In 7 1/2 hours I will be up and getting ready to leave on a 9hr. road trip. :) I’m heading to Gaithersburg, MD. I will be attending the WorshipGod 09 conference and taking a lot of sound related seminars! WooHoo!!! Please pray that we (several folks from my church going) learn a lot, but more importantly, that we meet God and enjoy His presences.
I’ll be back next week.
Last night was one of the best care groups ever! We were discussing Sunday’s sermon, 180 Gallons of Grace. It was so incredible, I had to post the notes I took from it.
Duet. 31:6, Josh. 1:9, 1 Chr. 28:20, 2 Chr. 16:9, Ps. 35:10, Prv. 18:10, Isa. 28:2, Jer. 50:34, Ps. 94:14, 18-19, Ro. 8:22-39
At around 7pm last night I received a call, “Jess can you come take me to the ER.” My friend Emily had been in intense pain all day. Nausea had started a week and a half ago. Intense migraines started 5 days ago. Lower abdominal pain started on Sunday. The pain had increased and it hurt to move…any movement hurt. She was dizzy and nauseas if she stood up. We thought it might be her appendix. Not what you want. But, it would have been an answer. Emily has spent the past two years hearing “we don’t know what’s wrong with you.” You do have Celiac’s, but we don’t know the cause of your migraines, numbness, etc. We hoped to have some answers last night. They admitted her, gave her meds to help with the pain and nausea. They did blood work and a CT-Scan, it all came back clear. Her insides looked fine and healthy. (Yay! That was good to hear.) So at midnight, they sent her home. And she once again heard the words, “It’s a mystery, we don’t know what’s wrong with you.” They recommended getting a lower GI done.
As I sit here this morning (drinking lots of coffee to stay awake), my heart aches. I do not understand. I hate to see my friend in so much pain. I hate seeing her discouraged. I just want to make it all better. But, then I remember how much the Creator loves her. He died for her. He redeemed her. He has done amazing things in her life. She is not the same woman that walked into church almost 6 years ago. (I was freshly reminded of this fact as she gave a long list of “No’s” to the nurses questions last night.) He has provided for her again and again. He has used her to bring Him so much glory. But, I still can’t explain the why. Why has He allowed her to suffer so much? Why can’t the doctors figure this out?
I don’t know. My dad has said that you have to be comfortable with mystery. I cannot give a single answer to all the whys. But, this is what I know:
Psalm 121:5-8 The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
1 Corinthians 10:22 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Psalm 27:13-14 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Isaiah 64:4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 103:13-14 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
2 Corinthians 12:9a My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
Isaiah 41:10 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 73:25-26 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Isaiah 43:2a When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 145:13b The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
I can’t explain suffering. But, I know that God uses it for our good. It’s no fun, but often times it produces the most fruit. I’ve have seen God’s faithfulness displayed more during seasons of suffering than at any other time in my life. Though my heart aches for my friend, my hope does not lie in answers. My hope lies in a risen Savior. He loves her more than I can begin to imagine. He died for her. He sustains her. He has a reason for this trial. I don’t understand it, but I trust Him. I know that He is perfectly good and everything He does is good. If it wasn’t not, than He would cease to be God. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He sees the big picture. I trust His care, His love, and His wisdom for Emily. He knows. He is faithful. God provided an amazing staff of doctors and nurses. God displayed His love to Emily by giving her friends that surrounded her and cared for her. She now knows a lot of things that the pain is not. And most importantly, her loving Father has promised to never leave her and to uphold her.
So, it was a long night and I’m really tired this morning. But, it was so cool to watch God display His faithfulness and care in an ER room!
O wondrous love that will not let me go
I cling to You with all my strength and soul
Yet if my hold should ever fail
This wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that’s come to dwell in me
Lord who am I that I should come to know
Your tender voice assuring me
This wondrous love will never let me go
I’m resting in the everlasting arms
In the ever faithful heart
The Shepherd of my life
You’ll carry me on Your mighty wings of grace
Keeping me until the day
I look into Your eyes
O wondrous love that sings of Calvary
The sweetest sound this sinner’s ever known
The song of Your redeeming Son
Whose wondrous love will never let me go
O wondrous love that rushes over me
I can’t escape this river’s glorious flow
You overwhelm my days with good
Your wondrous love will never let me go
Words and music by Steve and Vikki Cook. © 2001 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved.
I’m confident that the millions of faithful followers of my blog have been waiting for me to post about my vacation. Well, maybe one person out of the 20, that’s probably closer to the mark. :) So, for that one person who is curious, here’s what we did.
