WHATEVER THE STORM
HE IS LORD OF THE STORM
IF HE SENDS IT TO HIS CHILD, HIS PURPOSE IS ALWAYS GRACE
IF HE ALLOWS IT FOR HIS MYSTERIOUS PURPOSES,
HE HAS AN ULTIMATE PLAN FOR GOOD
Over the next two weeks let us consider three kinds of storms:
- Daily storms we experience when we cling to idols
- Monster storms we experience when we cling to idols
- Storms we do not understand
1. DAILY STORMS WHEN WE CLING TO IDOLS
Last week “Laura-dancer” honestly answered the question: “When do you flee from God?” with:
“Wow — probably daily.”
Rebecca vulnerably shared the jealousy she felt when a new young worship leader was so talented — but quickly, she realized her idol temptation, repented, and was able to enter into worship with this leader.
As we are seeing more clearly into the murky waters of our souls, we are seeing how we are daily tempted by idols, and when we succumb, “forfeit the grace that could be ours.”
For the last two weeks I’ve been helping my grand-daughter Emily prepare her high school senior thesis speech. She is graduating as valedictorian of her Christian classical senior class. She has become passionate about how America has changed its perspective toward immigrants from an open “Golden Door” that proclaimed “Give me your tired, your poor…” to a very closed and cold attitude toward immigrants. Emily’s content was so strong, but not her delivery. Why? She is naturally reserved, uncomfortable with the spotlight. (As a toddler, she turned to us before she went to her new potty chair and said, “I’m going to potty — but I don’t want you to cheer and clap.)
But I knew there was something else holding her back. The idol of approval — the fear of man. I told her how Keller used to look at his congregation before he preached and say (silently) “You are not my life — Christ is my life.” Emily nodded, and yet, I still saw her retreat, and fail to connect with me when she spoke, quenching the Spirit. She was forfeiting the power that could be hers. She was also daily, in great angst about her speech. She wanted to do well, but worried she would not.
The day before she spoke we practiced again — and I said, “Emily — I know you care about what you are saying. I know you want them to care about this. THINK ABOUT EVERY WORD YOU ARE SAYING WHILE YOU ARE SAYING IT. Not only will that help you feel what God feels, it will help you forget about yourself. DO IT AGAIN — AND THINK THINK THINK ABOUT THE WORDS.”
Suddenly she locked eyes with me and passion rose in her. She began with the words on The Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor…” but it was different. A burst of light breaking through the dark clouds. What happened? Instead of thinking about herself and what others were thinking of her, by thinking about the words, she was setting her affections on God, on what He cared about, and she was transformed. I saw it before my very eyes. And that can happen to each of us moment by moment throughout the day. As we allow ourselves to be passionate about what He is passionate about, our fears and gloomy doubts are expelled.
I wanted to weep. I was flying to Virginia when she gave the actual speech, but her dad texted me: SHE WAS SO PASSIONATE. IT WAS TREMENDOUS!
And then she e-mailed me afterwards: “Grandma — I want to go into missions this year before college. I know it.” I wept again. Passion rising… the power of God breaking the fears that hold us back…
Many of you shared how letting go of an idol brought the sun out. Chris S. shared a story of her drawer being short on St. Patrick’s Day — fearing suspicion — but then reminded herself her identity was in Christ. She wrote: “My identity is hidden with Christ in God, no matter what misunderstanding or failure might befall me, no power of hell or scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand. What relief there is in that!” Getting our identity from Christ — not from man — and not even from ourselves is huge. Both Renee and Susan had an epiphany of understanding about this last week and articulated it beautifully.
Daily, whenever we are aware of an idol temptation, we must turn and surrender to Him, and we will experience grace. It may be a quick fix, as with Emily and Chris, or it may take time, but it will come.
He is Lord of every storm.
2. MONSTER STORMS WHEN WE CLING TO IDOLS
Monster storms threaten to wreck our whole lives. They are especially grievous when we know, as Jonah did, that they are a direct result of our clinging to a worthless idol: that they have, indeed, been sent by God to bring his erring child to his senses.
Four years ago on Mother’s Day I got the surprising news that my nephew, who has always been a favorite of mine, was going to prison in Texas for four years for doing something “stupid and wrong” (his words). This week marked the end of those four long years and he was released and reunited with his wife and three young children. He knew that it was a storm sent by God and responded immediately in deep repentance. Though we felt his sentence severe, he did not. Though we were deeply grieved by the treatment in Texas prisons, concerned he might be a victim of violence or succumb, as many do, to the 130 degree summer temperatures. But he took it without complaint. When I visited him in prison, I thought, What a godly and humble young man.
This week he was released to his wife and three young children. He wondered if he would ever see them again, if he would survive, if he would ever see his home again, and is tearful and so grateful. Though there are many challenges ahead, he is a transformed man, and is experiencing the power of God, no longer forfeiting the grace that God longs to daily give him.
And as so often happens, a storm sent by God to His child will impact all who love that child. But our amazing God can use that for good. My nephew’s storm hit his whole family and others as well. But those who have run to God have been changed for the good. I know that before my nephew went to prison, my prison ministry was lacking in passion — and now I am seeing inmates more and more as God does and I have PASSION.
He is Lord of every storm.
3. STORMS WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND (Next Week)
MY NEWS — AND HAPPY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Before we plunge into our study, I will share my personal news, which also explains why I must do a two week study right now. (The first week has more homework than the second, so if you want to slow down more this first week, go ahead.)
Last week my daughter Sally called me with some concerns the doctors had concerning her pregnancy. They said the baby was very small — at the 11th percentile. The baby was also breech, so they planned to try to turn her. But then Sally’s water broke.
Had we lived a century ago it would have been a fatal scenario. I wept to think of that and thanked God so for modern medicine and the C-section that rescued them. How thankful we are for His mercies. Sadie was a gift after years of infertility. Claire’s life was rescued by modern medicine. Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. I am here with them now and filled with gratitude. Thank you for your prayers and love.
I also have a renewed appreciation for mothers — this brings back so many memories — dealing with sensitive children’s feelings, with the constant clamoring for needs to be met — with the mess and the multitude of tasks — all to be done calmly and with gratitude! I used to get bent out of shape on Mother’s Day because I expected GREAT ACCOLADES and didn’t always get them. The children were too little, and for the first several years Steve didn’t relate because “I wasn’t his mother!” (But he soon realized it was a day he needed to fuss over me!) But whether you are recognized or not, I THINK WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS AMAZING, and God sees and is pleased with even a cup of water given to a little child.
We are also so blessed if we have physical or spiritual children. This is a special day. Happy Mother’s Day to every mother reading this blog. And for those of you who are not mothers, but long to be, I pray God will give you the desires of your heart or change the desires of your heart. I know this is a hard day for you.
WEEK ONE:
SUNDAY/MONDAY ICEBREAKERS
1. What thoughts do you have about the opening and why?
2. Share one reason you are thankful for your mother.
Monday-Wednesday: Bible Study
DAILY STORMS WHEN WE CLING TO IDOLS
Both Emily and Chris had to overcome the approval idol, the “fear of man.” How did each do it and how does either speak to you?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:14-15 in this Good News, or in your own translation:
Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?
But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry.
A. What reassurance is there in the first part of this verse?
B. But if we do suffer, what reassurance should still help us overcome the fear of man?
C. Is this fear of man, this need for approval, an idol in your life that daily tempts you? Explain, and then speak the truth to your soul.
4. A second idol that tempts us to forfeit grace is control or power. I myself often want to “fix” people, instead of trusting God. I often think of the example of Christ — who faced so much more. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23 and explain how Christ was able to do this.
5. How could this help you overcome your control/power idol? Be specific.
6. A third idol that daily tempts us is comfort/security. Rebecca’s testimony in regard to food was that she had to stop running to food and start running to God. She read books that helped her grow in intimacy with God. She also had to endure pain, but then experienced peace and freedom. How does Hebrews 12:1-2 speak to this?
Monster Storms When We Cling To Idols
7. Read Jonah 2:1-4 again. Who sent the storm and why, do you think?
8. This week I’ve been reading to Sadie and she has a book about Jonah. I find so many children’s books distort the real story, wanting to make all the Bible characters simplistic heroes. Sadie’s book said, “Jonah loved God but he was afraid of the Ninevites so he ran way.” This makes Jonah sound nobler than he really was. According to Jonah 4:1-2, what was his real reason for fleeing?
9. In the same way, though I love this little girl and her telling of Jonah, in the beginning of the story I see the author of this children’s version made the same error — but the rest is great. Watch and comment.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxfo-7mW74g
Thursday-Friday: Keller Sermon
Listen to this in the series: They Greatly Feared. If you are purchasing this individually instead of in the set, then go to this link
10. The stormy sea (What do storms reveal about every human heart?)
11.The religious sailors (Why doesn’t their religion help them?)
12. The willing substitute (How do you deal with fear?)
Saturday:
13. What is your take-away for week 1?
WEEK 2. STORMS WE DO NOT UNDERSTAND
I do not understand why Joyce’s husband left her when her child with so many physical needs was born. I do not understand why Chris’s son was assaulted and died. I do not understand why Elizabeth is plagued with physical pain that feels like fire ants all over her body. Each of you, I know, has experienced a storm you do not understand. Jesus makes it very clear that not every storm is a result of personal sin, but that it can be used to reveal the glory of God.
And so part of trusting God is to accept the mystery of suffering, and to know that in the end, He will do all things well. That even perhaps, as Tolkein says, “Everything sad will be untrue.” These mysterious storms we will consider in this 2nd week of this study. But we know: He is Lord of every storm.
Perhaps the worst storm our country has endured in the last twenty-five years is 9/11.
In God’s providence, Keller began preaching on Jonah two weeks before 9/11. A story that talked about what happens to us when we are overcome by hatred and fear. During that week Redeemer had a special service — and that is part of the Jonah package. It is also a free sermon.
This is the whole service following 9/11: LINK
Also for those who are interested in another message, this is one that ministered to me deeply in the midst of my worst storm — my husband’s death. It is called “Heman’s Cry of Darkness.” We will look at Psalm 88 this week. Here is the link — it is 2.50 so it is optional:
(A funny story with this sermon. One time our own dear Anne, our nurse from Carolina (I think South) was going through a terrible time and I recommended this sermon to her, but she had it in her mind that I wrote Haman instead of Heman. So she listened to a stern sermon about Haman and the sin of pride. (It was as opposite as you can imagine to the soothing message I wanted her to hear.) But vulnerably, and I will always remember this about her, wrote: “I needed to hear that so badly.” Her humble heart is one of the reasons she is so mature.)
