and felt a reinforcement of His assurance.

I am not suggesting that we bury our heads in the sand and pretend that nothing sinister or unpleasant is happening. War is real…this pandemic is real…daily challenges, struggles and heartaches are real. But God is bigger than all of it…and He is with us. We can get up and get going. We can pray for the people of Ukraine and the allied forces who will come to their aid. We can pray for Russia and other parts of the world that are living under the thumb of ruthless dictators and leaders. We can pray for those who are sick and suffering in every corner of the world. We can pray for our children – and ask God to continue to nurture and protect them.

We can pray and ask God to strengthen and encourage us – and then we can get off our knees and get busy living with faith, confidence and courage. God created us and called us for exactly this moment. Every mountain and hill may disappear…but He’s not going anywhere. Hold fast to this promise today and in the days ahead as you demonstrate God’s love to others. And pray for God’s peace and mercy. Hallelujah!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2022 – Experiencing the freedom in Christ to love one another – there’s room for everyone at the “feeder”

Galatians 5:13-15
For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other. For the whole Law can be summed up in this one command: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always critical and catty, watch out! Beware of ruining each other.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Greg and I discovered an app from The Cornell Lab called “Merlin.” This app claims to be “bird ID help for 7,500+ species.” At the press of a button, you can identify and record bird sounds for two minutes – or longer if you override the default setting.  This morning, I stepped outside to record sounds from the “convention” of songbirds at our feeders. In two short recording sessions, I heard: Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, White-throated Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, American Crow, House Finch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco.

We get a kick out of watching these birds vie for time at the feeders. And there is a lesson for us in how they interact. Think about it…birds have wings – and the freedom to fly anywhere they wish and dine at any feeder of their choosing (within their innate “territory”). The smaller birds could feast on insects, birds and seeds – while the larger birds might also eat fish and even small rodents. We have a few pair of mourning doves that waddle around underneath the feeders and pick up what is dropped – along with squirrels and chipmunks. Trumpeter swans migrate from the northern U.S. and Canada to winter among native ducks and other waterfowl on area ponds and small lakes. Hawks, Bald Eagles, Blue Herons and Canada Geese traverse the path of the river below our house like it is their own major thoroughfare.

After weeks and months of observing bird activity, we’ve noted a hierarchy of sorts…and a semblance of order and understanding. Generally, all the animals seem to get along and “play nice” with each other. We have even observed what appears to be love and protection between more than one pair of mourning doves, cardinals – and even buzzards. They look out for each other, and call to one another to “come and get it” when the feeders are restocked. They share and make room for each other. Occasionally, there is a “scuffle.” We’ve seen a few birds dive at each other to protect their babies or territory. And we’ve seen a few bossy and selfish species try to lord it over the others and take more than their share. But in total, the animals work together.

We are presently experiencing a winter storm. Periods of sleet and freezing rain have coated everything with ice and upended “life” as we know it…from school to retail businesses to trash pickup and other delivery services. And people have rallied. Friends and neighbors are helping each other…commiserating…making exceptions for tardiness and absence…and generally sharing love and concern. Even in a stressful time when schedules are upended, accidents happen, and even Walmart closed early, people are operating (for the most part) in love and kindness.

We could learn a lot from the birds…and a winter storm. Paul is reminding us to do this…to take the “freedom” of our New Life in Christ and use it to share love with others. You and I are free to say and do whatever we please (within the boundaries of our local laws). We can treat others with love and kindness, or we can be catty and selfish, pass judgment based on a myriad of self-imposed criteria, and generally try to have everything our own way. This is not true “freedom,” according to Paul…and he’s right!

Real freedom comes when we release the bondage of hate and divisiveness and open our arms wide to all others with the love of Christ. Real freedom is when we take what we need from the “feeder” then move aside to let someone else eat. True freedom comes when we not only feed ourselves and leave plenty for others – but also make sure there is excess for those who may not be able to get off the ground.

Look out the window today for a few minutes and watch the birds. See how they love one another and share their resources. Think about how much Jesus has done for each of us – and how He is calling on us to continue His missions and ministries and love each other. Make all necessary adjustments in your thoughts, words and actions. There is room at the “feeder” of Christ Jesus for all of us…and He is calling us to freely “Come and get it!” Hallelujah!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 23, 2022 – It’s time to quit being a “law man” and keeping up appearances – and start being a humble servant of Jesus

Galatians 2:19-21
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This week, I watched Just Mercy*, a movie starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. This film is based on the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young black man from Delaware who graduated from Harvard Law School and moved to Alabama to provide legal assistance for people who could not afford proper representation. One of his first clients was Walter McMillan (played by Foxx), who was wrongfully accused of murdering a young white woman at a local dry-cleaning shop in 1987.