We arrived in Durham around 10pm on Thursday evening. We had a great road trip and no one got in a wreck or killed. Great way to start a vacation. Christa C. and I shared a room (which we decided was a big mistake). Christa and I stayed up to 1am talking. No surprise! We woke up somewhat early (for vacation that is) on Friday and drove 2 1/2 hours (making a Starbucks stop!!!) to Wrightsville Beach. We drove around for about 30 minutes in search of a parking space. There were none to be found. So, Emily and I dropped Christa, Christa, and Wendy off at the beach (with our lunch, towels, boogie boards, and sand toys). We drove back over the bridge and found a very kind soul who let us park in his grass (no meters…woohoo!). Then Emily and I walked back over the bridge and to the beach. I don’t know how long the walk was, but it was a couple miles and that’s not a good thing to do in new flip flops. I gave myself very bad blisters. An hour and a half after we dropped the girls off, Emily and I arrived. We ate lunch and then the fun began. We spent most of the time in the water. I forgot how much fun waves are (I lived on the Gulf Coast most of my life). Around 6pm we had dinner at a nice seafood restaurant. Since I loathe seafood, I got a steak. It was yummy. After stopping at target for aloe (everyone was burnt, except for me!) and bandaids, we drove home. We decided to stop and get a snack and ice cream. Emily, Christa, and I went into the only grocery store that was open…and yes, it was very ghetto. We arrived back at Christa’s grandma’s house at around 10:30pm. We made pizzas, ate ice cream, took showers, and watched a movie. The next morning we woke up late. We had lunch at the mall, did a little shopping, and went to a movie. It was a slow day. No one was feeling that great. All four girls had bad sunburns, Emily had a migraine, and I had food poisoning (and was hobbling around with sore feet). Then we went to Duke gardens. It was beautiful!!!! I repressed the very strong urge to yell “Go Tigers!!!” at the top of my lungs. I wouldn’t want to add salt to an already sore wound. :) After the gardens we went to Whole Foods and then came home and watched fireworks on TV. I went to bed early. We went to the Sovereign Grace Church in Apex. It was so much fun. I got to see some old friends and the sermon was amazing!!!! We went out to lunch, packed, and left. Christa, Wendy, Emily (also known now as Ed), and myself got home around 8:30pm. It was a very relaxing and fun vacation!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you…Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:8-9, 11-13
I’ve never connected the dots between gratitude/thankfulness & peace. But, in verses 8-9, Paul is commanding the Philippians to think on everything that is worthy of praise & excellent. Think on everything that is pure, lovely, and commendable. What is the natural outflow after you think on good things? For the Christian it should be praise and gratitude towards their Creator & Redeemer. I think the “practice these things” (following Paul as he followed Christ), was tied in to the list preceding it. What amazes me is what Paul promises, “and the God of peace will be with you”. If you obey, if you think on good things, the God of peace will be with you. In other words, if you act like who you are, if you strive to look/think on good things, you will be grateful. And when one is grateful, one is full of the peace of the Savior. Gratitude turns us from ourselves to our Savior. That upward gaze fills our heart with peace. The presence of God that will never leave us.
I was also struck by the second half of this passage. Paul speaks of contentment. He speaks of being content no matter his circumstances. No matter how good or terrible they may be. I have often struggled with the phrase, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am content”. How can he say this? How is it possible? As much as I strive for contentment, I never perfectly achieve it! This statement seems impossible for my soul to make. I want to make it, but I am just too disquieted and sinful. But, this morning, it hit me. Paul did not make himself content. Paul also wasn’t saying that he never struggled or wished things were different. The secret didn’t lie in his frame of mind or what he did to make himself content. The secret was in the Rock of his soul, the Anchor to which he clung. His secret: “I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me.” His contentment wasn’t from himself. it was the grace and power of God that produced it in his soul. It was God’s doing. How often do I labor for contentment in my own strength? Shouldn’t I be asking for Him to produce contentment in my life? Contentment is produced by a quiet resting in the One Who holds me in His hand…
Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.
– Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Out of the DepthsOut of the depths, O Lord, I cry to You
When I am tempted to despair
Though I might fail to trust Your promises
You never fail to hear my prayer
And if You judged my sin
I’d never stand again
But I see mercy in Your hands
So more than watchmen for the morning
I will wait for You, my God
When my fears come with no warning
In Your Word I’ll put my trust
When the harvest time is over and I still see no fruit
I will wait, I will wait for You
The secret mysteries belong to You
We only know what You reveal
And all my questions that are unresolved
Don’t change the wisdom of Your will
In every trial and loss
My hope is in the cross
Where Your compassions never fail
Words and music by Bob Kauflin. As recorded on Psalms. © 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). All Rights Reserved.
