“I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20)
Seems simple right? All Jesus asks is for us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is the smallest seed of all plants, yet under proper conditions, it can grow into a ten foot tall tree. And if our faith was just that size, nothing would be impossible for us. But why can’t we move the mountains in our lives? Disappointedly it’s because we have so little faith.
I have had the honor and privilege of being close to a 13-year-old boy who battles every day with brain tumors. Nearly eight months ago, he was living a normal life. And then suddenly a chronic headache and severe dizziness led to a diagnosis of cancer.
His life has been turned upside down and I have watched by the sidelines how this disease has slowly impacted his speech and mobility. One day you’re playing basketball with your friends and in a blink of an eye, you have lost all ability to walk and speak. In fact, every life activity must now be done with the help of his parents and loved ones. This young boy has every reason to give up but his faith tells him to hold on. Although physically he has been impaired, spiritually he has been renewed. Although doctors claim he won’t live, God has given him a new life. Although there isn’t a cure for his cancer, God continues to work miraculously through his life. His faith is the size of a mustard seed and I have been deeply blessed by watching him take control over cancer instead of allowing cancer to take control over him.
I hate to think how quickly I would have given up. Even worse, I may have spent endless hours asking God, “Why me?” But this young boy looks at his suffering as a means of bringing others to Christ. The doctors are baffled by his perseverance and he so boldly states, “It’s God within me. It's my faith that perseveres." This young boy never asks God, “Why me?” Instead, he asks “Why not me?”
When we reach that point in life where humanly there is no place to turn, that’s when God does many of His greatest works in our lives. But it becomes a choice for us to make; do we try to overcome the mountains by ourselves or do we give our mountains fully to God? He graciously gives us the Spirit within Him that allows us to do the impossible. The question is, do we really believe we have the power and authority through Jesus Christ to do the impossible? How you answer that question determines the size of your faith. Unfortunately for me, it was that question that made me realize my faith was smaller than a speck of dust that rests on top of the mustard seed.
Today, let our prayers be for a deeper and more trusting faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for our faith to be the size of a mustard seed so that when mountains form in our paths, we can remove them through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Pray each day to be filled with God’s divine Spirit. Perhaps when we begin to truly have the faith that Jesus so deeply desires of us, this is the moment when our faith grows to become a ten foot tall plant.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Have you ever experienced divine change?
This seems like a simple question, but for me, it wasn’t until the last ten years of my life that I can honestly say I experienced divine change. And for many Christians that I’ve met, this experience has never happened.
I experienced divine change when I started studying Scripture. Had I not dedicated time each day to God’s Word, I would have missed the experience of repentance that led to divine change.
When I began studying the Bible, that’s when God pointed out all of the areas of my life that were not in line with His Word and needed divine change. For example, He showed me how my complacency was a sin because when things were going well, I began moving further away from God. It’s not that I felt I didn’t need Him. I just thought I needed Him less. The Lord also showed me the difference between worldly knowledge and Godly wisdom. Now I can see all of the money I wasted on “self-help” books when all we need is the Bible. The Bible teaches us everything we need to know, including how to manage our finances, lose weight and live life abundantly. Most importantly it teaches us how to live righteously before God. So how does one know when one experiences divine change? In answering this question, I can only share what happened to me.
Divine change occurs when our sole purpose becomes pleasing God over pleasing the world. We can’t wait to serve the poor, the needy and the sick because we want to be all that Christ is for us.
Divine change occurs when we can’t get our fill of the Bible. Studying God’s Word becomes more pleasing than any time spent in front of the TV or computer.
Divine change occurs when taking a Bible study becomes the number one priority on our list of things to do.
Divine change occurs when you love God and I mean you REALLY LOVE GOD more than anything else, including your children.
These are just a few examples of what divine change felt like to me but to others, it may be different. However, it would never have happened had I not started taking a Bible Study and truly dedicating time to developing a relationship with the Lord.
What benefits has divine change brought to my life? I can sum it up in one word: Peace. My fears rest with the Lord. No matter what’s happening around me, I know God is with me. So what then is there to fear? The world says we should fear disease, the economy, natural disasters and death. However, when we experience divine change, we see things through God’s eyes, reminding us of His sovereignty over our lives. The challenge is to prevent our hearts from turning back to our old ways. That's why it's important to be in a Bible study so that we are continuously reading God's Word.