Following his arrest, McMillan was taken straight to death row at a nearby prison, where he sat for a year awaiting trial. After a jury trial that lasted 2 days, in which a substantial amount of evidence was suppressed and a convicted felon who committed perjury in exchange for removal from death row, McMillan was found guilty and sentenced to death in the electric chair. Through the diligence of Bryan Stevenson and his staff – including great physical risk to their own lives – McMillan was absolved of all charges in 1993, after it was proven that he had nothing to do with this horrible murder. In a span of 30+ years, Stevenson and his staff have saved over 140 wrongfully accused clients from death row.

This is an excellent movie – but I will tell you, it’s very hard to watch. Had I not known ahead of time that there was a positive outcome, I might have had to stop watching. The mental and physical abuse that was inflicted upon not only Walter McMillan and other wrongfully accused men and women and their families – but also upon Bryan Stevenson and his staff – made me heartsick, angry and ashamed for their abusers.

Several people apparently suggested to Bryan Stevenson that he go back to Delaware and quit trying to change things in Alabama. The movie depicts local residents who were worried about their reputations and livelihood…and what others would think of them. They were willing to go along with practices and behaviors that they knew were wrong, just to “save face” and protect their own families. These are not isolated incidents. This happens every day – in every corner of the world – and sadly, you and I are sometimes guilty of the same responses.

You may not be a bigot. You may not perjure yourself to “save face” or to satisfy others. You may not even mistreat people physically or mentally. But maybe you go along with certain policies and politics because you feel it benefits your business – or gives you good standing in your church or community. Maybe you look the other way when injustices are committed – or when someone says or does something you know is wrong – because you don’t want to get in the middle of things or be judged in one way or another.

Maybe you have spent days/weeks/years doing what you thought pleased God, because other people told you it did. Maybe you served on this committee or participated in that activity/ministry because you thought this gained you favor with God and good standing among your peers. And in trying so hard to follow “the law,” maybe you lost touch with the Lord.

Paul is telling us that we need to stop worrying about what others think and/or listening to what men and women tell us we ought to believe – or how we should comport ourselves. Instead, Paul suggests that we look to Jesus and emulate Him. Paul is telling us that we need to become God’s servants – and seek His truth for our lives and discipleship – and to operate in His grace and mercy. We need to strip away all ego and pretense and ask God, “What would You have me do?” We need to find our true worth as Christ’s redeemed believers…and operate in that, rather than what the world demands. And we need to do it now. Amen!

©2022 Debbie Robus

* Just Mercy

Daily Devotional for February 22, 2022 – It’s time to offer a “pedagogy of delight” to others – for the glory and honor of Christ Jesus!

Ephesians 4:2
Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Recently, my friend, Dr. Amy Baeder, who is a well-respected educator, posted what she called a “pedagogy of delight” on social media. She described childhood experiences where adults greeted her with genuine joy…librarians and teachers, her elementary principal who called her “Giggles,” and others. Amy noted that her own daughters now enjoy this same love and encouragement from the adults in their lives, and she suggested that we all exercise the same “pedagogy” (practice) of offering others joy and delight…that we make them feel seen and significant. She was particularly referring to relationships with children. But I believe this has far more encompassing ramifications.

If you have ever been on the receiving end of a “welcome” from someone where the groans and eye-rolls (at least inward) were palpable, you know the hurt of that judgment and rejection. If you have ever watched the faces of children as they encountered adults – or even their peers – you know which ones felt the “pedagogy of delight” – and which ones felt criticized, condemned, or unwelcome in some way.

We’ve seen people in the grocery line duck their head or look away as our gaze met theirs, and they saw some sort of disdain in our glance. We’ve cringed and changed the subject as someone in our group made unkind or judgmental remarks about a person of another race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic bracket. Just because such things are not said or done directly to a particular person doesn’t mean that their sting will not be felt – by them and/or others in the crowd.

