Blog - Page 8 of 12 - Drawing Closer to God

The Transformer

What a beautiful thing it is to watch someone fall more and more in love with Jesus, being vulnerable and opening their heart to Him. With each taste of His love, the more open they become. Gently with every moment of surrender God responds with an act of loving transformation. The mercy of God in action – The transformer.

To see this happening in someone else’s life is a privilege and a blessing. But then when you realise that God has been doing the same thing in your own life for 20+ years, the overwhelm moves to a new level. For only we know just how undeserving we are of His love, the thoughts we have that would make others cringe; the words we say sometimes that don’t illustrate love and grace; the actions that are clearly of the flesh. God knows all these things about us too, yet He continues to offer His transforming love to us through Jesus.

Receiving an undeserved love

Paul understood about being undeserving of God’s love. He wrote about it many times in his letters, like this letter to Timothy.

Mercy kissed me, even though I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor of believers, and a scorner of what turned out to be true. I was ignorant and didn’t know what I was doing. I was flooded with such incredible grace, like a river overflowing its banks, until I was full of faith and love for Jesus, the Anointed One!

I can testify that the Word is true and deserves to be received by all, for Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all! Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of his Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe^[jin him for eternal life.

Because of this my praises rise to the King of all the universe who is indestructible, invisible, and full of glory, the only God who is worthy of the highest honors throughout all of time and throughout the eternity of eternities! Amen! 1 Timothy 1:13-17 TPT

Incredible Grace

Let’s look at verse 14 again,

I was flooded with such incredible grace, like a river overflowing its banks, until I was full of faith and love for Jesus, the Anointed One!
1 Timothy 1:14 TPT

The Message Bible says it this way,

Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14 The Message Bible

Grace, faith and love for Jesus, with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives brings transformation. Continual transformation. Transformation that only produces good things in our lives.

We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 TPT

Transforming to love better

Transformation that enables us, just as it did Paul, to fully do what God has asked us to do – love Him and love people.

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you.’ This is the great and supreme commandment. And the second is like it in importance: ‘You must love your friend in the same way you love yourself.’ Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 TPT

Today, lets be open to letting God do more of His wonderful transforming work in our lives, so we can be the blessing to others that He has made us to be.

For some more thoughts on being a child of God please visit these posts:
We are welcome at the altar
The Son of God – Day 28 – Drawing Closer to God devotion

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

Keep asking

“Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door.” Matthew 7:7 TPT Have you got a longing in your heart? I have many. This scripture encourages us to keep asking God for what is in our heart.

Many longings for God to move in people’s lives, both people I know, those close and those not so close, and those I don’t. A longing for people to know in their hearts that God is good despite what is happening in their lives. A longing for people to know that God knows them, and He has always known them. He hears the cries of their heart and He is working all things together for good for those who love Him.

God knows everything about you

Psalm 139, so often we hear verses 12 onwards. But lets read the preceding verses:

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
You perceive every moment of my heart and soul,
And you understand every thought before it even enters my mind.
You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
And you know all the words I’m about to speak
Before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
And in kindness you follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
With your hand of love upon my life,
You impart blessing to me.
This is just too wonderful, deep and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Where could I go from your Spirit?
Where could I run and hide from your face?
If I go up to heaven, you’re there!
If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too!
If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there!
If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting!
Wherever I go, your hand will guide me;
Your strength will empower me.
It’s impossible to disappear from you
Or to ask the darkness to hide me,
For your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.
There is no such thing as darkness with you.
The night, to you, is as bright as day;
There’s no difference between the two.
Psalm 139:1-12 TPT

This passage of scripture describes the intimate relationship between each of us and our Creator. Let’s read it again, just one line at a time. At the end of each line remind yourself that this is not just some pretty poem written thousands of years ago. This is a description of God’s love and plans for you and me. He is listening to the cry of your heart, keep asking.