SUNDAY/MONDAY ICEBREAKER
1. Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
2. Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that.
Monday-Wednesday Bible Study
Last week the sermon showed us how religion fails us in the midst of fear, but the “greater Jonah” never does. I want you to begin to contrast the first and second Jonah. Read again, Jonah 1:1-6 and also Matthew 8:23-26.
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can.
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm.
5. Psalm 88 is one of the two psalms of lament that do not close with trust in God. Derek Kidner explains that even God understands that there are going to be times when our pain is too great to end our prayer with a resolve of trust. This ministered deeply to me, that God should so understand and forgive our weakness. Read Psalm 88. Find the lament, the despair — and see the graciousness of God to us when we rail at Him, the giver of every good gift. In miniature I’ve seen that a bit in 23 month old Sadie this week — as she is upset with Sally for having another little girl. She doesn’t understand and she cries — and Sally simply holds her and reassures her of her love. If anything quickens you in Psalm 88, share it here.
Thursday/Friday: Listen to one of Keller’s sermons listed above and share your thoughts.
Rebecca found the link to Heman’s Cry of Darkness as a free sermon!
http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sermons/hemans-cry-darkness
Saturday: What is your take-a-way and why?
632 comments
13. What is your take-away for week 1?
I am taking away John Newton’s stanzas from His Hymn-this is what God wants me to let simmer in the depths:
“His love in time past forbids me to think, He’ll leave me at last In trouble to sink.
By prayer let me wrestle, and He will perform; With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.”
This reminds me of the truth of the Gospel-to apply it to my life in daily storms. His love FORBIDS me to believe my idols lies that He will leave me to sink.
What a glorious truth to know that God isn’t ‘far off’ in the midst of my storms but He is in the vessel-He beckons me away from my idols temptings and wants me to come to Him, to wrestle in prayer, to open up like a lake and trust. He wants intimacy with me- for me to love Him back.
‘Smiling in the storm’ isn’t just an emotional thing of saying I know He is here in my storm-it stems from intimacy with Him-from the wrestling-I don’t just ‘know’ He is here, I ‘inhabit’ that He is here, and He gives me His peace and Joy indescribable.
YET, I know all is Grace-I know how wretched I am, how easily I forget! Hence a ‘growing’ intimacy-this heading up the mountain with God-I feel like I am just at the base-a child, but what love is this, for God wants to take me higher!
I really think faith means a growing intimacy with God as we leave life in His hands and trust Him. The depths of His love are unfathomable yet experiential! He isn’t going to leave me to sink in the midst of my storms.
This made me think of the verse in In Christ Alone, “here in the power of Christ I stand.”
10. The stormy sea (What do storms reveal about every human heart?) What is really in them.
11.The religious sailors (Why doesn’t their religion help them?)Because it sinks with them.
12. The willing substitute (How do you deal with fear?) Look to Christ. Who laid His life down for us. We hide in HIM. His perfect love casts out fear. His love.
13. Take away…Something about fear and love. I am not sure yet. That verse about fear has to do with punishment. God’s perfect love casts out fear. Not sure how to put it together but I know it relates to my family somehow and why I get downcast when they are not ok. Something needs to uprooted and replaced. God is working me through it. Maybe too emotionally invested?? Overinvesting emotionally? I am amazed by God and His love but I think maybe He is showing me that I should spend more time in prayer (with Him that way) because of His love for me. He is wooing me but I chose to do other busy things because of a fear with prayer. I saw two amazing answers this past month oh me of little faith.
12. The willing substitute (How do you deal with fear?)
Grasp Who He Is. What hit me most in the sermon was “simply”, 1 John 4:18 “perfect Love cast out fear”. I wanted more on that so I started digging through my books and found this from Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy:
“Fear is the painful emotion that arises at the thought that we may be harmed or made to suffer….The world is full of enemies, and as long as we are subject to the possibility of harm from these enemies, fear is inevitable. The effort to conquer fear without removing the causes is altogether futile. The heart is wiser than the apostles of tranquillity. As long as we are in the hands of chance, as long as we look for hope to the law of averages, as long as we must trust for survival to our ability to outthink or outmaneuver the enemy, we have every good reason to be afraid. And fear hath torment.
To know that love is of God and to enter into the secret place leaning upon the arm of the Beloved – this and only this can cast out fear. Let a man become convinced that nothing can harm him and instantly for him all fear goes out of the universe. The nervous reflex, the natural revulsion to physical pain may be felt sometimes, but the deep torment of fear is gone forever.”
So for me, one who has tended towards fear at times, I am daily reminding myself—the worst thing that could ever happen to me, can NEVER happen—because Christ took care of it already. I’m finding a new peace in that.
What an amazing quote, elizabeth. What a sweet reassurance “To know that love is of God and to enter into the secret place leaning upon the arm of the Beloved – THIS AND ONLY THIS CAN CAST OUT FEAR. Let a man become convinced that nothing can harm him and instantly for him all fear goes out of the universe.” You are such an encouraging person. Bless you.
Elizabeth, Oh so good-loved this Tozer quote. Your application is wonderful too-love your heart.
thank you dear diane and rebecca–but it is you here who have encouraged me daily in this journey–words truly cannot express what this “place” has been for me–thank you
Saturday: 13. What is your take-away for week 1?
HE IS LORD OF EVERY STORM. He hasn’t forgotten me, I’m not too insignificant to Him, He does know what’s going on inside of me and He does care. Things don’t always change as soon as we pray, and it’s not a matter, I don’t think, of having enough prayers–as much as just believing He has it, and He is working. He is doing something so much greater than I can see.
When I really find myself in fear, it’s usually, for me, because I’ve forgotten who He is. I start thinking like He doesn’t really care, or like He’s somehow heartless about it–so far removed or so focused on a bigger agenda that what does my pain matter?…But then I hear myself, and say–that is not my Lord. My Lord IS the Lover of my soul. He adores me, He chose me. He grieves with me–but its not over yet. He’s still weaving…and I have to hold on tight to what I know about Him, and believe that He is still creating His masterpiece–because that is Who He Is.
And as I said just above–when I really dwell on the very worst thing that could ever happen–and that it CANNOT–I can breathe a sigh of peace.
Elizabeth, Again..I loved this-so glad you are doing your best to post!! “When I really find myself in fear, it’s usually, for me, because I’ve forgotten who He is. I start thinking like He doesn’t really care, or like He’s somehow heartless about it–so far removed or so focused on a bigger agenda that what does my pain matter?…But then I hear myself, and say–that is not my Lord. My Lord IS the Lover of my soul. He adores me, He chose me. He grieves with me–but its not over yet. He’s still weaving…and I have to hold on tight to what I know about Him, and believe that He is still creating His masterpiece–because that is Who He Is.”
This is such a strong comment, Elizabeth.
In O’hare, changing planes — reading your good comments.
Said good-bye to Sally and her family — very thankful for time with her.
Reading Keller’s Generous Justice. Oh my.
Love to you
Dee, so glad you got to have time with Sally and her family. So now you have sparked my curiosity about Generous Justice. 🙂
praying you get safely home dee–i’m sure it was hard for all to say goodbye
Loved Generous Justice. First Keller book I read (actually the only one, but I’ve got another one here that I haven’t started yet).
13. What is your take-away for week 1?
I think what made a major impact is that Keller was himself struggling with fear during this sermon (aftermath of 9/11). His message of hope came across so real because he was also preaching to himself. It is another reminder that God uses us when we don’t cover up our pain but walk alongside others as fellow strugglers.
diane–i agree. when i heard him say he was presently struggling with fear himself, i felt my ears, and heart, perk up-wanting to listen even more intently. amazing how magnetic true humility is
Elizabeth and Diane,
What Diane said reminds me of how we put on masks. I have missed real fellowship since we moved here-finding depthy face to face fellowship like what we have here on the blog is rare. I wonder why? Perhaps idolatry brings on masks? Causes us to cover up pain. I really do think if, as a body, our intimacy with God returns so will our relationships-they will deepen in Him. I sense God is on the move though. (I will stop-I am heading into one of my sermons-you should be thankful you don’t live with me!) 🙂
Ladies
I just came on to ask for prayer for me.. For Wisdom and that God would clearly show me if i have done anything wrong in this friendship.. I believe i asked for prayer a few weeks ago about my friend and I then she apologzed well now everything has boiled over again. She is mad at me casue I havent gone to see her since sh got back from North Carolina! I have been VERY busy working everyday this week. Well tonight i went for a walk with a friend and posted on facebook that i went for a walk and she got upset cause she says that i had time to go for a walk with my friend but not time to go and see her. I really need clear direction on this. I have tried to call her she wont answer her phone and she pretty much yelled me on facebook and didnt give me time to really respond. Thank you
Meg, Will pray now..Lord I thank you for your Grace and mercy on all of us and how often we need to remind ourselves daily of your deep love for us-how we need to remind ourselves of the cross-how we often trip and fall daily, but how you daily desire to pick us up and hide us under your wings. I ask that you would remind Meg that you love her more than this friend does-Help her to see the truth of this situation, and help her to speak truth to her soul right now. We ask that you would come to her and that she would sense your presence and she would fall in your arms-that you would be her ultimate in this situation. God thank you for Meg’s honest and sweet heart and we ask that you would bind Satan from tripping her up, and quicken her to move forward in placing her hope in you.
Meg, this friend doesn’t seem too friendly to you 🙁 she sounds jealous. I am sorry she “yelled” at you on fb; for the world to see(?). That is so wrong and unkind. Unfortunately, we can’t change people’s hearts. We can only pray they see their true nature and feel remorse so they may then be able to have better relationships with others.
Dear Lord, thank you for Meg. She has a good heart that we always see on this blog. Please soften her friends heart so she may understand that Meg meant no harm, she was just having to deal with the daily struggles of our lives. Allow the friend to see that it was wrong to “yell” at Meg on facebook, and for her to apologize to Meg on Facebook for all to see. Lord, help Meg to know that ultimately you are all she needs to love and please. You are what we all need, not idols like we have discussed on this excellent blog. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
Laura dancer-very wise advice to Meg.
Thank you very much Laura dancer and Rebecca
Laura dancer- my friend didn’t yell at me publicly for all to see on Facebook she was chatting with me on Facebook thank you for praying
Oh thank goodness! I was worried about that. I hope she realizes what she did to you was wrong and apologizes soon 🙁
Things have gotten much worse Laura-dancer.. please keep praying!