“Changing Hearts Changing Lives” is a Bible study that addresses those areas of our life that need divine change. It doesn’t happen overnight and the process can be painful. But if our hearts are willing to accept those areas in our lives that need divine change, the blessings that come from it are too numerous to count. Information about this study can be found at www.cumcsl.org . All proceeds go to the church to encourage members to read and study God’s Word. If you don’t participate in my study, please take a Bible Study this year. The Lord doesn’t ask us to be a light and salt in the world, He expects it of us. And God is the only One who can divinely change us.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good,pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
I experienced divine change when I started studying Scripture. Had I not dedicated time each day to God’s Word, I would have missed the experience of repentance that led to divine change.
When I began studying the Bible, that’s when God pointed out all of the areas of my life that were not in line with His Word and needed divine change. For example, He showed me how my complacency was a sin because when things were going well, I began moving further away from God. It’s not that I felt I didn’t need Him. I just thought I needed Him less. The Lord also showed me the difference between worldly knowledge and Godly wisdom. Now I can see all of the money I wasted on “self-help” books when all we need is the Bible. The Bible teaches us everything we need to know, including how to manage our finances, lose weight and live life abundantly. Most importantly it teaches us how to live righteously before God. So how does one know when one experiences divine change? In answering this question, I can only share what happened to me.
Divine change occurs when our sole purpose becomes pleasing God over pleasing the world. We can’t wait to serve the poor, the needy and the sick because we want to be all that Christ is for us.
Divine change occurs when we can’t get our fill of the Bible. Studying God’s Word becomes more pleasing than any time spent in front of the TV or computer.
Divine change occurs when taking a Bible study becomes the number one priority on our list of things to do.
Divine change occurs when you love God and I mean you REALLY LOVE GOD more than anything else, including your children.
These are just a few examples of what divine change felt like to me but to others, it may be different. However, it would never have happened had I not started taking a Bible Study and truly dedicating time to developing a relationship with the Lord.
What benefits has divine change brought to my life? I can sum it up in one word: Peace. My fears rest with the Lord. No matter what’s happening around me, I know God is with me. So what then is there to fear? The world says we should fear disease, the economy, natural disasters and death. However, when we experience divine change, we see things through God’s eyes, reminding us of His sovereignty over our lives. The challenge is to prevent our hearts from turning back to our old ways. That's why it's important to be in a Bible study so that we are continuously reading God's Word.
“Changing Hearts Changing Lives” is a Bible study that addresses those areas of our life that need divine change. It doesn’t happen overnight and the process can be painful. But if our hearts are willing to accept those areas in our lives that need divine change, the blessings that come from it are too numerous to count. Information about this study can be found at www.cumcsl.org . All proceeds go to the church to encourage members to read and study God’s Word. If you don’t participate in my study, please take a Bible Study this year. The Lord doesn’t ask us to be a light and salt in the world, He expects it of us. And God is the only One who can divinely change us.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good,pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
My Christmas Wish List
It's just a few days before Christmas and one can't help but look back at the year's accomplishments, struggles and memories. I truly couldn't come up with a single item I wanted this year, but I do have one thing that I so deeply desire to have 365 days a year.
"Seek the joy of the Lord in everything."
In my afflictions, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my suffering, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my quiet and still moments, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In times of uncertainty, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
When facing persecution for my faith, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my tears, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my celebration, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In everything I do, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
May each of us receive this same desire that only the Lord can give. Joy is not a moment of time but a spiritual blessing given for a lifetime.
May your Christmas and every day of the year be filled with the joy of the Lord.
"Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
"Seek the joy of the Lord in everything."
In my afflictions, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my suffering, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my quiet and still moments, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In times of uncertainty, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
When facing persecution for my faith, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my tears, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In my celebration, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
In everything I do, I desire to seek the joy of the Lord
May each of us receive this same desire that only the Lord can give. Joy is not a moment of time but a spiritual blessing given for a lifetime.
May your Christmas and every day of the year be filled with the joy of the Lord.
"Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Heavenly Gifts
My daughter mentioned to me the other day that she wished she had a special talent. She knows many people who have wonderful talents such as the ability to dance, play sports, sing, or play a musical instrument. These are all very special talents and it’s wonderful to see others flourish with these gifts God has given. But often how we see others defines how we view ourselves. We look at the talents of others and minimize the gifts that our Father has given to each of His children. Every human being has a divine purpose in life. However, we often feel our purpose is defined by "talents" we have. And for those of us who don’t think we have special talents, we feel lost and wonder what truly am I good at?