At New Attitude ‘07, Bob Kauflin sang a spontaneous song during worship. I felt like the Holy Spirit was encouraging me to listen to it this morning. It was once again encouraging. Circumstances should not dictate my feelings. God is faithful, powerful, all-wise, and loving. My hope does not lie in what I do or don’t feel, but in my powerful Creator!!! Here are the words to the song:
How long O Lord? Must I keep knocking at Your door? How long must I be waiting? I’ve prayed to You, but I don’t hear You speak. I’m waiting still and I am getting weak. My child, I know what you’re going through. I know your fears because I created you. And each step you take I gave to you. And I prepared what you have been going through. And you want to understand, you want to know, but I have engraved you on the palm of My hand. You want to feel my nearness, to hear me speak, but my power is perfected in the humble and the weak. I’ve spoken words just for you. I gave my Son to deliver you. And forever you’ll hear the sound of my voice, saying I brought you near, so you can rejoice. But, for now I’m calling you to trust, I’m calling you to believe, that I am a faithful God to you. For now, I’m calling you to believe what you cannot see. But, what you know is true. I can hear you, I am near you.
…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel…When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thrist, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I wil open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 41:10, 13-14, 18-20
For those of you that are attending SGC’s Picnic Extravaganza, here’s a sneak peak at the fun!
Tonight I babysat for the Greer Care Group. I only had two kiddos, but boy did we have a lot of fun!!!
Asa and the puzzle he colored.
Asa colored a puzzle and Miss Jessica colored a puzzle. Can you figure out who colored which?
Random Cuteness
Talking to me on the phone while he was cooking me pizza and chocolate. This boy has obviously figured out the way to my heart! :)
Katie, Mom, Gran, and I went to Red Robin for lunch. It was Gran’s first time at Red Robin. She liked it a lot! :)
Gran & I in Starbucks. It was her second time in a Starbucks.
Papa’s first time in Starbucks. :)
It’s been a couple days since I’ve posted. And I’m sure you’re wondering what in the world happened to me. You’ve probably been losing sleep…well, maybe not. Anyways, the reason for my lack of blogging has been due to the fact that my grandparents (dad’s parents) are in town for the week. We’re having so much fun! Sunday we celebrated Mother’s Day & my grandpa’s birthday. Monday we went “roaming” and my grandpa took us out to lunch. Tuesday and Wednesday have been spent working out in the yard, trying to get things cleaned up before it rains…again. Welcome to life on a farm. I’m really looking forward Friday. Katie and I are taking my grandma out to lunch (To Red Robin, she’s never been.) and then shopping. My grandma loves to shop! Katie and I haven’t been shopping with her in a REALLY long time. It will be a great girls day (we insisted mom come too)…I’m so excited. I will probably take my camera (surprise, surprise), so I’ll post some pics. :)
In other news, Next is only 9 days away!!!!!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!
Whoever invented the phrase “multitasking” was surely talking about country women. These “ladies of the land” can drive a farm truck alongside a silage chopper, run a haybaler, pull a calf, or kill, clean and pluck a chicken. And then, in their spare time, prepare the family meals, do the shopping and laundry, keep the books, mend skinned knees and torn jeans, help the youngsters with their homework, and deworm the dog…None of them are afraid to get their hands dirty…They’re part animal lover, part veterinarian and part wildlife expert. Part horticulturist, part entomologist and part economist…Although she has go-to-town clothes handing in her closet, a country woman can change into jeans, boots and work gloves in the blink of an eye…Country women appreciate the rainbow after a rain shower, a patch of dandelions in bloom, the first green leaves of spring, and the bounty from the garden. They enjoy the sounds of children laughing and birds singing, the smell of a horse, a brilliant sunset, and the satisfaction of doing many jobs well.
– Pam Schleicher, Country Women Rock!, Grit Magazine, March/April 2009
Proverbs 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Long ago, young girls would sew quilts, sheets, etc. and save them in a chest for the day when they were married. Now a days, girls buy their dishes and appliances beforehand. As a teenager I decided that I didn’t want to buy dishes. Not because I had some biblical conviction (‘cause it’s a great thing to buy early…saves lots of money!), but I really want my husband to have a say even in my kitchen. I’d kinda like to make sure he likes the dishes he eats off of every day. :) Instead of dishes, I’ve decided to buy things that I won’t be able to purchase when I get married. When you’re newly married, there’s no budget for punch bowls. :) For instance, I’ve always wanted a chocolate fountain. So, one year I took some Christmas money and bought one (it’s so cool!). Recently God blessed me in a really fun way. I’m pretty picky about glass ware. Most serving dishes, I don’t like or think its just okay. One day while I was at Kohl’s I found the most awesome glass ware. It’s just beautiful (and very simple). And the day I discovered this amazing glass, it was on sale for 55% off!!! Needless to say I was overjoyed. Here’s what I bought for $65…yep, all of this for $65. I was amazed!