Meg, praying for wisdom from God in dealing with this friend. I feel like I need to warn you to be careful with this friend. It sounds like she is idolizing your friendship – that is, expecting you to be more to her than she should. It sounds like she wants you to be exclusive and to meet all her friendship needs (jealousy as Laura-dancer said.) This is dangerous. You probably will not be able to satisfy her unending demands no matter how hard you try and may end up being hurt as you try. She needs to turn to Jesus to meet her friendship needs. I doubt you have done anything wrong so do not let your need for approval force you to give in to her. This is strong advice but I have known this kind of danger personally and am concerned. If this advice is far off the mark, please forgive me.
Lord, I pray for you wisdom for Meg in dealing with this friend. And cover her with your protection. Do not let the Enemy entangle Meg in a web that leads down a dangerous path. You know her, Lord, her strengths and her weaknesses. Be her shield and sword against the Enemy’s attacks.
Oh Diane, this is good-good insight into Meg’s situation. Meg, we are praying for you sister!
Thank you Diane, It was very good insight.. My mind just keeps going round and round thinking what else have i done (I know i have done at least one thing) and have been trying to apologize for it and she wont hear of it.. if you know what i mean. I have felt real peace today thank you ladies for praying.
Meg,
Praying also for you and I agree with Diane….when I was praying for you I thought of Dee’s having us study relational idolatry awhile back. Please don’t beat yourself up for “I know I have done at least one thing”…we all make mistakes in relationships, that is being human. If you have apologized, then you have owned responsibility for what may have been your part. It is now up to your friend to forgive, to release you from the debt. If she cannot, she may be holding you to an impossibly high standard due to an idol in her own heart.
Meg I agree with these women, and will pray for the courage to do what the Lord leads you to do, in His love and strength. I recently had a friend message me on FB and ask why I abruptly ended my friendship with her, which was news to me. She wanted more from me than I was giving. I apologized, told her she was still a friend and that I was sorry if I couldn’t give her what she needed. My way of not letting her “bully” me into giving her more than I could. She never replied and unfriended me on facebook. It was really hard not to go back on my stand but I knew God was warning me to back off. It’s hard when you know it’s going to hurt others. I can empathize.
Thank you Dear sisters.. nothing has changed I am praying for my friend.. and when she is ready to talk I will talk to her and hopefully we will work things out.
Hi Meg!
It’s been awhile since I was on this blog because of my schedule so I may be late for my response . However, I can’t help be see a lot of similarities in your friendship compared to the one I had.
If someone, can make or break my day, it’s time to re examin their significance in my life. I had the exact reactions you are having when the person I thought was my best friend ( in Christ on top of that), was able to control me with their disapproving silence.
Last May, around this time, I took a mission’s trip and there is where I was able to get alone in the morning for prayer & reflection. Because no one was able to call me.
When I came back, I realized it was time to cut some strings.
BTW: I read Dee’s book “The Friendship’s of Women” which in a better perspective how these kinds of relationships should be. If this friendship isn’t Christ centered, and this person demands that type of maintenance, it’s time to cut them loose.
I know this sounds harsh, please forgive if it does.
I just sharing what I have experienced.
Thank you so much Laura Marie very encouraging..
Laura Marie, I just read this-very wise advice to Meg from your experience and also from your insight gleaned from reading Dee’s book-so good.
1. Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
For me it was Diane when she said these two things in one post on May 15th:
Approval: My approval idol has so many layers that only God can untangle the mess. I realize now that I have to continually keep refocusing my attention on the fact that God fully and unconditional approves of me; because I have turned to him in repentance I am covered with his righteousness – I am covered, cleansed, forgiven; nothing more needs to be done. If all the world disapproves of everything else I do, it does not matter. I can obey him, follow him, trust him and let the chips fall where they may about how others think of me. Such a relief! I can extend grace because grace has been given to me.
Control: In my case, it means trusting God that he will take care of my daughter and her family in this crisis. I cannot “fix” her or the situation. I can do what I feel God wants me to do to help care for her and for her boys, and then trust God with the rest and relax. This week I have not gone to my daughter’s house to help. I felt I needed a week off and she needed to take responsibility for herself. Letting go of the control is not easy. Lord, help me to trust.
Why does this stand out to me: Her soul talk, even just admitting it is huge. I have noticed a huge slow and steady change in her from when she first came on-she was vulnerable from the start and hasn’t closed up. It shows she is really growing to trust Him and not what people think. I think it must be hard being the wife of someone in ministry and the daughter of a pastor. I mean, you have even more pressure to ‘look good’ on the outside. I love to see how God is moving in her life-how she is diving into His word, and how she is also speaking truth to her soul.
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Rebecca. Your reassurance is very meaningful to me today. However, I am struggling today with wanting to control my situation and I realize that I am angry with God that He has not seemed to heal Krista yet or relieved the situation in some more obvious way. I feel like a caged lion, pacing and agitated, wanting to rush in and take over, demanding that things be done my way. I guess I should be glad that I can see the idol of control rearing its ugly head. Lord, help me. I can be such a danger to myself and others.
I am trying to speak truth to my soul and today God has given me Psalm 73, an old favorite. I am so glad that God is with me, counseling me, even when I feel like a caged lion. Here are verses 21 ff;
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Lord, help me to desire nothing besides you — not even my daughter’s mental health, or the welfare of my grandchildren. I cast them completely on Your care. I cast them on the sea of your rescue.
Listen to this in the series: They Greatly Feared. If you are purchasing this individually instead of in the set, then go to this link
10. The stormy sea (What do storms reveal about every human heart?)
We are “real” in a true storm. Our insides come out! We have fear at first, and then we have anger.
11.The religious sailors (Why doesn’t their religion help them?)
They are like the “Christian;” the one who goes to church and runs through all the rituals but doesn’t hold God close to their heart. These people (and the sailors) have nothing to rely on when the storm ensues. They might have a love of some thing (Keller says music, our children, etc.) and that thing can’t help us through the storm. Only God is there when the storm is in full swing. Jonah had God, the sailors did not. They only had their gods, who could do nothing to help them. Keller explains the sailors gods were usually those that worshipped a certain “thing” like the ocean or sun.
Does anyone listen to the sermons on their iPods or iPhone? I have in the past with no trouble. For some reason, this series is giving me problems. I called the redeemer store and what they suggested didn’t work. Here’s the problem; I download the mp3 to my desktop, put the file into the itunes library and then onto my iPhone. I can access the sermon on my phone but it just flashes it when I try to play it (it acts like it will play it and then it doesn’t – it teases me!). I can play it it iTunes on my desktop.
Sometimes in the past I have just streamed it from the redeemer site on my phone and that works as well. It won’t let me do that either for this series. It gives me an error message that says, “can’t play this movie.” I am sad because I use this blog and the studies to help me deal with getting up in the morning…..I struggle with that. I also like to listen to sermons as I run/walk.
Sorry Laura–wish I could help with the tech issue–I have been able to download this series into itunes and then my ipod. Praying it gets fixed!
I want to answer the ice-breaker — but realize by singling out anyone, I could hurt others. But still, we are growing, so here I go:
First — so many of the stories of mothers moved me, and reaffirmed to me how important a mother’s role is. Many of you had mothers who lived very simply but sacrificially, who loved you well, and for whom you are so thankful. I feel like I know Diane, Julie P, Rebecca, and others better.
I am moved by the growth I see in Laura-dancer. We are all rooting for you to get good news that you passed this test for which you studied two years, but I loved your soul talk if you don’t — that His approval is all you really need — how you love the song In Christ Alone.
Rebecca’s comments about finding women of depth here were appropo to me too — though I want to be a mentor here, so many of you are mentors to me — friends — sisters indeed.
Dee, I too have seen such growth in Laura Dancer-I am moved so and just love her heart-God has given her a mold-able heart. I also love her questions-her honesty-and that she doesn’t hide.
1.Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
When Elizabeth said this:
“So for me, one who has tended towards fear at times, I am daily reminding myself—the worst thing that could ever happen to me, can NEVER happen—because Christ took care of it already. I’m finding a new peace in that.”
The reason I liked this was because it is true. Elizabeth’s comments challenge me to think.
Her statement reminds me of Paul and how God gave Him peace even in the midst of the most dire circumstances. I was thinking how Paul viewed death-the ultimate thing we fear-the sting of death. Paul was living as Jesus being his ultimate, not this earth. Because Jesus was his ultimate, he saw his time here on Earth the way God did-his desires lined up with God’s. He spoke truth to his soul continually and saw death as gain. I think his eyes were fixed on the future. Yet, Paul did get a glimpse-a glimpse we haven’t gotten yet, so even more so when I see Elizabeth’s faith, continually giving herself to God-how He must truly delight in her mold-able heart I am sure!
thank you dear friend–you encourage me to hang on to that Truth!
1.Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
I am not done yet! 🙂 There are several more I wanted to comment on, but am running out of time!
I want to say I am impressed by Anne Meredith’s honest heart already in regard to a deep hurt, a storm placed on her that she didn’t cause-that first step of admitting anger was huge! God is on the move!
There is more, but I would be here all morning and I need to make sure my boys brush their teeth and comb their hair-let alone take showers-boys! 😉
Thanks for the encouragement Rebecca. It’s hard for me to identify my feelings and share them when they run so deep. This blog is helping me to do that.
1. Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
Anne Meredith referred to Psalm 88 and Luke 18:7—and said this “I can relate to feeling hopeless yet knowing these things to be true about God…clinging to Him in the pit.” This was an affirming encouragement to me from a sister in her own struggle. Anne is dealing with a different kind of pain and yet we feel similar—waves of hopelessness, yet clinging to what we know to be true—and finding hope in Who He Is.
And this piece from Diane—“But the one thing God wants is for you to love him without ifs. On the other side of the “if’ is your real god.” That almost sung to read–but I needed it. I feel such love for Him and yet I hear myself say things like “if” I felt like I used to…I’d be riding bikes with the kids and making cookies…and there’s a whole list of how “perfect” I’d be “if only”. But that is where my idol lies—wanting it my way, my terms, my time table. If I’m honest, control still “controls” a large part of me—takes up too much of my heart—His space.
Thank you, I’m glad that encouraged you Elizabeth…I pray you will feel fresh hope today, and strength for the storm from Him. For me too.
comments that stood out
Elizabeth this encouraged my heart in the storm
HE IS LORD OF EVERY STORM. He hasn’t forgotten me, I’m not too insignificant to Him, He does know what’s going on inside of me and He does care. Things don’t always change as soon as we pray, and it’s not a matter, I don’t think, of having enough prayers–as much as just believing He has it, and He is working. He is doing something so much greater than I can see.