God is listening

A few years ago we were on a family holiday. There was something in our lives that needed to change. Some days we felt like it was a hopeless situation. Other days we would be full of faith. It was an emotional rollercoaster. But the cry of our hearts were always the same. We kept asking God to bring the change. It was something only He could do.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NLT

Those desires of our hearts haven’t fully come to pass … yet! But there has been movement. Lots of movement. Things that a few years ago would have seemed impossible are happening. God is bringing restoration. He is doing a new thing.

So why am I sharing this story, because sometimes we need to be reminded to keep asking, don’t give up on God. Keep Ephesians 3:20-21 written on your heart ….

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energises you.

Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ – and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity Amen! Ephesians 3:20-21 TPT

For some more thoughts on putting your confidence in God please visit these posts:

Let’s dream the impossible

He is Able – Day 16 – Drawing Closer to God devotion

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

Our Heavenly Father’s love

I saw something this week that made me cry. Something that reminded me of our Heavenly Father’s loves for us. I seem to spend a lot of time at the pool these days, with three of our four children involved in regular squad training. As I may have mentioned before I have found it to be a blessing as I have uninterrupted time to pray, read and write – time for me! Most other parents appear to be enjoying some ‘me’ time, or having a chat time with other parents or going swimming too.

A selfless act

But this week I saw something different, a vision impaired swimmer training. His father wasn’t sitting down having ‘me’ time. Rather he was walking up and down the pool with each lap his son swam and tapping him with the cane just before he reached the end of the pool.

I cried when I watched them. The selfless act I was witnessing reminded me of the hours and hours that went into Victoria’s rehab, especially the physical therapy for her left hand and arm. And I cried because I was seeing the love of a father in action.

It made me think about our Heavenly Father’s love for us and how much He wants to help us, including ‘tapping’ us before we ‘hit the wall,’ or ‘tapping’ us so we can start getting ready for the next ‘lap’.’ The prompting of the Holy Spirit, always wanting to guide and direct us.

Listening to God’s guidance

Paul allowing the Holy Spirit to direct his travels through Asia is a great example of listening to God’s guidance.

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10 NKJV

How good are we at listening to the Holy Spirit?

So what about in our lives? How good are we at recognising the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Especially when it is something unexpected that we are being asked to do or say. It takes courage to move to that new level of trusting that what we are hearing or sensing is actually from the Holy Spirit.

Someone challenged me earlier this week about being bolder in a certain area of ministry. It was an area that I knew I had been growing in. I was seeing how God was using it to help and encourage others, and bring breakthrough. But it did not always sit comfortably with me, as I didn’t always understand what God was doing (surprise surprise). I needed to move to a greater level of trusting God. And understand that when the ‘tap’ came from the Holy Spirit, I needed to just do it, otherwise it would have implications for other people. I certainly don’t want to get in the way of what God wants to do in people’s lives. He loves each of us and wants to see us all moving forward into His purpose for our lives. But that takes trust and obedience on our part.

Let’s determine to continue to keep moving forward, growing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and God’s word.

In the same way that nursing infants cry for milk, you must intensely crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. For this “milk” will cause you to grow into maturity, fully nourished and strong for life — especially now that you have had a taste of the goodness of the Lord Jehovah and have experienced his kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3 TPT

Don’t settle, keep growing

Let’s not settle for where we are now. But rather let ourselves be ‘tapped’ by the Holy Spirit. Listen and obey, so that we can be vessels of our Heavenly Father’s love, showing His kindness to others.

To read more about our Heavenly Father’s love for us please visit these posts:
I am a child of God – Day 4 – Drawing closer to God devotion.
God hears our heart’s cry
Our Heavenly Father – Day 12 – Drawing Closer to God

Thankfulness lifts our eyes to Jesus

For a long time, actually years, I would ask the question of God, ‘How did we get here?’ with here being a not so good place. Now I find myself asking Him the same question, ‘How did we get here?’ but with a heart overflowing with gratitude. So many things to be thankful for. And thankfulness lifts our eyes to Jesus.