What do you say to an almost 30yr. old single? What do you tell her when all of her (or him) childhood friends (all but two or three) are married and have children? How do you encourage someone who has never been in a relationship? How do you encourage her (or him) when no one is on “the radar screen”? What can you say? You know the typical answers won’t serve her (or him). They’ve probably heard, “Don’t worry, God will provide…I was 35 when I got married…just trust God and serve…enjoy this time of extended singleness”, about 5 million times. How do you care for someone like this?
Easy! The same way you would care for someone grieving the loss of a loved or or someone struggling with sin. The ultimate answer to any problem is always the same…you point them to the cross! You point them to Scripture. You point them to the undeniable truth of God’s faithfulness.
The cross truly is the answer to every struggle. Even extended singleness? Absolutely! It is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness and abounding love. If God loved us enough to kill His own Son, don’t you think He’ll take care of us afterwards? If He paid that great of a cost to make us His children, it stands to reason He will continue to provide and care for us now. We are saved, redeemed, and ransomed. What else really matters? We’re not going to Hell! Instead we are on a race to Heaven. We have a relationship with God that the Old Testament writers could only have imagined. Things of this world pale in comparison to eternity with our Redeemer.
Dare I say this? Could it possibly…gulp…be true? Marriage is not the answer to life’s problems. Gasp…really? It’s not the ultimate cure to our longings and desires. Only One Person can satisfy. He is a jealous God. He wants our full gaze and affections. A spouse is a precious (and amazing!!!) gift from God. (A gift I pray daily I will get to experience.) But a spouse cannot compare to God. Nothing is as soul satisfying and glorious as a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Your friend probably knows all this. But, what you know in your head and what your heart believes when it’s aching can be two different things. Trust me! The truths of the gospel (as the ultimate display of God’s love and faithfulness), His wooing as the Lover of our soul, and the satisfying God who is our all-in-all. These are truths to gently preach to a discouraged single (actually to any discouraged Christian!).
That’s all well and good. But, sometimes truth just doesn’t sink in. You need truth slapped across your face. It needs to grip your soul and force your mind and emotions to SHUT UP! What do you do then? Here are a list of Scriptures that I cling to and preach to myself when my weary soul needs to gaze heavenward…yes, it’s a long list…
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 …a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Isaiah 41:9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 13 For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” 17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness… Exodus 34:6
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36
…He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Proverbs 2:7-8
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. Psalm 86:5-7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:7-8
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
And that’s just a small portion…here’s the references to many more:
Ps. 30:11, Ro. 8:28, Isa. 54:10, Isa. 46:9b-11, Ps. 27:13-14, Ro. 10:17, Phil. 1:6b, Ps. 34:15, Isa. 65:24, Ps. 84:11, Ps. 46:1, Isa. 64:4, Ps. 86:15, Ps. 103:8-10, Ps. 103:13-14, 2 Cor. 12:9a, Isa. 40:28-29, Isa. 41:10, Ps. 73:25-26, Ps. 37:23-24, Ps. 55:22, Jer. 29:11, Lam. 2:22-23, Isa. 30:18, Ps. 46:1-3, Eph. 2:8-9, Isa. 43:25, Ps. 103:12, Josh. 1:9, Ro. 8:38-39, Ps. 145:9, Jer. 1:12, Ps. 36:5 (You can find them all typed out HERE.)
When I’m tempted to doubt, I remind myself that either the Bible is true (the very words of God) or it’s not. It’s ALL true or none of it’s true. God is either telling the truth or a very big liar. And since lying would cause Him to not be God, He IS TELLING THE TRUTH. That means that everything IS for my good. Even in the darkest night, He WILL NEVER LEAVE ME. He will provide, He will sustain, He will bless, He will (and does) care for me. He is faithful, even when I’m faithless.
And that’s what I’d tell an “old” single. You may read this and wonder if I really know what I’m talking about? Is this another married person talking about being single…nope! :) I’m an “older” single. I’m the girl who wanted to be married right out of high school. I was hoping to have lots of kids by now. My plans and God’s did not coincide. And even though it’s not my preference, I can say that God’s plans are best! I can’t imagine being anywhere else! He is faithful beyond my imaginings! He sustains and cares for my soul. He is…words fail!!!! Do I want to get married? HECK YEAH!!! Do I wonder why God has decided to make me wait so long? Absolutely! But, I cling to the truths and Scripture I listed above. There is a glorious reason for the wait. I haven’t the foggiest idea what that reason is…but, I don’t need to know. He knows. He is working. He is orchestrating. He can see the big picture, I can only see 2 feet ahead of me. Being in His plan is far more satisfying than my own. It’s a little difficult at times, but He provides the grace, power, and strength (because of the cross!) for everything He requires me to walk through. What amazing grace! What an amazing God!
God has blessed me with a new set of friends. Every other Wednesday I get to spend an hour playing with them and doing crafts. They consistently make me laugh and bring smiles to my face. They are such a joy! I just love these kids. These pics are from our hour together, tonight…