When I really find myself in fear, it’s usually, for me, because I’ve forgotten who He is. I start thinking like He doesn’t really care, or like He’s somehow heartless about it–so far removed or so focused on a bigger agenda that what does my pain matter?…But then I hear myself, and say–that is not my Lord. My Lord IS the Lover of my soul. He adores me, He chose me. He grieves with me–but its not over yet. He’s still weaving…and I have to hold on tight to what I know about Him, and believe that He is still creating His masterpiece–because that is Who He Is.
And Rebecca saying
What a glorious truth to know that God isn’t ‘far off’ in the midst of my storms but He is in the vessel-He beckons me away from my idols temptings and wants me to come to Him, to wrestle in prayer, to open up like a lake and trust. He wants intimacy with me- for me to love Him back.
2-Seeing God preparing me for the storm.
My autistic daughter I can see I was being prepared getting my degree in Psychology and working in social work. That also has helped me with our new little guy and working with his family. God was giving me wisdom for these things I never imagined would happen to me yet God knew and is with me and using them to make me and all of us more like HIM.
Love God’s preparation, Angela. Thanks for sharing that. He wastes nothing.
Angela, Loved your story of how God prepared you for the storm. Isn’t He amazing? 🙂
Angela — I was just thinking about you this morning and your perpetual storms — so was glad to read this, and to pray this truth you are speaking to your soul will push out that fear…
Angela–what an encouraging story–hearing how He prepared you with your degree…knowing before time what He had planned for you and your children. This example so encourages me
I promise to be on soon. We began moving Friday afternoon and are exhausted. Praying for sweet Meg. Remember to stand firm on verses you learned and run to Jesus for comfort, His comfort is the best I have experienced, Meg. Love to all, God is so very very good, how I have come to love Him for Him!
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can.
Both had several men on the ship, both had great storms, both had men that believed in God on the ship, the men were afraid on both ships, Jesus and Jonah slept
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm.
One happened on a sea, and one on a lake, Jonah had to pay to be on the ship, the disciples were there for free, Jesus was woken up by the men and Jonah was woken up by the captain, the men on the boat with Jonah told him to call on his God to save them whereas the disciples asked Jesus to save them directly, on Jonahs ship they had to throw things over board go lighten the load, not so on Jesus’ ship
So, when God is your leader, you have a direct contact with calming a storm. There’s no need for a middleman!
2. Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that.
There was a huge storm when my boys were young and we hadn’t had our fourth one yet. I told my husband we should be praying about having an older couple come over and do Bible Study with us. It was hard to find so we just prayed. Well, along comes Bob and Nancy. I spent some time getting to know Nancy, and Bob taught our Sunday School class. My husband and I saw two who really pursued hard after God. I asked Nancy and Bob if they wouldn’t mind coming to our home and getting into the word with us, and they agreed. After around six months we heard the news that Isaac might have Autism-then the diagnosis that he does. God prepared us by having two grace filled, loving, mature believers meeting with us prior and they were there to encourage us in Him when we received the diagnosis.
I want to be careful saying this because I know many have situations with children here that perhaps this wouldn’t encourage, but it did me. I hope I don’t offend anyone, I am just telling you how God used this couple to prepare us-to encourage us and God knew what we needed to hear.
I desperately needed encouragement. A word, a true thought from God to hold onto, and at that deep moment of need, Bob said, “I know this is hard, but I want to encourage you that this is no accident. God weaved Isaac together this way for His purposes, and His plan. I know it is hard to understand, but He has a plan for Isaac’s life.”
Bob’s words were salve to this scared and hurting mother’s soul. If he would have said God allowed it, and I don’t know why, then I would have thought God was aloof, and didn’t care, but because I was reminded that His Hand was in it, I began to gain strength to trust Him with Isaac.
With Bob’s encouragement to start off this journey, I never doubted God’s hand and sovereignty in it and it brought assurance and confidence that I could trust Him through all the intensive therapy. This was meant to be and I don’t know why or what his plan is, but I can trust Him because His hand is in it.
What a great story of God having these mentors in your life before the storm, Rebecca.
What a great testimony of God’s great love, Rebecca–preparing the way for you, giving you that assurance that yes, He has Isaac and He knows exactly what He’s doing 😉
So thankful he has you
I encountered a medium storm last night but God has been with me. My son waited for me at the cottage to return from Virginia and Sally. He wanted to see me, so I asked him to help me film some outdoor shots for the video for Idol Lies. I have some big dreams for using parallels with nature. We got some amazing stuff until I fell down the steps to the beach — trying to run down there before the sun set. Bam went my head and face on the rocks. I knew I was in trouble by the blood and the size of the immediate goose egg.
But the tender part of the storm was seeing how much my son cared. (Kind of crazy — but I found comfort in his tears as he picked me and rushed me to the nearest hospital 45 minutes away.) And he prayed all the way — and the Lord was with us, giving us good help. I had lots of stitches and hope I don’t have a scar on my face — but I may. I look like I got mugged. And my son made arrangements to stay another day, insisting.
And we did get some great footage before the fall!
That’s just a medium storm. But I do look back to my biggest storm and find comfort in all the love I received from caring friends and family. That is part of God’s comfort. We are that together here too.
Dee, I am so sorry to hear of this fall and pray for Jesus to bring quick healing with no facial scars. Thankful for your son and his love and care of you. Bless your heart!
Oh Dee….I’m so sorry you were hurt, falling like that. But so glad your son was there to help and comfort you, and to pray. I hope you are feeling better today and will pray.
I had another thought – your son cared for you just like Steve would have, tenderly picking you up and shedding tears.
Oh, my goodness, Dee. How far did you fall? I am so glad your son was/is there. I hope there is no concussion and no long term scarring. Take care of yourself. It is wonderful how God cares.
So glad that you got some great nature footage too.
I just heard and responded-oh my! To hear this-how God had your son there was huge! So glad your son was there to care for you and to be a comfort to you! Thank you Lord for how you picked Dee up in the midst and cared for her so. How you came to her and comforted her through her son. Oh how you love. We cry out that you would prevent this from scarring, but regardless of how you move in this we ask that you would continue to have Dee sense your presence and your comfort in the midst of this storm.
Oh I am so so sorry you went through this. So glad your son was there and was so compassionate. What a blessing to have a family like yours. I pray the wounds heal quickly and there will be no scarring.
I was so sad to see this–praying for good healing, praying for no scar, praying for peace. Much love to you sweet Dee~
Thank you all. I do so appreciate your caring and prayers.
I am praying for quick healing and no lasting results. Thank you Jesus for Dee’s son being there with her. Love to you Dee 🙂
P.S. Dee please tell me you are resting……
Dee, I am so sorry you were hurt. I also pray for your complete recovery. As I read this I think of what others have shared about finding the comfort of the Lord in the midst of the storm. How precious to get a glimpse of your son’s love for you. I will pray about that footage too. I feel sure it will be very important.
I feel weepy thinking of your son caring so tenderly for you, I am sorry you were hurt & grateful that you will be okay!
I agree, it is part of God’s comfort that we are together here.
Oh no! Praying for you in this and so glad at the care you got to see and experience from your son! I love that part. 🙂
Oh my gosh Dee, I’m so sorry to hear of this storm, but will be praying for no after effects from the fall.
I’m hoping to get finished with last week, maybe tonite! Had a very busy weekend with my son having a few friends over Fri. nite to spend the night and another friend here for the weekend while his parents out of town and they both went to prom at my son’s girlfriend’s school, so I was waiting up for them to return home after the “after prom” which ended at 2:30am….and son home from college this weekend and waiting up for him, too! My oldest is working on campus this summer but will be home on the weekends, and please say a prayer for him – he just left for the doctors office – he has an infection in his finger that worsened over the weekend – red, warm, swollen.
I’ve been reading the comments and praying!
praying now for your son Susan–for quick healing. I got tired just reading about your weekend! Hope you can get some rest in this week
Thank you everyone for your prayers for me last week, I wanted to share a hefty praise. I had a session of EMDR therapy. Anne your ‘untangling’ imagery was spot on. When we began the therapy, I was asked if I am able to calm myself when I am upset, he said we would not proceed if I said no. He also said that this would likely bring up old traumas, and that the benefit comes when each one came be examined and the negative feelings and beliefs about oneself stored at the time of the trauma are released. I kept saying during the session that there is something wrong with me.
I was an angry, ashamed, puddle when the session ended. That night I sobbed frantically on and off for hours. I couldn’t tell what was going on in me, but feelings of anger and depression we strong. The thoughts that kept appearing were not related to my recent trauma, instead they were of early in my relationship with Bill when we were engaged and very much in love.
I wanted to be completely honest with him and so I told him about a phase of promiscuity I had gone through. I had been searching for love & acceptance, and finding instead rejection and shame. That coupled with growing up as the fat girl in class had left some scars on me already. Bill knew I was not a virgin, I already had Josh, but this information was too much for him. He backed up from me. I found out just at that time that I was pregnant. We got married, but a profound shift had taken place in me. I felt sort of unlovable & unacceptable as I really am. Bill told me had I not been pregnant he would have broken up with me. I accepted the self image that I had try to be close to perfect in our relationship because deep down I am profoundly flawed, if I let down my walls, I will be rejected. This set up big time slavery to an approval idol.
Last week I was inexplicably furious with Bill for two days while I was sorting out this inner turmoil. There was such a desire to leave this alone and not go near it, it caused a visereal sort of reaction in me when I thought of talking with Bill about it. On Thursday morning God spoke to me suggesting the thought that all this stuff was a lie that the therapy brought out, that He has changed Bill, he really does love me, and I now can trust him with a level of intimacy I had felt afraid of. I began to feel joy & hope peek out again from behind the blackness.
I came home Thursday evening hurrying because we planning to go see a speaker, a Christian man who had lost his entire family. I had a ton of stuff to do to get ready for the Anniversary party at work. As I came close to the house I saw the blood in the road, pulling in there was Bill digging a hole. Finnegan was dead. We brought him home as a reason for me to get up in the morning, he was not yet 2 years old. Bill was so sweet to me, I didn’t look at Finn. I felt bad for Bill that he had to see him, carry him & bury him.
We went to see the speaker, it felt wrong to go, but it would have felt wrong not to & are sort of equipped now to function in spite of grief. We had deep discussion that night & I told him what I had been sorting out. He apologized for his selfishness & immaturity though the years, I feel so relieved, a great tension I have carried for 27 years has been released. I know somehow underneath this my recent deeper acceptance of God’s love for me; I am not perfect I won’t ever be in this life. God is walking me out of the darkness that said that I am so flawed that anyone who really knows me will walk away.
These thoughts made me go looking for this Keller quote;
“The gospel of justifying faith means that while Christians are, in themselves still sinful and sinning, yet in Christ, in God’s sight, they are accepted and righteous. So we can say that we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope — at the very same time. This creates a radical new dynamic for personal growth. It means that the more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance in Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions and character of your sin.”