But in those challenging years, when I asked that question from the not so good circumstances, I knew it was important to also actively be seeking something to thank God for. Sometimes the only thing that came to mind was what Jesus had done on The Cross – the gift of salvation. Of course that is no minor thing, it is a life-changing gift Jesus gave to each of us.

Find something to be thankful for

But when your world appears to be falling apart, it can be so easy to focus on all things negative and even lose sight of Jesus’ gift of eternal life. In those times of trauma and crisis, our perspective can, I have found, become easily distorted.

Finding those one or two things to be thankful for enables us to come to the place where we remind ourselves that there is a God in Heaven, and He loves us. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 TPT

This week I was preparing for a talk an event in a couple of weeks and God reminded me about the importance of thankfulness. It was a time almost nine years ago, only three days after I had been told, “There is a mass in your child’s brain.”

Thankfulness helps us to see God’s hand on our life

Here is an excerpt from my book about that morning when I came to a place of thankfulness, enabling me to see that God had gone before us, and He was with us.

How wonderful it was to wake up at home on Saturday morning, rather than in the hospital. We were confident that the surgeon would do his very best for our daughter, and even more confident that our God would get us all through, no matter what the outcome. However, in the midst of this trauma, I was still a mum with very raw emotions. It was my daughter who was in a fight for her life.

It was a beautiful summer morning and I went for a ride on my bike. As soon as I rode down the driveway, the tears began to flood. I called out to God, with an ache in my heart, ‘She is only three years old, why does she have to go through this?’

I spent the next thirty minutes riding around our local streets, pouring out my heart to God. I returned home with peace in my heart and the strength from God to continue through the day.

The rest of the family was still sleeping when I returned from my ride. So I sat down with my journal and began thanking God for all the good things about this horrendous circumstance. I came up with a list of twenty two things to thank God for.

My list after brain tumour diagnosis

My list included things like friends with the specific knowledge needed for the diagnosis after the initial doctor’s misdiagnosis. Renewed passport for my Mum arriving on the day of diagnosis, so she was able to be with us on the following day. Victoria’s health and well-being, aside from the impact of the tumour, she was healthy and not in any pain. My sister and her family, who lived in New Zealand at the time, just happened to be holidaying in Byron Bay, Australia. They had planned to visit us the following week, so they came down a week earlier. Marshall’s school teacher had already been in contact with parents via email, two weeks before the first term of 2011 commenced, which meant I was able to email her about our situation, and she called on the Junior School teachers to pray. I had finished breastfeeding Alexandra in December, so didn’t have to do a quick painful wean. Earlier in the week I had done a lot of cooking for school lunches. The freezer was full of muffins and cupcakes.

God’s grace

Now, when I think about that time, I wonder how I was able to only three days after hearing some devastating news, come to this place of finding so many things to be thankful for?

I believe the answer is two-fold; Firstly, God’s grace – it really is sufficient for every situation we find ourselves in.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Choose to draw closer to God

Secondly, years of practice (prior to hearing that news), of choosing in the times of disappointment and anger (eg miscarriages; marriage challenges; business difficulties) to process with God, drawing closer to Him and growing in my understanding that God is good all the time.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 NKJV

Through each of those previous circumstances I had cried out to God, told Him exactly how I was feeling, found comfort from that still small voice, and His promises. Little did I know that all those experiences were preparing me and my heart for this situation with Victoria. And for whatever else our future holds. God is continually equipping us for our future. And learning to be thankful in all circumstances is a key aspect of that equipping.

In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

We are not abandoned

Thankfulness brings us to that place of knowing that God is with us, He has not abandoned us.

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

Finding at least one thing to be thankful for, especially our salvation, enables us to lift our eyes to Jesus, our Saviour.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and ^[finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

So today, lets take some time to be still and consider what it is that we have to be thankful for, lift our eyes to Jesus and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

For some more thoughts on the importance of being thankful, please visit these posts …
Be thankful
What am I grateful for?