Paul’s words to the Ephesians suggest to me that you and I should be offering the practice of humble, gentle love and patience toward others. I will be honest…I have work to do in this area. The mere mention of the names of certain people makes me groan inwardly. I am not proud of this…but I am determined to do better. I know there are “stinkers” in this world…even people who are filled with hate and evil. But I also know that often, we project our own personal bias onto others – and treat them as “inferior” in some manner as a result. At the end of the day, this is not what Jesus has taught us. We are not to judge, act selfishly, or elevate our “status” above that of another person or group.

Let’s remember that the God who created us created everyone else. He sees value in each person…and we are called to love as Christ loves. I know I have a lot of work to do to improve my “pedagogy of delight.” My prayer is that we would all do what Christ commands and make it our constant mission to operate in His humble, gentle patience and love – always and in all ways. Hallelujah!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2022 – Living in God’s abundance and success…Why is He so nice to us?

Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Moses said to Israel: The Lord promised your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would give you this land. Now he will take you there and give you large towns, with good buildings that you didn’t build, and houses full of good things that you didn’t put there. The Lord will give you wells that you didn’t have to dig, and vineyards and olive orchards that you didn’t have to plant. But when you have eaten so much that you can’t eat any more, don’t forget it was the Lord who set you free from slavery and brought you out of Egypt. Worship and obey the Lord your God with fear and trembling, and promise that you will be loyal to him.

Don’t have anything to do with gods that are worshiped by the nations around you. If you worship other gods, the Lord will be furious and wipe you off the face of the earth. The Lord your God is with you, so don’t try to make him prove that he can help you, as you did at Massah. Always obey the laws that the Lord has given you and live in a way that pleases him. Then you will be able to go in and take this good land from your enemies, just as he promised your ancestors.

Someday your children will ask, “Why did the Lord give us these laws and teachings?”

Then you will answer: We were slaves of the king of Egypt, but the Lord used his great power and set us free. We saw him perform miracles and make horrible things happen to the king, his officials, and everyone else. The Lord rescued us from Egypt, so he could bring us into this land, as he had promised our ancestors. That’s why the Lord our God demands that we obey his laws and worship him with fear and trembling. And if we do, he will protect us and help us be successful.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

On several occasions, the children – especially Timothy – have asked us, “Why are you so nice to me?” It’s as if they feel they don’t deserve such love and kindness. And yet even as children, they recognize the abundance of these blessings. When I read today’s passage, the question I had for God is…“Why are You so nice to me?” And the answers are contained in this passage.

God loves us and cares for us…He wants us to listen to Him, to love Him and to follow His command to love others with the love of Christ. He does not want us to have other “gods” – or to pay attention to the noise of those who wish to derail us…”news” reports, social media, or even well-meaning friends and fellow believers.

God wants us to reverently and respectfully seek His word and will – and no other. Ours is a jealous GOD…but a generous One!  By God’s power – and the blood of Jesus Christ – we are free to enjoy His abundance, protection, and peace – even in times when “life” may kick us back on our heels for a time. This is God’s blessing and promise to all who obey Him. It is up to us to always offer our very best in return. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 20, 2022 – It’s time to “walk the walk” and serve God with faithful obedience!

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

As I read this passage, I thought about our home “décor,” which includes numerous crosses. Scriptures are displayed on plaques, refrigerator magnets and notes I’ve taped to my desk. Proverbs 3:24 is “written” on the wall above our bed in adhesive vinyl…“You will rest without a worry…and sleep soundly.” When the children visit, we always say prayers together before bedtime. Bibles are at our fingertips in many rooms…and a book of hymns is open on the piano music stand. It would appear that we’ve done a fairly good job of “writing these laws on the door frames and town gates” of our home!

But here’s the thing…you can display all the scriptures and Bibles you want. You can play Contemporary Christian music or hymns on your audio devices, and say bedtime prayers each night – and morning vespers if that’s your thing. But if you do all of this, then act without love and obedience to God’s commands, you’ve wasted your time and energy. Don’t we all know someone who claims to know and love Jesus and acts like a fool much of the time?

Don’t we all know someone who hardly ever misses a church service or Bible study session – then disparages people of other races, sexual orientations, ethnic groups, economic levels and more…gossips…and all but delights in the misfortunes of others? Don’t we all know the mom or dad who takes great pride in the Christian nurture of his/her children – while yelling at the referee during a ballgame over a call that wasn’t satisfactory? And haven’t you and I done many – if not all – of these things at one time or another?

