Transfer Station

It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

Never having lived in a city with a Metro system, on a recent trip to Paris with my mom, we had to learn quickly how to get around underground. The language barrier made things a little more challenging, but my mom is a master with her map so by the end of the week we were pros at getting around the city on the Metro. Two of the most important things we learned: 1) pause and consult the map and 2) some stops are “transfer stations” where you could get off one line and get on another going in a different direction to get to your ultimate destination. Oh, and never keep your metro tickets in with change, cell phones or keys. It destroys the strip on the back of the ticket and renders it useless!

But this isn’t a travel blog or a metro guide so back to my point! I started thinking about all the stops in my life where I felt like I was sitting at a transfer station. I had a choice to make about which direction I was going to go and I had the option to consult the Master or decide on my own. As I look back, I can clearly see that each decision where I consulted the Bible and the Lord in prayer my final destination was much more appealing than when I took a chance and decided on my own.

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Are you at a crossroads or transfer station? Is there a decision or action you have been struggling to make? If you haven’t already, I encourage you to take it to God and pick up your Bible. If you have been praying and God doesn’t seem to be listening (I have been there), I encourage you to keep praying and seeking God’s wisdom. God doesn’t have to pause and take a breath, but we make much better decisions when we do!

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. Isaiah 40:27 (The Message)

Light

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3

We were recently out-of-town visiting family. We were all sleeping in the same room chatting before we went to sleep. When I turned out the light it was so dark. I knew I had turned on a nightlight for the kids, but I couldn’t tell it was on. I got up to check it, but in just a few seconds my eyes adjusted and the room seemed to fill up with light. The nightlight was definitely on. My eyes just needed to adjust.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, Genesis 1:14

As I lay there praying, I thanked God for His Word that is a light in this dark world. God’s Word helps us put things into perspective, it teaches, sheds light on life’s challenges and how to deal with it. I’m not saying that it takes away the despair from losing a loved one, the heartbreak of broken vows, the tears that fall from pain or the instant cure for addiction and depression. But, I am saying that it offers a hope – a healing – a peace that nothing but God’s light can give.

God is the light of this world! He wants to be a radiant energy in your life that illuminates all that is good and the path for you to follow. Allow Him in to light a fire in your soul that will help guide you and light the path He intends for you to follow.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46

Transition

My brother came to visit us a few nights before school was starting up for the year. He was discussing the in’s and out’s of second grade with my daughter and then turned to my son. “Are you in Kindergarten this year?” he asked. “No, I’m in transition!” my son exclaimed. “Aren’t we all!” my brother and I said under our breath!

Are you in transition too? It seems to be going around with most everyone in my family or circle of friends. Whether it is transition to a new school, home, job,  relationship,  financial challenges or family role – transition is change and it can be difficult and strenuous emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Like a will that takes effect when someone dies, the new covenant was put into action at Jesus’ death. His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one, canceling the old obligations and accompanying sins, and summoning the heirs to receive the eternal inheritance that was promised them. He brought together God and his people in this new way. Hebrews 9:16-17 (The Message)

Sometimes the “old plan” is all we have known so when the “new one” comes along we resist out of habit, fear or even anger. We all heard the saying, “If there is one thing you can count on – it’s change.” Well, I would have to agree with that statement EXCEPT when it comes to our Heavenly Father.

As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.” Mark 1:7-8 (The Message)

Our God hasn’t changed and won’t change. He remains the same “from everlasting to everlasting” but He will change us! He can change us in ways we never imagined. Glorious peace, comfort, compassion, forgiveness and more . . . for you, for me, for anyone who accepts it. Go for it! Start your transition. Let God into your life and allow Him to change you “from the inside out”.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)

True Story!

If you are questioning whether to delete this weeks blog before you look at it – I encourage you to keep reading. This answer from God came swift, fierce and He made it clear He was in EVERY detail of this challenging time in my families life. I pray it brings you encouragement and restores your faith in the fact that God is present and in every detail of your life.

They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20

Let me give you a little background. Our house has been on the market for 7 months. Like a lot of people we are trying to downsize – especially since my husband changed careers. Pruning is always humbling – especially financial pruning! Can I get an Amen?!

On Sunday, I was sitting on the front porch with our daughter and I confessed to her that I was a little frustrated God hadn’t responded to our prayers about selling the house. I reiterated that we are blessed in so many ways, but I was feeling a little impatient and confused about His plan.We were trying to be financially obedient and nothing was happening.

Side note – I think it is a good idea to be honest with our kids and friends about our feelings and relationship with God so that their expectations are realistic and they don’t get caught up in thinking everyone else is perfect and they aren’t in their thoughts and actions. Conversations like these with my kids not only teach them, but they teach me!

Anyway, Emma put her hand on her hip and said, “Mommy, you know God has a plan for us. You just have to be patient.” Out of the  mouth of a 7-year old. I thanked her for reminding me of that and told her I was just feeling a little impatient to which she replied, “Well, I had to be patient at Annie’s birthday party and wait my turn to do the craft. I was last and it was hard to wait.” I love that sweet girl of mine and I pray we can always have these honest and open conversations.

Back to the story! I realized Emma was right and I needed to put those feelings of frustration and impatience on the altar for God. He knew my heart, but He was waiting on me to be honest with Him. God can handle the truth. In fact, He prefers it!

Tuesday, I had lunch with an amazing woman and author from Cary – Tara Furman. If you haven’t heard of her, you should check out her website www.knowinggodministries.net.

Tara reminded me to pray boldly and specifically for God to sell our home. You know, I tell people that all the time, but sometimes when we get bogged down in our drama we forget the things we know to be true. Well, it took Tara’s reminder and on Tuesday I started praying boldly and specifically that our house would sell by the end of the week. I felt like that was about as bold as I could get. Would you agree?

The next morning (Wednesday) before 8:00 we had a call from our real estate agent. We had an offer on our house! We began negotiations that would continue for 3 days.

On Thursday, we woke up and the For Sale sign that had been in our yard for 7 months had fallen over. I put it back in the yard that afternoon since it was raining that morning and Friday when we woke up it had fallen again! Now, some of you may say it was a coincidence, but no one could convince me of that. I am confident is was our God showing off in a mighty way that He was in the middle of our negotiations.

By Friday we had settled on a price and by Saturday we had signed a contract.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

I didn’t share this story to imply that all bold & specific prayers are answered. I did share it to encourage you in your prayer life, increase your trust in God, to show you that He is in the details and still performs miracles. Start looking for God in the details of your life. I pray He shows off for you in a mighty way.