Always learning

A couple of months ago at church we had a Pastor from overseas visiting. In the morning service at the end of his sermon he asked who would like to receive from God what he had been preaching about. I felt the Holy Spirit say “Put your hand up.” So I did.

In the evening service, the visiting Pastor was preaching again. After the sermon he invited people to come out for prayer. I felt the Holy Spirit say, “Go out for prayer.” So I did.

When it was my turn to be prayed for I explained what had happened in the morning service, and why I had come out for prayer. He said something like, “Okay” and started the praying for me. One of the things he said during the prayer was, “You have been holding God’s hand, now let God hold your hand.” And then he demonstrated it, taking my right hand reaching up to hold God’s hand; then with a hand reaching down to hold my hand.

I was perplexed. What does that mean? How do I do that? Here is my processing over the next few days …

Start with a simple prayer, “God, I don’t know how to do that, please show me.”

Then search for scriptures about God holding our hand.

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

That’s a good start, meditate on that scripture

Still having difficulty understanding, so I think about what it is like for me as a parent when I reach out to hold my child’s hand. What is their response – they take my hand, and let me gently guide them with a firm and safe grip.

Okay, now I am starting to understand, a little. I need to release my grip, re-position my hand, so God is doing the guiding, not me.

But what does that look like practically?

Literally a laying down of my plans and only acting when the Holy Spirit prompts. This is the strategy I have been using with my book project, and I have seen the fruit of doing it God’s way – the doors opening easily in His timing. Now God was telling me I needed to use the same strategy with this children’s creative ministry – only plan as the Holy Spirit prompts; only do what the Holy Spirit shows me to do, and when He shows me to do it.

Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’
Isaiah 41:13 The Message

With the children’s creative ministry, due to a change in circumstances with some members of our team, we were going to have to change the way we were running the program. So, the first step, “God, we have to change this, how do we do it?”

His practical answer, “Use this format, invite these people to help.” We have done as He said, and He has breathed something fresh upon the children and we are seeing their creative gifts coming forth in new ways. It’s so good!

Thank you God for speaking to me, telling me how I needed to change, so we could then change what we are doing with the program and have a greater impact on this next generation.

For the past year I have had a book (well actually 4 books) sitting on my bedside table, and I haven’t started reading any of them. A couple of weeks ago I was prompted to start reading one of them, a compilation of 9 of Derek Prince’s books, Derek Prince on Experiencing God. The first book in the compilation is The Holy Spirit in You. Very interesting God, You are making sure I really get the message about relying less on my abilities and more on the Holy Spirit!

Here is a passage from the chapter ‘Our indwelling helper’….

“What does it mean for us, practically, that the Holy Spirit has come to be our Paraclete? We will being by looking again at the passage in John 14:16-18 where Jesus gave this specific promise:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [Paraclete] to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [You can see that this is a promise only for believers, not the world.] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (NIV)

“The word paraclete, derived from a Greek source, was simply transliterated into English. It literally means “someone who is called alongside to help.” A Paraclete is someone who can do something for you that you cannot do for yourself.” Page 27

Wow, that is who is available to us as believers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, someone, the Holy Spirit, who can do things for us that we cannot do for ourselves. It is so important that we are regularly reminded of this truth so we can be as effective as possible in doing what God has called us each to do.

And if you are like me, a planner, that reminder might just have to come from God via another believer from another country, in a very direct manner. Just as it did for me in this example with this visiting Preacher from overseas. Praise God for the freedom in this country to gather, hear the word of God and pray for one another in Jesus Name.

One final thought, let’s always be open to learning more of God’s ways and giving Him time and space to speak into our lives.