We cannot have it both ways. The commands of our Heavenly Father are very clear…love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength…and love one another. We are called to demonstrate this love at every turn – in our words and actions far more than what we display in our homes or on our clothing. We can have all the crosses and Bibles in the world…attend as many worship services and Bible studies as time will allow…and pray loudly and often. But if we are not genuine in our desires and demonstrations of love for God and His children, none of it will matter.

This is a wake-up call for all of us – and I am including myself. If you are going to “talk the talk,” you have to “walk the walk.” We all have work to do – and no time to waste. God is calling us to faithful obedience…it is time to make this our top priority. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 19, 2022 – Allowing God to cut away the thick calluses…it’s time to really live!

Deuteronomy 30:1-6
Here’s what will happen. While you’re out among the nations where God has dispersed you and the blessings and curses come in just the way I have set them before you, and you and your children take them seriously and come back to God, your God, and obey him with your whole heart and soul according to everything that I command you today, God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered. No matter how far away you end up, God, your God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a good life and make you more numerous than your ancestors.

God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

After spending a few hours digging into my family ancestry one day, I started to think about my great-grandmother, Mary Caroline Thrasher. I never knew her, but from the accounts given by my grandmother Polly and great-aunts, she must have been an amazing woman. Born in 1874, Mary Thrasher gave birth to ten children in twenty-two years. Four of her children died before my grandmother was born in 1912, including 12-year-old Jessie, who got too close to the wood stove, and her dress caught fire. One of my grandmother’s older sisters recounted that Jessie ran past adults (who desperately tried to grab her) and into the yard, where she succumbed to the flames that engulfed her clothing.
Another child died of sickness at about age 2, while my great-grandmother’s last baby died at birth in 1918. A few years later, Grandma Mary’s husband left her and their three children still living at home (ages approximately 15, 10, and 8) to move to another state with another woman – and start a new family. My grandmother only saw my great-grandfather one time after that – when my dad was about ten.

My grandmother told us that “Life was pretty good until Daddy left. Then we all had to go to work.” I know that my great-grandmother was “sickly,” and she and the children moved in with relatives because they could not afford a home of their own. I have been hearing lately about the legitimacy of a “broken heart” as a physical illness, and I wonder if this was what happened to Grandma Mary. My grandmother and her siblings did farm work and manual labor to “earn their keep.” And when my grandmother Polly and her sister, “Babe,” were teenagers, her 23-year-old brother, John, was killed in a car wreck…the victim of drunk driving.

I think of all these things that happened to my great-grandmother…and then I consider the lives of my grandmother Polly and her siblings. The “roads” they traveled in life had some smooth patches. But there were a lot of potholes, twists and turns, too. And yet, my grandmother and her sisters were some of the most faith-filled Christians I’ve ever known. When I think of their lives, I don’t remember tragedies and heartaches…I recall their enthusiasm for life – and tons of laughter. I hear them talk lovingly of their mother – my great-grandmother Mary – and what a good, strong, Christian woman she was. In between the stories of working in vegetable patches, gathering wood, milking cows and working in factories, there are stories of church singings, dinners on the ground, and countless fun times shared with family and friends.

On some level, my heart breaks to think of the hard life my great-grandmother endured. Sadly, this has been the “norm” for so many. But when I consider what God did with her faithfulness, I am not sad. I am hopeful and encouraged. I know people of my generation who this day are in the midst of incredible hardships and difficulties…people who may even wonder if God has deserted them. Life is not a bed of roses for any of us 100% of the time. But my message to those who are struggling is this…God sees you. He knows your heart and your heartache. He is with you, and He will turn this around. Stick with Him. Keep loving God with all you’ve got – and trust Him to carry you through and restore you and those you love.

I cannot promise that this “healing” and restoration will come in your earthly lifetime. I am certainly not going to tell you that your life will miraculously be different tomorrow – or the next day. But I have learned the lessons of my ancestors and read the scriptures. I know that “weeping may last for a day, but Joy comes in the morning,” and I know that God is not about to desert His faithful followers and servants. Trust in God with all you have. Call on Him to turn things around in your life and bring you His joy and peace.

Someone desperately needs to hear this today…I can feel it. We all need to be reminded of God’s love and power in our lives. “No matter how far away you end up, God, your God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children’s hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live.” Hallelujah, and Amen!

©2022 Debbie Robus