Expectations, Are They Really Worth It?

‎"We have to let Truth scream louder to our souls than the lies that have infected us." ~ Beth Moore

It's interesting how one statement like the one above can trigger a rush of thoughts to come to the surface and flood my mind with memories and the emotions associated with them. Ashamedly, I've chosen to believe numerous lies in my lifetime that I tragically thought were truths. For example, I believed that when I prayed to God He would always respond with a yes answer.  And that if I would only try harder, I could make my parents, family, employer or friends happy.  Here's a good one, that because I've placed my faith in Jesus Christ my life would be easier. Ha!

These lies were just the tip of the iceberg to the many lies I chose to believe for many years. I didn't fully realize that my own expectations were standing in the way of God's purposes and plans! It  led to much sorrow which in turn caused me to blame God when things didn't work out the way I thought they should have. Question:  Do I really know better than God?  Let me just say that I am here today, as living proof  that clearly I DO NOT!

In more recent months I've been challenged to daily confront whatever source of information that comes down the pike with the purifying Word of God. I'm choosing to trust Him in the dark, for as long as it takes for me to realize that the 'green pastures' and 'still waters'  that He leads me to, as recorded in Psalm 23, are nothing like I could ever think of or imagine !  Every day is a gift from His hand regardless of the circumstances that come with it.  He's planned it all just for me and...for you!  So buckle up, hold on tight and stand ready to be amazed!! He is God!

A Child's Prayer

I was yet humbled, again, while listening to our youngest son pray this morning. Clayton has been consistent to begin his requests to God with that precious, child-like faith that simply takes God at His word. Here's a sampling of what his prayer(s) consist of even before we start the day: 

"Dear Lord, THANK YOU for this glorious day, THANK YOU that we will not rush through our lessons today, THANK YOU for bringing Daddy home safely (this is right after Mike leaves for work), THANK YOU that we have a good day today, THANK YOU for getting us to Ben and Lindy's piano lesson today, THANK YOU....." etc., etc. (emphasis, mine).

His requests(?!) are asked with the assurance and certainty of God's intervention! He makes his requests and leaves the rest to God! I don't know about you, but I have to fall to my knees in thanks and praise for the daily examples that the Lord brings to my attention of His awesome love and desired involvement in our lives.

Today, I don't think my prayers have to go any further than, "God...thank You" ♥

Give Up? Never!

Friends, I know that many circumstances and trials in life can be difficult.  And along with these seemingly constant challenges,  may also come a ton of discouragement. Maybe even enough discouragement to literally steal our joy.  Discouragement can weigh us down to the point of even giving us the feeling of being paralyzed.  Subtle, and maybe not so subtle lies that we randomly choose to believe about the situation and ourselves, can take us way off track.

At the very moment these attacks begin to start laying there luggage down on our doorsteps, let's give them the boot!!  Oh, they may try to stay on the front porch for awhile, but that doesn't mean we have to invite them into our living rooms!  No, no! Let's stand straight and tall and only look at their ugliness from a distance, if that! Their desire is to bring harm and to steal!  We need to let that godly character grow through the struggles, yes!  But no camping allowed in our front yard if your name is Doubt, Liar or Discouragement!!

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith,"  (Hebrews 12:1-2a).

Never, never, N E V E R...give up!

Are You Troubled?

27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” (John 12:27,28)

These words were spoken by Jesus Christ shortly before His death on the cross. Do His words surprise you? This is God's Son. Why was He 'troubled'?  While He walked on this earth with the covering of human flesh, He remained without sin and yet for the many One had to die.  He took our sins upon Himself...God hates sin.  Do you see a connection forming?  Jesus quite possibly was dreading that momentary separation from His Father for the act that what ultimately would actually bring His Father glory!

As His followers, Jesus is our supreme example of the image we are to eventually become.  Each day, each hour, minute and second offers us ample opportunity to choose whether or not we will allow Him to fashion us into His likeness.  But like our Lord, are you 'troubled', or do you fear when you sense that God is reaching for the proverbial 'sandpaper' to start the re-construction of an existing ungodly thought process, attitude or character flaw?  Just so you know, I'm right there with you!!  When God reveals those parts of me that are not bringing Him glory,  my first response is one of shame.  But He quickly wraps His loving arms of grace around me as I seek His mercy.  It is then that I can say, "Let the work begin!  Demolish those useless parts in me and fashion them anew!"

Is there a personal struggle that you want to be spared of?  Do you sincerely want to please the Father? You are in a good place!   Friend, if Jesus could acknowledge His feeling of being 'troubled', can you not also?!  But will you, like Jesus, allow God's purpose of glorifying His name work it's will through your current trial?  Who knows, maybe your example will lead others to do the same!


Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)