The Apostle Paul speaks of this matter. He was a brilliant scholar of religion and highly regarded by his peers as being a leader of the church. Yet despite all of his accomplishments, God viewed his talents very differently. God didn’t see Paul as a brilliant intellect, but as His child and servant in sharing the Gospel with the people. Paul even confessed that without Christ, all of his talents were meaningless.
The Bible tells us that God looks at each of us as His greatest masterpiece; a work of art that is to be used to draw others towards Christ.
I have a friend who is so spiritually gifted and yet doesn’t see herself that way. However, her gift isn’t necessarily a talent by the world’s standards. She is a silent servant of Christ. While others seek recognition and the spot light, she remains in the shadows compassionately giving of her time, money and prayer to those in need. While others take credit for their good works, she doesn’t want her name mentioned, but desires to give all of the glory to God. In a world that thrives on being recognized, becoming a silent servant is more than a talent. It’s a gift.
As a parent, we need to stress the importance of the spiritual gifts so that our children will see themselves not as the world sees them, but as God sees them. The greatest gift that God gives is love. In everything we do, we are to do it for Christ as a reflection of His love. In a world that is filled with darkness, love becomes hard to find. I have met people who cannot fully love and therefore cannot forgive. People who cannot fully love, limit themselves in how they can serve. People who cannot fully love, cannot be fully used by God. Love, not talents, is the greatest gift we’re given and believe it or not, many hearts never fully receive it.
Today, I pray that we strive to fully love others and glorify God in everything, making this more important than any given talent. And I’m not talking about loving our children more; I’m talking about fully loving those whom we have not been able to love. Only Christ can give us this gift, but first we must be willing to receive it with a humble and compassionate heart.
“Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1Corinthians 13:4-7
Love isn’t a talent. It is a gift freely given. And without it, life and all of our talents become meaningless.
The Apostle Paul speaks of this matter. He was a brilliant scholar of religion and highly regarded by his peers as being a leader of the church. Yet despite all of his accomplishments, God viewed his talents very differently. God didn’t see Paul as a brilliant intellect, but as His child and servant in sharing the Gospel with the people. Paul even confessed that without Christ, all of his talents were meaningless.
The Bible tells us that God looks at each of us as His greatest masterpiece; a work of art that is to be used to draw others towards Christ.
I have a friend who is so spiritually gifted and yet doesn’t see herself that way. However, her gift isn’t necessarily a talent by the world’s standards. She is a silent servant of Christ. While others seek recognition and the spot light, she remains in the shadows compassionately giving of her time, money and prayer to those in need. While others take credit for their good works, she doesn’t want her name mentioned, but desires to give all of the glory to God. In a world that thrives on being recognized, becoming a silent servant is more than a talent. It’s a gift.
As a parent, we need to stress the importance of the spiritual gifts so that our children will see themselves not as the world sees them, but as God sees them. The greatest gift that God gives is love. In everything we do, we are to do it for Christ as a reflection of His love. In a world that is filled with darkness, love becomes hard to find. I have met people who cannot fully love and therefore cannot forgive. People who cannot fully love, limit themselves in how they can serve. People who cannot fully love, cannot be fully used by God. Love, not talents, is the greatest gift we’re given and believe it or not, many hearts never fully receive it.
Today, I pray that we strive to fully love others and glorify God in everything, making this more important than any given talent. And I’m not talking about loving our children more; I’m talking about fully loving those whom we have not been able to love. Only Christ can give us this gift, but first we must be willing to receive it with a humble and compassionate heart.
“Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1Corinthians 13:4-7
Love isn’t a talent. It is a gift freely given. And without it, life and all of our talents become meaningless.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Living In Spiritual Darkness
How many of us remained glued to our television set as we witnessed the miners being rescued from several thousand feet below the earth’s surface? As each one was brought out of the darkness, I found myself praising God for His mercy upon their lives. But for me it was more than watching individuals being rescued. It reminded me of my spiritual awakening, knowing what it’s like to live in darkness and experiencing God lifting me out into His spiritual light.