― Timothy Keller
With all the emotional mess of this week I should have dropped the ball at work somehow, but by the grace of God it was all smooth, it was even wonderful!
I am this morning remembering all those times I have wanted desperately to flee from my marriage, remembering God speaking to me gently, my reluctant yielding to Him, and the wonder of it all. He is so faithful!
I am sorry to write a book, I hope this will encourage someone. I am going to try to get caught up with the study in the next couple of days. With summer coming on my work schedule is going to make it a challenge to keep up. I will do the best I can, but I may be absent from this good class more than I want to be. I love you girls!
Chris-Not sure I will articulate this well-but this is what I love about you-no masks-real life-you are showing us the reality of the struggle and in the midst speaking truth to your soul-how He is coming to you. Loved the Keller quote-truth-this is real life. Hope your work schedule ends up not being a challenge and you can be here more than not! 🙂
Oh Chris, you truly always encourage me. This is such a beautiful picture of God’s hand in your marriage–of His releasing years of pain, of Him showing you a wrong thought pattern about Bill–and finding release–wow. I read and it felt (vicariously!) like the shedding of many layers for you…and I pray and trust you will just continue more and more to find that deep deep love of Jesus for you.
Thanks so much Chris — you have insight into your soul and that also helps us to see into our own!
Chis, this does encourage so much! Thank you for sharing with us honestly. I also love that about you.
This really glorifies the Lord because it shows how He is strong in our weakness and how He is there to redeem mistakes.
Chris, there is so much here I love. Great sharing for the depths of your soul. Love to you.
Thank you girls, I feel so much closer to my husband these last few days, like a layer of shame has been shed.
It is the grace of God to us I know, that our storms have brought us closer together instead of driving us apart.
At our group therapy last night one of the participants was really struggling with doubting God, it was pretty clear that those of us who have suffered most seemed best equipped to speak to her doubts in a powerful way. There is a sense of mystery when I think about it.
Chris,
Thank you for sharing so vulnerably here. It is a great encouragement to me and to all of us here. I see God just removing layers; but He doesn’t rip them off, He tenderly peels them back, and is there with healing balm and His love.
Sometimes people “uncover” us in order to use it as a weapon against us, to hurt us. God never does that. He wants to bring us face-to-face with our past, our shame, our guilt, so He can pull us even closer to Him; He wants nothing between Him and us. This was really beautiful.
WOW Chris….just WOW this was such a blessing to me, thank you for sharing your heart and journey in this way.
Chris, Wow thanks for sharing all that. It encourages me and I’m sure anyone else who reads it. I’m glad the Lord is untangling the hurts and letting them surface a little at a time, I pray you can rest in His gentleness as His spirit works out His life in you. Praise Him for his faithfulness to you in your marriage. That so encourages me. You are loved!
I am somewhat behind, my oldest son Syd graduated from eighth grade on Friday and there was a lot of preparation and celebrating going on. It gave me joy that I needed, a balm to my soul. I’m hoping to listen to last week’s sermon today as I clean my study.
Right now I am sitting at a coffee shop before I go to see my counselor. I am really praying she can help me decide what next steps to take in my relationship with my brother and sister-in-law. She has a lot of wisdom and discernment from God so I’m hopeful. I realized I am angry with my brother for not standing up for me when his wife treats me badly. I also realize this is not the time for either of them to deal with their relationship with me…they have much to work out with each other.
I am glad I can encourage you even in the midst of this…as I cling to Him and ask Him not to let me be dragged deeply under. I was making a lot of strides with my depression and always have fear I will go back to that very dark place because of this current storm. But I trust He will guide me and love me step by step. Thank you guys for being a source of His love during this storm. It means so much to me.
Annemeredith, so glad God has led you to someone you trust to give you His wisdom in this storm, and it is wonderful to see your mold-able heart in how you are trusting Him to love you and guide you through this step by step. I can really relate to the fear of going back into depression for I know my frailty and how messy my heart is. Letting go of anger when wronged is hard, but it sounds like His love is already melting your heart. As you let go of your anger and trust, it might feel like a huge open wound that you are leaving vulnerable to the elements, and Satan will lie to you and try to get you to believe this, as he did with me and still does! but remember God’s grace is a salve that will heal that wound-might not be an immediate fix but as you let go and keep your eyes on Him, he will come to you like the Spring rain.
I agree with you there is much comfort and encouragement here-I am 100% sure I will need you or someone else here to encourage and remind me of this when my storms hit! I am so thankful He has given us one another as part of His encouragement and comfort! I hope you can keep us updated on this.
Thanks Rebecca and thanks for the encouragement…it does feel like a huge open wound. My counselor gave me a lot of good counsel, helping me to see my sister-in-law is more threatened by what i represent than it being anything personal. She has wounds that are very deep and life long. I also have a better idea of boundaries to put into place and how to react to the unkind comments she makes. Still a challenging situation but I have hope. Please pray I can be willing to be a vessel of God’s love to her…she’s not someone who is safe for me to have a relationship with, but He can transform me to be someone who can love her with His love.
so thankful Anne–I prayed for your counseling session–such a gift when it can bring some healing
Thanks Elizabeth. Aunt Dee mentioned there was a Keller sermon on suffering as part of forgiveness that helped you. Do you remember what it was?
Oh yes! All of the sermons on the Prodigal Son really helped me–I’m at work now but going to try to find the specific one I’m thinking of. I know I have it in my notes at home. I will search and come back. Oh Anne, I so empathize with you. I have had years of specific family struggles, including in-laws and my immediate family. It is a very very painful road. I am constantly having to remind myself of the Truths I learned here because un-forgiveness is a terrible weakness for me. I am praying for you–and now I will search 😉
Anne–I’m still going to look up my notes when I get home, but this pdf is an article by Time Keller called Forgiveness and Reconciliation that I liked (I also bought the sermon by the same title):
http://theresurgence.com/files/2011/04/10/Keller-Forgiveness_and_Reconciliation.pdf
In this article, he talks about it “always being our move”–no matter who did what. I know he said that in one of the Prodigal Son sermons too–and it’s what really convicted me. OK, I’ll be back!
Anne Meredith–here are 2 of the sermons on the Prodigal Sons Dee gave us last June that I loved, both are free.
“And Kissed Him”: http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sermons/and-kissed-him
“The Prodigal Sons”: http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sermons/prodigal-sons
Thanks so much Elizabeth. I’m going to read the article and hopefully listen to the sermon…for me it’s the balance of forgiveness and setting boundaries. It’s been hard for my parents to accept that. They want me in relationship with someone that is not safe for me (my sis-in-law). But I can pray and love her with God’s heart. Thanks again, so much, for your prayers. It helps to know someone else has walked through this.
Anne Meredith-Prayed for you this morning a lot–you kept coming to my heart. I relate a lot and yet your situation is so unique–so many millions of different emotions in everyone at once. I think the Boundaries book is helpful, you may have read that already–but thankful you have a good counselor–I’ve been praying for her to have great wisdom in this.
Thanks so much Elizabeth. I am humbled God would put me on your heart to pray. Yesterday was a turning point. Had good communication w/ my parents…which helped the situation.
This makes me thankful Anne. So appreciate your openness to the Lord, even when it is painful. I pray the counselor is helpful and am glad you are seeing her.
Thank you! So good to talk to you! Lots of love.
You too, Sweetheart. Proud of you!
Anne, you have a praying group lifting up this situation and I am praying God gives special insight. Great you are getting help, I did that too and it was wonderful to share with someone uninvolved in the situation.
Thanks Kim. I definitely feel the prayer support… my burden feels lighter.
2. Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that.
What keeps coming to mind is not a specific answer—but hopefully can make some sense. I am trying to find Him IN the storms. We have some new “issues” with one of our kids, and I have my own storm I’ve mentioned enough—but these are like storms that seem to have these turbulent waves and every now and then-in the waves-there is a small touch from Him. And I am trying to learn how to see those more, hear those more—and when the next wave quickly crashes in, just minutes later, I am trying to immediately call to mind what He just showed me. It’s hard. It’s like starting to get “ok” for a few seconds, then risking hope, and then the next one comes and it feels worse—and there is a tendency in me to say “fine, I’m done trusting” as if there’s really a better option. But that’s when I say, ok, remember what He just showed you…hold it now…trust in what He has shown Himself to be in my life.
Rambling again, sorry—but the real nugget is that helps me is from Dee’s God of All Comfort book. She taught me to remember these truths of Jesus—found in Scripture, and the themes of Be Still My Soul:
Heart: I can trust Him, He IS on my side
History: I can rest because He has proven Himself faithful over and over. I can look at my own life–where He has rescued me, where the worst didn’t happen…and I can look to the Cross. He is trustworthy.
Heaven: my true home lies with Him in Heaven
I thought of two things as I read this Elizabeth first was these lyrics to “Who am I” by Casting Crowns;
Who am I, that the eyes that see our sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?
And the second was this from John;
After Jesus had given them the impossible to understand teaching that they must eat His flesh & drink His blood and many who had been His disciples left Jesus asked if the 12 would also leave.
John 6:68 “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Sometimes, when our circumstances seem excruciatingly hard, we look desperately for another way, but then realize there is no other way then we look again to our True Hope.
Peter walked on the sea when he focused on Christ, when he looked down and saw his circumstances, he began to sink. I am so glad He rescues me when I look down!
Your are looking to Him in your storm & His grace will be sufficient for you.
Wow Chris–God just used you to touch me this morning. I just sat down to read my devotion before running out for the day–but stopped and saw this.I so needed to hear this. Last night I kept picturing the storm, the boat, Him calming it…and asking if this storm will ever calm.
The exact verse you wrote, John 6:68 was on my son’s Sunday school paper from Sunday and had caught my eye yesterday–I had stared at it wanting to really “get it”…then this morning, I read my Chambers devotional and part of it said “The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy.”
Just as you said “we look desperately for another way, but then realize there is no other way then we look again to our True Hope”
I will remember what He is showing me hear, when my eyes look down and I begin to doubt–thankfully He will not let me sink–but the Truth of Who He is will raise my eyes again to look at Him in this. Where else can I go?
Love this song and it will stick with me–reminding me of this truth, thank you for taking time to write this Chris–He really used you for me this morning. Wow.
This is my best for now—going to try to come back to this later:
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can.
Both were prophets sent by God to show the Lost the Way. Both experienced a tremendous storm. Both were “constrained”, under God’s power, 3 days and 3 nights.
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm.
Jonah is man, Jesus is God’s Son.
Jesus came to save the sick—Jonah condemned the sick.