God goes before us

Over twenty years ago most Saturday mornings, Ken and I would travel by public transport (we were newly married and didn’t have a car) from Elizabeth Bay, inner Sydney, to Chatswood. Why? For Ken to pre-record his radio show, ‘Arts in Review’ at a community radio station During the week he’d contact his interviewees and assign a time for an over the phone interview on the Saturday morning. On those Saturdays I’d sit in the chair outside the studio and often fall asleep after a long, sometimes challenging week working on an IT helpdesk. Little did I know that these Saturday morning excursions were to be a great example of how ‘God goes before us.’

Yesterday when I was sitting in my car having just finished a phone interview with a Christian radio station in Perth about my book and God’s faithfulness, God reminded me about those Saturday morning excursions.

Aside; I was in my car so I wouldn’t be interrupted by any of the family – but I forgot to turn off call-waiting on my phone! Thankfully the interview was being pre-recorded!

God is always preparing us for our future

Anyway, as I sat there giving thanks to God for how well the interview had gone (from my perspective anyway), He gave me a picture of Ken and I in the studio in Chatswood, and Ken interviewing people over the phone. God was reminding me of a few things …

1. God always goes before us, preparing the way. In this case, over 20 years ago, unknowingly, I was being immersed in an environment that I would need to know about today!

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

2. God will always make sure we are prepared for what He wants us to do and will fill the gaps that need to be filled. In this example, Ken with his radio experience, was able to coach me in the preparation for the interview.

Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant, may he work perfection into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing to him through your life-union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen! Hebrews 31:20-21 TPT

Giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. Even when we don’t realise it at the time. Thank you God that you are the Master planner!

God knows how the story ends

3. God knows how the story ends and He knows the part He wants us to play. He knows that He is working all things together for good …

So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28 TPT

So, despite all that has come against us over the years, in the words of a wonderful, life giving song, Raise a Hallelujah, by Bethel Music ….

I raise a Hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies.

Remember, our God, the one who goes before, equips us, and knows how the story ends, He will always have the last say …

Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He’s standing right alongside God, and what he says goes.
1 Peter 2:33 The Message

For some more thoughts on putting your confidence in God please visit this post: Put your confidence in Him – Day 15 – Drawing Closer to God Devotion

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

Don’t underestimate what God can do

Once again this week I have been reminded of the importance of taking time to give God space to do what only He can do.

Picture this… a group of women silently communicating with God. Writing messages to God, including things they want to be set free from in their lives and their family’s lives. I write something on my paper, and then throw it in the fire (literally), declaring quietly, “God you’ve got this.’

Then about five minutes later I see a child peeping in the door. So I leave my cosy chair near the fire and go to her. The tears come and she confesses the exact sin that only minutes before I had written and thrown into the fire. What’s surprising to me, is that I had no idea that this particular sin was an issue for that child!

I was completely overwhelmed with God’s love for us, how intimately He knows us, and how mysteriously He works. The seed for this night of group quiet time with God, confession and throwing in the fire, was planted over month a go. God knew then what He was going to do on that night. It is good and right to remember that His ways are always higher than ours.

“I don’t think the way you think.
    The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
        God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
    so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
    and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message

God hears our prayers.

Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before him, for if we present any request agreeable to his will, he will hear us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we also know that we have obtained the requests we ask of him. 1 John 5:14-15 TPT

God wants us and our family and friends to experience the freedom that only He can give. The next part of this scripture explains the importance of prayer in that process.

If anyone observes a fellow believer habitually sinning in a way that doesn’t lead to death, you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. 1 John 5:16 TPT

I was not expecting what happened in our daughter’s life that night, that she would have greater revelation of the truth that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. I had expected God to do some heart work within myself (that is always necessary!); and to see some answers to the other prayers over the coming weeks and months. But not within the following five minutes. Clearly I need to take all my delivery timeframes off my prayers!

So let’s remember that we have a God who can do the unexpected, the unimaginable, but always the best. I believe we do have a part to play in that too, just as 1 John 5:16 said … you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life.