I lived in darkness for most of my life. For so many years, I called myself a Christian and thought I was living my life the way God intended. But I was blinded by the darkness of my own sinful nature, claiming to believe one thing yet living entirely different. The day I began studying God’s Word was the moment my spiritual darkness was exposed. I spent most of my life working in corporate America. Making a lot of money was one of my greatest ambitions. And I’ll never forget when God revealed to me that my dependence and love for money was greater than my love and dependence upon Him. He also revealed how I feared my boss more than I feared Him. I was living in spiritual darkness not knowing what my heart looked like through the eyes of faith. I found myself on my knees in deep sorrow because I never realized how detestable my sin appeared to God. At that moment I felt a huge weight lifted from my heart. Forgiveness was granted through His mercy and love for me.
God placed it on my heart to write a book to corporate America, revealing my sinful nature and sharing my story of His divine presence in the business world. I must honestly confess I didn’t want to write the book. I told Him no one would listen. No one would read it. No one would publish it. I even suggested that he have Bill Gates write it because people would read his book. Bill Gates was a “somebody” in this world, and I saw myself as a nobody. God patiently listened to all my excuses that stemmed from my fear of rejection from a world that had become my friend. Once I finally became quiet, God spoke softly to my heart and said, “You are somebody to me.”
This was the day I declared Christ as my CEO over my life. I felt like I was lifted out of a dark black hole of spiritual darkness that for so many years filled my life with lies. Perhaps you’ve heard some of them:
You are a “nobody” in this world
Your disease cannot be cured
Your marriage cannot be saved
You cannot get out of dept
The list of lies that stem from spiritual darkness is endless. But just as these miners were carefully lifted out of a black hole, God lifts us out and shines His love and the light of His truth that come from His Word:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be given to you.” John 15:7
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me.” John 14:6
These are a few examples of knowing the truth; God’s truth.
Are you still living in a black hole? Do you still believe the lies of the darkness? May today be the day we are all lifted from our black hole and placed into His light through Christ our Lord. Once we allow our darkness to be exposed, He graciously gives us a renewed life through our repentance. We are all somebody’s to God and may He reveal Himself to each of us through His love, mercy and grace that shines in His Light.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and
find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the
fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 5:8-11
I lived in darkness for most of my life. For so many years, I called myself a Christian and thought I was living my life the way God intended. But I was blinded by the darkness of my own sinful nature, claiming to believe one thing yet living entirely different. The day I began studying God’s Word was the moment my spiritual darkness was exposed. I spent most of my life working in corporate America. Making a lot of money was one of my greatest ambitions. And I’ll never forget when God revealed to me that my dependence and love for money was greater than my love and dependence upon Him. He also revealed how I feared my boss more than I feared Him. I was living in spiritual darkness not knowing what my heart looked like through the eyes of faith. I found myself on my knees in deep sorrow because I never realized how detestable my sin appeared to God. At that moment I felt a huge weight lifted from my heart. Forgiveness was granted through His mercy and love for me.
God placed it on my heart to write a book to corporate America, revealing my sinful nature and sharing my story of His divine presence in the business world. I must honestly confess I didn’t want to write the book. I told Him no one would listen. No one would read it. No one would publish it. I even suggested that he have Bill Gates write it because people would read his book. Bill Gates was a “somebody” in this world, and I saw myself as a nobody. God patiently listened to all my excuses that stemmed from my fear of rejection from a world that had become my friend. Once I finally became quiet, God spoke softly to my heart and said, “You are somebody to me.”
This was the day I declared Christ as my CEO over my life. I felt like I was lifted out of a dark black hole of spiritual darkness that for so many years filled my life with lies. Perhaps you’ve heard some of them:
You are a “nobody” in this world
Your disease cannot be cured
Your marriage cannot be saved
You cannot get out of dept
The list of lies that stem from spiritual darkness is endless. But just as these miners were carefully lifted out of a black hole, God lifts us out and shines His love and the light of His truth that come from His Word:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be given to you.” John 15:7
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me.” John 14:6
These are a few examples of knowing the truth; God’s truth.