Jesus had power over the storm-Jonah was powerless in the storm.
Jesus forgave, Jonah hated.
Jesus was grieved when He was cast out of God’s presence, Jonah tried to flee from God’s presence.
Jonah preached the Word, Christ IS the Word
The sermon was great! Never have I gotten so much out of Jonah. Honestly, the book has always left me scratching my head.
10. What do storms reveal about every human heart? Storms reveal the fact that all people know, even if only at a subconscious level, that there is a God and that we need Him. A storm throws the skeptic off balance enough to take them to this level of understanding. They know deep down that God is real.
11.Their religion did not help them because they were still only bargaining with God for their idols. It is only when they come to the place that God is ALL they want, that relationship with Him can deliver them from fear.
12. The willing substitute (How do you deal with fear?) The only thing I really have to fear is guilt before my holy God. When Jesus is my substitute, I have nothing to fear, but if I have functional saviors (idols) I will be fearful. None of them have the power to save me. Keller put it very well with the illustration of them being in the boat with me in the storm. They will also sink because they have no power over the storm. I can successfully deal with fear when I come to the place where I want God only. If I use Him as a means to get something (that thing that I really want), I will be fearful because I can always lose that thing, but I can never lose Him.
1. Find one or two comments that stood out to you from your sisters’ comments last week and explain why.
From Diane;
My approval idol has so many layers that only God can untangle the mess. I realize now that I have to continually keep refocusing my attention on the fact that God fully and unconditional approves of me; because I have turned to him in repentance I am covered with his righteousness – I am covered, cleansed, forgiven; nothing more needs to be done. If all the world disapproves of everything else I do, it does not matter. I can obey him, follow him, trust him and let the chips fall where they may about how others think of me. Such a relief! I can extend grace because grace has been given to me.
That Diane and each of us have our identity in Christ, “nothing more needs to be done” I loved this!
From Rebecca;
So, I come here and I find He truly is the lover of my soul and I fall in love with Him all over again-and for the past three years I am growing in inhabiting His love for me-by His Grace ONLY will I be able to continue to grow in this. He has shown me my idolatry-I had no clue, yet funny at the same time through my idolatry He has shown me even more His Grace and His love and I find myself saying, “Amazing Love, how can it be????” My Lord, My God saved a wretch like me?
Oh Lord what love, what faithfulness to a wretch like me. That I could be called your Bride, your princess and that You would clothe me in your riches and cover me in your Grace and mercy. Yet I can so easily turn and fear-Lord I am so sorry that when I think I am trusting you, and I am not-to think I would think less of you and more of what I am placing my fear in-Oh God rescue me from this today-this pull from my wicked heart to hold things as more ultimate than you-help me to inhabit your love for me today. Lord help me to say with John Newton-Your love in time past, forbids me to think You’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink. By prayer let me wrestle then You will perform, with YOU in the Vessel I smile at the storm.
Rebecca’s continual rejoicing in the mercy of God, and her desire to never leave his side, is such an inspiration to me.
From Elizabeth & Tozer;
To know that love is of God and to enter into the secret place leaning upon the arm of the Beloved – this and only this can cast out fear. Let a man become convinced that nothing can harm him and instantly for him all fear goes out of the universe. The nervous reflex, the natural revulsion to physical pain may be felt sometimes, but the deep torment of fear is gone forever.”
So for me, one who has tended towards fear at times, I am daily reminding myself—the worst thing that could ever happen to me, can NEVER happen—because Christ took care of it already. I’m finding a new peace in that.
I thought this especially rich given Elizabeth’s current storm, how we all need to let His perfect love cast out our fears!
Read again, Jonah 1:1-6 and also Matthew 8:23-26.
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can.
Jesus was on the boat with disciples.
Jonah was on the ship with sailors.
A furious storm arose on the boat that Jesus was in.
A violent storm arose on the ship the sailors were in.
Jesus was sleeping during the storm.
Jonah was sleeping during the storm.
Jesus was awakened by scared Disciples wanting Him to do something to save them.
Jonah was awakened by scared Sailors wanting him to do something to save them.
The disciples thought they were going to drown.
The sailors thought they were going to drown.
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm.
Jesus obeyed God and willingly got into the boat and His disciples followed him into the boat.
Jonah was running from God and fled into the boat and he followed the sailors into the boat.
Jesus is God and He is the Lord of all storms.
Jonah is a prophet and not the Lord of all storms.
The disciples went to Jesus and asked Him to save them.
The sailors cried out to their gods to save them and tried to throw cargo overboard to save themselves.
Jesus was sleeping because He trusted God and was in control.
Jonah was sleeping because He was running and was not in control.
Jesus comforted them by reminding them why are they afraid for He is God and He is on the boat with them.
Jonah didn’t comfort them.
Jesus rebuked the raging seas and winds and it was calm.
Jonah had to repent and be thrown into the seas for the winds and waves to stop.
– Jesus is Lord of all storms and as long as we are here on this Earth storms will arise. I couldn’t help but notice how even though the disciples thought they might drown, and stumbled doubting Jesus because he was sleeping-Jesus didn’t forsake them, He was patient with them as He challenged their faith. He didn’t ‘punish’ them for not having faith, He stopped the storm! He used it to help them grow in their faith-turned their ash into beauty. Strengthened them in Him.
I was thinking about why Jesus was sleeping in the boat-Not sure why- only God knows, but I know that Jesus knew the whole event before it happened and was using this to help them grow in their faith-to inhabit that He is God and not fear they will drown because He is asleep-Also, Jesus knew what was ahead for them and knew their faith needed to be strengthened-He knew exactly what they would need.
Some wonderful contrasts between Jonah and Jesus.
In the sermon “They Greatly Feared” when Keller began with “We continue with Jonah — though times are not normal” I thought how that was right after 9/11, yet how perfect it was because Jonah is all about hate and fear.
Thank you for your continuing thoughts and concern and prayers for me. I am looking worse, with a swollen shut eye, but I guess that is part of God’s healing. Still planning to fly to Emily’s graduation this week — she seemed so to want me there — but now I might embarrass her! However, I believe I am to go!
Interesting thought from Chris from her group that those who had suffered were most equipped to speak to those who are doubting God in their pain.
have a safe trip! I have to say I cried when I heard of your fall, just the thought of you in so much pain and hurt broke my heart!!! of course sweet Emily wants you there!!!! she would NEVER be embarrassed by you! NEVER! her heart is to tender, what you have shared with us about her is a witness to that:-)
(Week One)
6. A third idol that daily tempts us is comfort/security. Rebecca’s testimony in regard to food was that she had to stop running to food and start running to God. She read books that helped her grow in intimacy with God. She also had to endure pain, but then experienced peace and freedom. How does Hebrews 12:1-2 speak to this?
Hebrews 11 is the “hall of faith” with examples of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Joseph, Rahab, and others….I am then told that I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. I’m not sure if that means that they are watching me, but, if they were here, they would be encouraging me to press on, and certainly they have left me an example of how to run to God and trust in Him.
The sins that stem from my heart idols only entangle me and keep me on the sidelines; I can’t run to God if I’m tripping all over the place by running to other things for comfort/security. How do I get free? By fixing my eyes on Jesus, and knowing that, for the joy set before Him (and Keller said His joy was me – us) He endured the Cross. It’s looking deeply into what Jesus did for me that will help me endure whatever pain I’m going through and that will displace the hold of the idols on my heart.
7. Read Jonah 2:1-4 again. Who sent the storm and why, do you think?
The Lord caused the storm because of Jonah’s disobedience in running away from what God had told him to do. Jonah thought he could run away and live his own life without God. When he was thrown into the sea and near death, he cried out to God; his need for God to rescue him was overwhelming. I think God was teaching Jonah that there is no such thing as living independently of God.
8. This week I’ve been reading to Sadie and she has a book about Jonah. I find so many children’s books distort the real story, wanting to make all the Bible characters simplistic heroes. Sadie’s book said, “Jonah loved God but he was afraid of the Ninevites so he ran away.” This makes Jonah sound nobler than he really was. According to Jonah 4:1-2, what was his real reason for fleeing?
He knew the Lord was compassionate, and that He may very well turn His anger away from the Ninevites and accept their repentance and forgive them. Jonah wanted the Ninevites to be destroyed, not spared.
9. In the same way, though I love this little girl and her telling of Jonah, in the beginning of the story I see the author of this children’s version made the same error – but the rest is great. Watch and comment.
Yes, whoever wrote this version also uses the excuse that Jonah was afraid of being killed if he went to Ninevah. But…this little one reading is a sweetheart!
Susan–this stuck with me “It’s looking deeply into what Jesus did for me that will help me endure whatever pain I’m going through and that will displace the hold of the idols on my heart.”
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can.
They both were on a boat.
Both sleeping soundly.
Both exhausted.
Both in a storm.
Both woken up by others who were in fear.
Both calmed the storm.
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm.
Jesus was exhausted due to ministry work/Jonah was exhausted due to running away.
Jesus calmed the storm at His word, the true One who calms the storms/Jonah calmed the storm at being thrown in because he was the reason God brought the storm.
Psalm 88- It interests me that the Psalmist is alone. If you live in a perpetual storm or are just really plagued people do not know how to handle it and the easy thing is to just look away. It is hurtful to think God has done the same thing though we know He has not. It is comforting to read this Psalm. It helps to see the Psalmist in this state as well. Along with reading The Mason book on Job I see how his friends were miserable comforters anyway, maybe it is better for many to turn away! 😉 I am excited to listen to the sermon on this.
Oh yet another thing adds up to our storm. I threw my back out yesterday but it is healing…It was while I was playing tea party…Really!? Who throws out a back during tea party. It would make more sense if it was while carrying the baby!! Anyway, I am on the mend and it is getting better but just one more thing. Sigh. I trust Him though and it has given me more time to just sit and reflect in the midst of the busy toddler season. It is hardest probably on the little guy for I cannot lift him now. But he can climb up to me.
Angela–first of all, you are throwing a tea party?! Oh you amaze me! And convict me a bit–wow you have a lot on your plate! Praying your back is all better soon!
This is a test comment by David Lano – don’t mind me 🙂
OK David–just saw your face on here and couldn’t resist saying thanks for ALL you do! Not sure what we’d do without the fellowship of this “place” 😉
Psalm 88 sermon is worth it! Listen if you can. 🙂
So comforting for storms. Keller had 4 points.
Darkness does
1-last a long time sometimes no matter what we do.
2-Often best place to learn about grace.
3-Can make us great. Pressure forms a diamond. We are being made.
4-relativize us. The Psalms written by Hemen were some of the best in the world! The darkness helped produce these.