If I analyse what happened on that night and the choices that I made (prompted by the Holy Spirit), there were six distinct actions. Now this is not a formula to follow, rather some principals that could be applied when wanting to be more intimate with God and see breakthrough in our lives and the lives of those that God connects us with.

1. Make time to hear from God – Prioritise time with Him

Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17 NKJV

2. Being silent so can hear – Quieten your voice so you can hear His

Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:10 NKJ

3. Confession – Be real, God knows everything anyway

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT

4. Awareness – Look around, observe what is happening around you

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NLT

5. Obey the prompting – Act on what the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do

“Yes,” said Jesus. “But God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.” Luke 11:28 TPT

6. Love and reassure – That’s what Jesus does, everyday.

But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle.
You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love.
You are full of abounding grace and truth. Psalm 86:15 TPT

So those are some choices we can make. But ultimately God is the one in control. His perfect love manifests in so many different ways, bringing freedom into our lives. Remember our salvation. Let’s never underestimate what He can do.

But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy. Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! Ephesians 2:4-5 TPT

Are you feeling battle weary?

I remember years ago sitting on the toilet, feeling battle weary (in a spiritual sense), feeling like there was this unrelenting push to make me give up on God.

But then I lifted my head and read this scripture that I had put on the wall a few weeks earlier…

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

Nothing shall separate us from God’s love

As I spoke those words out aloud, I felt the fight of faith rise. Nothing was going to separate me from the love of God.

The Passion Translation says it this way …

Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything.

So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us – no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! Romans 8:37-39 TPT

Victory in Jesus’ Name

What happens when you speak this truth out into the atmosphere? For me I can sense courage and boldness rise up, even though I may feel battle weary, and it reminds me of the power of God. The power of His victory.

That same sense of courage and victory rises up when I declare this scripture too …

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] – To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC

This scripture reminds me that while there is an enemy that is trying to get us to give up on God, God has an amazing future for each of us. We need to not lose sight of that and continually choose to stick with Him, especially when we are feeling battle weary.

With God’s power at work in us the possibilities are … just as the scripture says, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams.

Let’s think about that for a moment. What is the highest prayer you have ever prayed? Your biggest dream ? What does infinitely beyond those look like? Can you see it? Do you have a sense of what that is for your life?

The Passion Translation says …

When feeling battle weary keep trusting that God is at work

It comes down to that action again, that I often find myself thinking and writing about ….. TRUST! Trusting that God is here and He is working all things together for good, even when we can’t see it.

Recently I have started re-reading Joel Osteen’s book, I declare – 31 Promises to speak over your life. Each day has a story and a declaration. It has been good for my soul to read about waiting and victories. You may think that sounds odd given all we have been through as a family. But the reality is, there is normally always something going on in all our lives that requires waiting for the victory, and sometimes it gets a little wearying.

Here is one of the declarations I read this week from his book …..

“I declare that God has a great plan for my life. He is directing my steps. And even though I may not always understand how, I know that my situation is not a surprise to God. He will work out every detail to my advantage. In His perfect timing, everything will turn out right. This is my declaration.”

So if you are feeling battle weary, get armed with God’s word, and declare His truth into your future. Choose to trust God today. He loves you and will not forsake you.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:37-39 The Message

For some more thoughts on the getting the courage to keep standing and overcoming fear please visit these posts …
Courage to keep standing
Are you feeling fearful?
Courage
Be strong and of good courage

Seasons can bring good change

Seasons. As we transition to a new season I have been reflecting on all God has done, and all that we have learned, the times when there has been no other option but to trust God, and the depth of relationship that has come from those times of great need.

Whom have I in heaven but you? You’re all I want!
No one on earth means as much to me as you.
Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace.
But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence
protecting and anointing me. Forever you’re all I need!
Psalm 73:25-26 TPT

Our God is a God of order, not confusion. He does not ask you to do things before you are ready. At the time of Victoria’s diagnosis our emotional capacity to engage with other people shrunk dramatically. Gradually that capacity has returned.