Are you still living in a black hole? Do you still believe the lies of the darkness? May today be the day we are all lifted from our black hole and placed into His light through Christ our Lord. Once we allow our darkness to be exposed, He graciously gives us a renewed life through our repentance. We are all somebody’s to God and may He reveal Himself to each of us through His love, mercy and grace that shines in His Light.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and
find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the
fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 5:8-11
Friday, August 13, 2010
The "Have's" and "Have Not's"
Last evening I was in the emergency room with a friend. As we patiently waited for the doctors to perform the necessary tests, we watched from our door the number of trauma patients coming through the ER. I have to say it was overwhelming to watch the doctors and nurses racing from room to room, administering to the needs of those holding on to life. While we waited, my friend began a list of things she didn’t have. She told me she never had a boyfriend who loved her, she never had a husband and she never had children. She claimed her illness prevented her from having these things. I listened intently as she went down her list of “have not’s.”
After she was done, I felt this immense guilt because all of the things she didn’t have, I had received at some point in my life. Yet, so many of my years were wasted on a sense of entitlement for “things” I felt I deserved. I never saw them as purely gifts from God. And although today I’m grateful for all He has given, what I’ve discovered is, the “things” I have cannot provide what I really need.
God spoke softly and reminded me of why He brought this friend into my life. I had prayed for God to remove all things that would hinder me from fulfilling His purpose. I also prayed for people to come into my life who reflect His Spirit and light. I told my friend that although I had received many of the things she hadn’t, what she had was far greater than anything this world has to offer. She has the gift of the Holy Spirit which resides in her. She is a reflection of the love of Christ that I strive to obtain in my life. She opened my eyes and revealed the shallowness of my faith. Although faith isn’t something tangible, its value outweighs anything that I have.
God blesses every Christian who strives to walk in His Ways and He freely gives His Holy Spirit to provide everything we need. When we receive the Spirit of Truth, it becomes clear that what we have doesn’t measure up to the gift of salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ.
What my friend has is all that we need. The Holy Spirit is so prevalent in her life, even the nurses were amazed. They would rush into her room, frazzled from the previous patient. But when they left, the nurses had a sense of peace and a shield of strength to face the next trauma around the corner. It was simply wonderful to experience.
May those of us who think we are the “haves” of this world need to look at our own lives through the eyes of Christ. When we do this, it becomes clear that what we have and what we need are often two different things. Today, may we seek God and His Holy Spirit in everything so that we too can have all that God desires for our lives.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their Sheppard and carry them forever.”
Psalm 28:8-9
After she was done, I felt this immense guilt because all of the things she didn’t have, I had received at some point in my life. Yet, so many of my years were wasted on a sense of entitlement for “things” I felt I deserved. I never saw them as purely gifts from God. And although today I’m grateful for all He has given, what I’ve discovered is, the “things” I have cannot provide what I really need.
God spoke softly and reminded me of why He brought this friend into my life. I had prayed for God to remove all things that would hinder me from fulfilling His purpose. I also prayed for people to come into my life who reflect His Spirit and light. I told my friend that although I had received many of the things she hadn’t, what she had was far greater than anything this world has to offer. She has the gift of the Holy Spirit which resides in her. She is a reflection of the love of Christ that I strive to obtain in my life. She opened my eyes and revealed the shallowness of my faith. Although faith isn’t something tangible, its value outweighs anything that I have.
God blesses every Christian who strives to walk in His Ways and He freely gives His Holy Spirit to provide everything we need. When we receive the Spirit of Truth, it becomes clear that what we have doesn’t measure up to the gift of salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ.
What my friend has is all that we need. The Holy Spirit is so prevalent in her life, even the nurses were amazed. They would rush into her room, frazzled from the previous patient. But when they left, the nurses had a sense of peace and a shield of strength to face the next trauma around the corner. It was simply wonderful to experience.
May those of us who think we are the “haves” of this world need to look at our own lives through the eyes of Christ. When we do this, it becomes clear that what we have and what we need are often two different things. Today, may we seek God and His Holy Spirit in everything so that we too can have all that God desires for our lives.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their Sheppard and carry them forever.”
Psalm 28:8-9
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Brokenness To Blessedness
Have you ever felt broken? Has something happened in your life that has left you feeling completely hopeless? Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one and the void in your life has left you feeling broken. Or maybe you’ve just lost your job and there doesn’t seem to be a new opportunity within reach.