This darkness helps us relate to Jesus in even more ways. But resurrection is coming!
Honestly for me the pressures on the outside has caused great pressure on the inside. This and all that God leads me through is so helpful. I started back on anti-depressants because they help me process and walk through it all without shutting down. He is gracious to provide us medicines like this. Sorry my time is limited here via comments reading but I am so thankful for you all and these studies! This season too shall pass, He is with me at all times and will truly never leave or forsake me. That is the verse by the way He spoke over me during my conversion. So precious and sweet. His love is great even when we cannot feel it and must trust He is working something good in us because He is a good Daddy who loves us and gives great gifts. <3
Loved this Angela. I haven’t heard the sermon yet, but I love what you brought out in it. Yes, the forever trials do last a long time. I remember telling my husband that when I was single, any problem I had I would figure out a goal or a way to resolve it and move forward. I used to be the girl with the Franklin Planner under her arm with a very organized and disciplined life-really to the extreme-I wasn’t real flexible with my schedule, but I sure am now!! I really did have a cush life, with a strong community of believers. One of my prayer requests in the singles group was for God to send me trials so I could grow-oh my! Yes, I did ask for that! 🙂
It seems since being married and having children, then moving to Kansas we have some long term trials that this goal setter and Franklin planner gal can’t resolve. I am not in the pit like Heman, but we do have medium ongoing storms right now.
I always love testimonies thanking God for medicines instead of shaming Christians for using them. Thanks, Angela!
test
Psalm 88.
I can’t find where the author is blessed at all by God. He is just moaning about how God has taken everything away from him and he is overwhelmed because of his despair. he seems to blame everything on God; his loss of friends, his agony, etc.
6 You have put me in the lowest pit,
in the darkest depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavily on me;
you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.[d]
8 You have taken from me my closest friends
and have made me repulsive to them.
It makes me sad to read this. I can feel the pain be is going through. It seems like a hopeless situation.
When you listen to Keller’s sermon, I think you’ll understand. Most psalms of lament do turn around and trust God — but there are two that do not. Derek Kidner says it is because God understands that there are times when we cannot do that — and He still is there, loving us, showing us grace.
Ladies
Nothing has changed between my friend and I but i wanted to all let you know that i feel such a peace and feel like a heavy load has been lifted from my shoulders… She still hasnt contacted me but I am praying for her and If i am to be her friend again she needs to make some changes.. I need to put up some boundries.
Week Two
2. Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that. – I guess for me my storm that was very hard to understand was my divorce. I wanted to be married, but it was ended. My ex found someone right away, of course, (reason for divorce) so I kept telling God it wasn’t fair, I was the one that wanted to be married, but it wasn’t happening. I was a single mom for 10 years before I got married again. What I look back on now that “prepared” me for this upheaval in my life, was having a husband, my kids dad, not be very helpful. When we would go places it was me taking care of them getting them their plates of food, answering their questions, going to their activities, and even taking the youngest to the ER for stitches while the 8 year old was tagging along in the waiting room. So all of these things and more helped me get prepared to take care of my kids on my own. Did I do a good job, not always, did I get weary, many times but thru it all God was there for me when I cried out to Him and I think all in all they turned out ok so far. And I thank Gkd for the strength and determination He gave me.
Oh the path of a single mom. Thanks for sharing, Julie. I’m thankful He is strengthening you.
http://youtu.be/o_RqMSEJw-E
here is the song chris shared….who am i
Thank you for sharing this Cyndi and Chris, it is so beautiful. I am yours, Dear Jesus!
I’m back
And so much to catch up on here. I missed my sisters! Dee, I gasped for air when I was reading about your fall, afraid to read on and hear you were badly hurt. Praise God, no broken bones or concusion or anything worse. I pray you heal well and have no scar. Please try to rest as much as possible. I bet you look like you have been in a fight 🙁 I am so sorry that happen, but so thankful your son was there and he cared so tenderly for his wonderful mother:) Maybe you can get some large sunglasses to wear on your trip…so glad your going regardless of how you look, as Emily will be so thankful you are there!
Meg, praying for you and your friend. I’m so thankful God is helping you to lean on him in these storms.
Kim, Blessings as you move! Take care of your back!
Laura, Praise for your growth also since you joined us!
Rebecca, I loved what you said about Isaac’s life is all in God’s plan for him.
Susan, I am praying for your son..that his finger will be okay.
Diane, Still praying for your daughter and her family. Your wisdom here helps me so much!
Anne Meridith, I’m so thankful you are getting help from your therapist, about your family problems. Praying!
Anne, Loved your comments on Fear. So glad your back with us here.
Elizabeth, I have been praying for your pain to leave you, but have seen you grow so much, since it began. What was the name of your nerve pain diagnosis?
Chris, Praising God for your therapy and your marriage of 27 years and the turn around your seeing in it. Praying for you.
Angela, Praying for you back to be good again very soon. So cute visualizing your little guy climbing up to you to be held:)
Julie, Thank you for opening up about your painful divorce and being a single mom for 10 years. Praise God you have your wonderful husband now.
Cyndi, I was just reading about your adoption of sweet little Lily on your blog. You amaze me with all you do and still have time to have your own your blog. Bless you and your family.
Hi David! It’s comforting to know you live in the same town as I do, with Annie and precious little Mia Bell:)
We had a nice little vacation visiting family in CO. My dad’s twin brother’s family live there, and we are all very close to them, especially since we lost my dad and their dad one year apart. Loss has a way of bringing you closer to the Lord and to the one’s going through it with you.
I hope to catch up and participate in this weeks lessons and Keller’s sermons. It’s always so good to come home! One day we will all be home together:)
Joyce — love how you love.
WOW you are such a sweet sweet spirit…..HE just oooozzzzes out of every pore of you!!! glad you had a wonderful visit!!!! I love reading your post because i cant get to all of them and you do such a beautiful job summing up what everyone says!!! May God bless you in many many ways!!!
Glad to see you back Joyce, glad you had a good time.
SO thankful for you Joyce! Oh how you bless us
5. Read Psalm 88. Find the lament, the despair — and see the graciousness of God to us when we rail at Him, the giver of every good gift. In miniature I’ve seen that a bit in 23 month old Sadie this week — as she is upset with Sally for having another little girl. She doesn’t understand and she cries — and Sally simply holds her and reassures her of her love. If anything quickens you in Psalm 88, share it here.
Is this written by Heman?
The despair is that he has hit below rock bottom-he feels as if he is dead literally-dead to his companions, his family-He feels completely helpless like he is drowning. Yet instead of closing up and turning his face from God in the midst of despair he turns his face to God and pours out.
Dee introduced water images to us a few years ago-and I started falling in love with water images in Scripture. He ties in two terrors-drowning and being dead in a grave to describe his condition:
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
and you overwhelm me with all your waves.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
When I think of being ‘overwhelmed’ by waves I think of the feeling of being helpless and not having control and they overtake you. When I think of a flood surrounding me, I think of total destruction all around-everything is gone- and I am literally forever swimming in it-trapped with no way out-no hope.
Just to hear this lament brings great comfort to me, that it is alright to pour out like this to God when I am struggling to trust. He WANTS me to.
Sorry to read about your fall Dee! I pray the swelling goes down soon and admire how your going to make your granddaughter’s graduation in spite of it all!
So much to read and everyone has interesting comments on the Jonah & Jesus correlatio.
I have been working overtime for that past few years
and found out that I can go back to my regular hours, which means more time for other things!
At first this worried me, even though I analyze, I am not certified and therefore am not paid a higher salary,
so I have always depended on that overtime.
But it seems everytime I pick up my Bible or read a devotion it deals with how to wisely manage time! I think the Lord wants my time. So, I will let Him manage the finances! (lol)
Please remember me in your prayers that I gain ground and growth in God this summer!
I also get to spend more time with my little grandson Asher. :0) luv that lil’ boy!
We rejoice you have time to be here, Laura Marie!
Oh Laura, I am thankful for you and pray for your time with Jesus!
Great to hear that you will be spending more time with the Lord! It seems like your trust in Him is growing!
Ladies
Another update… I recieved a rather nasty facebook message from my friends friend.. It hurt me alot I cant go into details but i am wondering why this friend got involved anyway My friends name is Corrine and her friend is named Davena… so please pray for them both… i dont really think they are Christians if they are acting this way… Thanks so much
Will Pray, Meg
This is really awful Meg. I am sorry. I too have people who are being “ugly” to me at work (we say this in the south for rude people). I am sitting shiva and wish I could be there to hug you.
Just want to drop in briefly and say hi. I have not had time to comment these last few days, but appreciate everyone’s comments and prayer requests.
Meg, I’m praying for you and your friends. Sorry you have to go through this relationship storm.
Joyce, welcome back.
Laura Marie, praying about your new schedule and finances. Great that you will have more time with Bible study and grandson.
Dee, hope your eye swelling is going down. Have a great time away.
Susan, how is your son’s finger.
Annemeredith, Chris, Julie, Angela and others — thanks so much for your open sharing. It truly encourages.
Always happy to see your face pop up Diane–praying for you too
Me too!
Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that.
I shuddered at first when I saw this question. But after last week I am really beginning to think that when I am afraid, I might be close to something Satan would like me to leave untouched. In my fears about going to group therapy I have been trying to picture myself as a well loved child with my Father who I can completely trust (my perfect Heavenly Father, not my flawed earthly one) holding my hand. I don’t need to fear, I don’t have to figured everything out, and I can relax, because He is in control, He is going to take care of me.
I thought of this verse, because of the ‘what’s next Papa’ part in The Message
Romans 8:15
ESV
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
The Message
Rom 8:15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”
I didn’t remember until I looked it up that the whole rest of the chapter deals with suffering, hope, and our security in Christ.
About 8 years or so ago I had taken a class in which we were asked to write a paper on God. I felt completely lost, ill equipped to take on that task. I began to read books about God, most notable for me was Chip Ingram’s, “God as He Longs for You to See Him” I searched the Bible for all the verses I could find on the character and attributes of God. I was also a part of a Mom’s in Touch group. As some of you know, each prayer session starts with scriptures focusing on an attribute of God.
These disciplines help to prepare me. I better understood the vastness of God, and the smallness of me.
God prepared us by allowing us to have great support from our community. We have been very involved in our schools. We have helped out with a great deal of fundraising , we have both been officers for our parent teacher group, we have both been class advisors, Bill is on the school board & he is a volunteer firefighter. We have ties to 3 different churches in our area. All of this coupled with the small size of our community led to a tide of area support for us.