For me, initially it was a complete focus on Victoria, then my own mental health, then our marriage, then our children, and after about 6 years I was ready and able to connect more fully with the wider world. That isn’t to say that I isolated myself for 6 years, no I was still engaging with people, but not at the emotional level that I was prior to Victoria’s diagnosis.

Earlier this year when I was having some quiet time with God down at the lake He showed me three things … a flock of black swans moving in unison on the water …. a flock of seagulls flying together just above the water …. a school of fish swimming close to the surface in the lake. Then He said, ‘Wendy, don’t forget about the gathering.’

God knew it was time for me to expand again. And of course His timing is always perfect. Just reflecting on this week …. Monday we received fantastic news regarding Victoria and no more routine scans being required; And then we had three separate unrelated fellowship gatherings at our home, Monday night; Wednesday night and Friday morning. After each one I felt so excited to have the emotional capacity to once again be hospitable and open our home to people.

So why am I sharing this story? Well, perhaps you are in a season where you are unable to fully act on the desires of your heart. So I want to encourage you that this season will change, and God will bring you to that place again.

But it won’t be the same as before, it will be different, because you will be different. Your motive will be more aligned with God’s heart. The execution will be better because of your greater dependence on God to make it happen. The blessing to others will be greater as God has enlarged your capacity to love.

Our God is faithful. He does work all things together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Let’s give a shout of joy to the Lord, in the words of Psalm 100 from The Passion Translation.

Lift up a great shout of joy to the Lord!
Go ahead and do it—everyone, everywhere!
As you serve him, be glad and worship him.
Sing your way into his presence with joy!
And realize what this really means—
we have the privilege of worshiping the Lord our God.
For he is our Creator and we belong to him.
We are the people of his pleasure.
You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise.
Come right into his presence with thanksgiving.
Come bring your thank offering to him
and affectionately bless his beautiful name!
For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you.
He’s so loving that it will amaze you—
so kind that it will astound you!
And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all.
Everyone knows our God can be trusted,
for he keeps his promises to every generation!
Psalm 100 TPT

Unexpected Tears

Standing in the supermarket. The phone goes. It’s my husband. I just start crying, and eventually manage to say, “I’m not coping.” He says, “Where are you? I’ll be there soon.”

Wow, this whole morning has taken me by surprise. I thought I’d be okay, that I’d just push through as normal. But apparently no. Tears. Tears. And more tears. I’d already cried a couple of bucket fulls earlier during my prayer time, then while doing the ironing, and then when driving children around – thank God for sunglasses!

In the middle of these unexpected tears I receive a text from a friend saying she was praying for me. When I responded with how I was feeling she shared this scripture …

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8

Praise God for family and friends. He knows that we cannot do this life alone. We need Him. We need other people. We need love. We need peace.

It was the morning of Victoria’s scan, number 26! And potentially the last one ever! The tears were another level of the grieving for a childhood that has not been not as it should have. We are so grateful that she is still with us, as we know that is not the outcome for all families on the cancer journey. But there has still been loss. Loss of a carefree childhood.

In these times of unexpected tears I know where I have to go…. to that place where I am close to God. The place where I can be still and know that He is God, and that He will be exalted. The place that is the shadow of His wings.

When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. Psalm 91:1-2 TPT

It is not a tangible place. Rather it is a posture of my heart. Me knowing in my heart that God is real and that He cares about every aspect of my life, our marriage and our children’s lives. It is a place where I can grieve but still know that there is hope and that it is good and right to have confidence in my God, the creator of Heaven and Earth.

[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7 AMPC

We will all have those days when the tears unexpectedly come. Those times are an opportunity to be still and experience more of God’s great love for us, His children.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. 1 John 3:1 NIV

So let’s not fight back the tears, but rather embrace them, and let our heart soften and lean a little further towards our Heavenly Father.