I have a dear friend who battles every day a rare and complicated form of cancer. I didn’t know her when she was actually diagnosed. We met several months later and that’s when I learned about her disease. This cancer is so complicated that at the time she was diagnosed, MD Anderson actually turned her away. This hospital, as many of you know, is one of the leading cancer facilities in the world. Personally, I have never faced cancer so I cannot begin to comprehend how broken she felt when she learned of this disease. Her brokenness stemmed from a loss of hope and confusion over why this was happening to her. I remember when she shared with me all that she had been through. I could tell by her voice that although she felt defeated at times, she would continue to fight until her last breath.
Despite what the doctors believed, my dear friend is still alive today and what we’ve both learned is as she continues to fight for her life, cancer doesn’t have a claim on her life. As her disease worsens, her faith strengthens. I can’t explain it but I have had the privilege of watching from the sidelines the blessings she pours out to all who come into her life. I asked her if she truly felt God’s blessing throughout this ordeal and was simply amazed by her response. She said to me that not only had she been blessed, but in many ways, she had already been healed. Every day, my friend has to get out of bed, be a mom, and has several doctor appointments in any given week. The medicine alone leaves her tired and feeling nauseated, yet her brokenness has been healed through God’s blessedness.
When we face brokenness, that’s when we can experience God’s love and strength in our lives. When we’ve reached a point of acknowledging there’s no human solution to our problems, this can become the most divine moment to be seized.
Nobody likes to talk about death and as a result, it’s the one event that we are so unprepared to face. Yet death is inevitable and how we choose to face it can be the most significant decision in our life. Death is often what makes us feel so broken. My family has lost loved ones and the grieving is very painful and devastating. But with each loss, we have experienced the transition from brokenness to blessedness because of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus died on the cross but that wasn’t the end of the story. Jesus ascended into heaven and lives today so that we as Christians can know that even death doesn’t hold a claim on our lives. Death is nothing more than the passageway to a new life through Christ our Lord. When we allow God into our brokenness, He mends our hearts with His blessedness and for many this becomes the moment when we experience what it means to be His Beloved.
May today we seek God in our brokenness. When we do this, the healing of our hearts begins and like my dear friend, that’s when we’re able to become a blessing for others.
"I waited patiently for the Lord;he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."
(Psalm 40:1-3)
I have a dear friend who battles every day a rare and complicated form of cancer. I didn’t know her when she was actually diagnosed. We met several months later and that’s when I learned about her disease. This cancer is so complicated that at the time she was diagnosed, MD Anderson actually turned her away. This hospital, as many of you know, is one of the leading cancer facilities in the world. Personally, I have never faced cancer so I cannot begin to comprehend how broken she felt when she learned of this disease. Her brokenness stemmed from a loss of hope and confusion over why this was happening to her. I remember when she shared with me all that she had been through. I could tell by her voice that although she felt defeated at times, she would continue to fight until her last breath.
Despite what the doctors believed, my dear friend is still alive today and what we’ve both learned is as she continues to fight for her life, cancer doesn’t have a claim on her life. As her disease worsens, her faith strengthens. I can’t explain it but I have had the privilege of watching from the sidelines the blessings she pours out to all who come into her life. I asked her if she truly felt God’s blessing throughout this ordeal and was simply amazed by her response. She said to me that not only had she been blessed, but in many ways, she had already been healed. Every day, my friend has to get out of bed, be a mom, and has several doctor appointments in any given week. The medicine alone leaves her tired and feeling nauseated, yet her brokenness has been healed through God’s blessedness.
When we face brokenness, that’s when we can experience God’s love and strength in our lives. When we’ve reached a point of acknowledging there’s no human solution to our problems, this can become the most divine moment to be seized.
Nobody likes to talk about death and as a result, it’s the one event that we are so unprepared to face. Yet death is inevitable and how we choose to face it can be the most significant decision in our life. Death is often what makes us feel so broken. My family has lost loved ones and the grieving is very painful and devastating. But with each loss, we have experienced the transition from brokenness to blessedness because of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus died on the cross but that wasn’t the end of the story. Jesus ascended into heaven and lives today so that we as Christians can know that even death doesn’t hold a claim on our lives. Death is nothing more than the passageway to a new life through Christ our Lord. When we allow God into our brokenness, He mends our hearts with His blessedness and for many this becomes the moment when we experience what it means to be His Beloved.
May today we seek God in our brokenness. When we do this, the healing of our hearts begins and like my dear friend, that’s when we’re able to become a blessing for others.
"I waited patiently for the Lord;he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."
(Psalm 40:1-3)
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