God mightily prepared us in our finances, which I have shared here before. July24th 2010 we paid off our credit card debt, and almost signed loan papers for a new Jetta. I started crying at the car dealership, because while I really liked the car, I hated my job at the time. I could stand working there as long as I knew I could quit. Signing those papers meant that quitting would not be an option. We left the dealership to think about it. A Craigslist Jetta listing owner called Bill back, we went and bought it that afternoon, it was almost 1/3 the price that the new one would have been. Our payments are $50.00 per month. I never went back to that job because all of this took place the day before Daniel was assaulted.
As I wrote all of this, I can’t help but see that I am now better prepared for whatever lies ahead. The things of earth really have grown strangely dim to me in so many ways.
These nuggets of wisdom from you Chris–oh. I learn so much from you:
“I am really beginning to think that when I am afraid, I might be close to something Satan would like me to leave untouched.”
“I can’t help but see that I am now better prepared for whatever lies ahead. The things of earth really have grown strangely dim to me in so many ways”
And LOVE the Jetta story! What encourages me most is seeing YOU see some light around the corner–like meeting someone who has lived through war and still praises His Lord…it’s hard to even fathom-but I am so encouraged by it. Thank you for sharing here Chris. I imagine it has to be emotionally exhausting–but I pray it encourages you some to see how MUCH He uses you here. And I can only imagine what those who actually get to see you in person feel about you 😉
So thankful for these answers, Chris. So thankful.
Chris, you make my heart happy as I read this….”As I wrote all of this, I can’t help but see that I am now better prepared for whatever lies ahead. The things of earth really have grown strangely dim to me in so many ways.”
You help me in so many ways to see how we can live for God and not earthly desires.
Thank you girls, Joyce I loved your ‘someday we will all be home together” comment. I enjoyed thinking about the Dee’s blog girls meeting in heaven for some time yesterday, it makes me smile!
2. Each of you has no doubt experienced a storm you did not understand. Yet if you look back, you may also be able to see ways God prepared you for that storm. If so, share something about that.
The storm with my health is what I will share. I have been having sinusitis on and off since November. The past two weeks have been really bad, I am on my third round of antibiotic’s which make me sick to my stomach. The daily and nightly headaches and teeth pain have been enough to make me wonder if God loves me. Had it not been for this study I don’t know how I would have coped. When the pain comes it is different now b/c I see Him with me in the storm and it brings such peace. Before, I would have gotten angry and doubted His love. Praising Him trough the storm! Love to you all, still moving and cleaning.
Kim, sorry you are still suffering with sinusitis. You have such an encouraging testimony in spite of your storm. Praying for you.
oh Kim, so sorry. And I know how this can affect your sleep, right? Will pray!
I am ashamed to say I have been getting a bit short with people. This morning I read from Isaiah 55 and prayed through several verses which encouraged me. Is 55:12 is so good and I say aloud, “I WILL go out with joy and be led forth in peace”. Today has been more joyful and calm.
Oh Kim — so sorry. Lord, I lift up Kim and plead for Your hand of mercy.
In Jesus Name
Oh Kim, how I pray God take’s that pain from you. I wish I could help you clean and move.
May the Lord help you with your sinus problems and bad effects of the medicine, and help getting all the cleaning and moving done. Thank you, Lord.
Thank you friends, I may have to seek out a specialist if things don’t get better after this round of meds. I keep telling the Lord I trust Him and will not be afraid when the pain is severe or thoughts of surgery arise. If not for this study teaching me of His great love for me I would live in panic.
Kim,
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling so bad. Have you ever tried a Neti Pot? I know people with chronic sinus problems who think it really helps. Also, may I suggest if you are not already, to take a probiotic supplement b/c of the antibiotics. It helps replace the “good” bacteria in your intestines which are killed off by the antibiotics.
I’ll be praying, too.
I do use a Neti Pot and will try probiotic supplement as you suggest. Thank you!
Kim I am a fellow chronic sinus issue sufferer, I find my sinus issues/headaches to be closely tied to what I eat and how much water I drink. Sugar and carbs make my sinuses worse for sure, as does being dehydrated.
Antibiotics don’t ever really seem to help. Susans probiotic suggestion is a good one, it will help restore the good bacteria to your gut that the antibiotics destroy. Eat some good quality yogurt or Kefir with if to give it something to grow on. It might make you feel worse at first as it goes to war with the bad stuff in your gut, stick with it though, it will boost your immune system.
Be sure to use distilled or boiled water in your neti pot & not tap water, tap water in neti pots has been associated with a brain eating amoeba:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/12/19/143960631/second-neti-pot-death-from-amoeba-prompts-tap-water-warning
Thanks Chris. Interesting you mention the sugar, I have been lazy about food altogether with this big move and yesterday I got back off sugar and for the first day in weeks and I had no night headache – huge praise for me and huge incentive to stay off. I do drink enough but can always increase. Love yogurt so will get some today. This is the final day of cleaning and touch-up painting and then closing tomorrow. This weekend we will hardly know what to do with ourselves. The new house won’t be done for three more weeks to move into so we will have a nice respite. I am overly cautious about the Neti Pot but thanks.
Oh my, I never used a neti pot, but thanks for the warning!
I am way behind in reading the comments.
Chris, I just read your comments from a couple of days ago and the whole thing resonates with me and my deep down feelings of self hatred. I especially found this a very powerful statement “I feel so relieved, a great tension I have carried for 27 years has been released. I know somehow underneath this my recent deeper acceptance of God’s love for me; I am not perfect I won’t ever be in this life. God is walking me out of the darkness that said that I am so flawed that anyone who really knows me will walk away.”
The whole gay rumor that I mentioned earlier, I just found out, has been circulating throughout my department for months. I had just gotten to a point where I was starting to go back to treating my co-workers the way I had before the last time they turned on me and now this. I know that these people are not trust worthy and it makes it very hard to treat them as Christ would, unless it is how he called the Pharisees out or overturned the tables in the tabernacle 🙂
Dawn, I’m so sorry about all the problems at work. I will pray for you and please remember God loves you more than anyone on earth could ever. None of us are perfect and can only strive to do what God wants us to.
This is very hard, Dawn and I am sorry you have top work in this environment. Prayer is the answer so I will pray.
Dawn, I have been praying for you since I saw this. He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
Your true identity is hidden with Christ in God, what your co-workers think doesn’t change that a bit. I pray that as you grasp hold of that truth, you will begin to see your co-workers in a new way, as God said of the Ninevites, they don’t know their right hand from their left. You have a treasure they need, they just don’t know it.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
I just listened to Heman’s Cry of Darkness and wow, Totally worth it! Wonderful encouragement in suffering!
5. If anything quickens you in Psalm 88, share it here.
I hope to listen tomorrow to the sermon on this one. It’s hard to read this Psalm. Hard to not cry reading it. The pleading, the questions, the feelings of rejection….this line hit me “But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, O LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me?”
Is verse 11, “Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction?” a hint that Heman has been given wisdom from God, like Job was, about Christ’s power over death? I’m sure I’m way off, I have zero insight on those kinds of things!
But I appreciate this Psalm. The raw honesty. The reminder that God can handle our deepest, darkest, most fear-filled thoughts. And in the storm, it sure feels like it will never end. Even when I look back and see that other storms ended, the current one always seems too much—too “engulfing”. But then I look at Dee, at Chris—I see how they have had to live through my worst nightmares and they are still here. They are still trusting You Lord. And I find HOPE in that. Their storms did not separate them from You. I know the pain lasts forever—but You have held them. That helps me believe the worst of the storms do pass. When Dad died, I remember feeling like I had a new identity—not a good one, but I was someone who “lost their dad unexpectedly..in her 20’s..” It felt like nothing would ever be the same—and it isn’t. But I am still here, my faith is still holding me up. I still don’t like storms at all, but I can rest that I am not alone in them. WOW-I ramble a lot these days-sorry-haven’t been pre-writing my answers!
Elizabeth…I love your Rambling!
I can truly relate to the new identity, and not a good one statement.
I am so glad you are ‘still here’ Elizabeth :0)
I would like to know that you have had the tests the doctor wanted you to have, have you been able to do that?
I know you said finances were an issue, we as moms tend to put our needs on the back burner, if the doctor said one of our children needed that test, we would make it happen.
Chris–thank you for asking. I did have a very limited version of the nerve test and it gave some answers–carpal tunnel, and some nerve compression in the thoracic region. Today I saw a neurologist who said that EMG wasn’t extensive enough, and wants to do an MRI. I have a fairly constant burning pain (he called it “paresthesia”) mostly over my chest, shoulder, arms. But he agreed my auto-immune thyroid disease that had gotten way out of whack, could be attributing. . .so I’m waiting that out-and praying! Sorry–hate taking up this space for that, but thankful for all the prayers.
Thank you for the explanation, as I was wondering too. I’m praying for you!
I wish you would not apologize and feel that you are “taking up space” here, we love you and are concerned for you! Knowing these things helps us know how to pray.
What can be done to bring the auto-immune disease under control? Do you plan to have the MRI?
Chris & Joyce–thank you both so much. There is an extra layer of loneliness, “home sickness” that pain seems to bring–I know you both understand that in different ways. Every Dr, including this neurologist, has mentioned the possibility of Lupus–the neuro said this is some type of “autonomic neuropathy”–I don’t like the sound of either one–but he gave me 2 mos to wait on further testing and just see if the thyroid gets under control. (I’ve been treated 15 yrs for that–but for some reason my labs in all this showed a sudden “flare”). In the past, I have had great fear with my health issues–and Satan has had a hay day with me and the internet for that…so this “storm”, I have really tried to keep laying it on the altar, trusting, one day at a time. You both have been a tremendous encouragement and example for me. Much love~
I will pray for wisdom & discernment for you & your doctors. Nutritional support & diet are so important. Have you investigated an anti-inflammatory diet at all?
I really want to say right back at you Elizabeth what a tremendous encouragement you have been to me!
Last week the sermon showed us how religion fails us in the midst of fear, but the “greater Jonah” never does. I want you to begin to contrast the first and second Jonah. Read again, Jonah 1:1-6 and also Matthew 8:23-26.
3. Find all the similarities in the two stories that you can. – there was a boat in both cases, it stormed, the winds were bad, Jonah was asleep, Jesus was asleep, sailors were afraid for their lives, the disciples were afraid for their lives, both stories had a lack of faith among everyone, Jonah and Jesus were both awakened. They wanted them to cry out to “their” God to save them.
4. Find all the differences — and why “the greater Jonah” is One we can trust in the fiercest storm. – Jonah snuck off to get away from God, Jesus is one with God. things were thrown off Jonah’s boat, but nothing was in Jesus’ boat, Jesus rebuked the winds in His boat, but not in Jonah’s boat.