Rejoice in suffering!?

In addition to the considerable challenges of being a home school mother/teacher, my daughter Kirsten has grappled in recent months with nagging health issues. Like many mothers, she "keeps the wheels turning" in spite of those challenges, functioning each day as wife, mother, daughter, sister in Christ.

There are times, she notes, when poor health inclines her to ask the Father: "What do you need me to learn through this situation?" A recent note, however, demonstrates in part how the situation has drawn her closer to Jesus. As always, key elements of coping are prayer and time spent in the word, where she is reminded of God's unchanging character, His promises to His children. She wrote:

Things may be hard, but that means we have an opportunity to lean in to The Lord to be our strength. I just don't want to give my flesh any opportunity to hurt my relationship with our Jesus. He is Lord and King of ALL situations. He's not looking to make us comfortable, but to completely change our lives through every situation.

The question is, "Will I let Him?" I shout an emphatic, "Yes!"

God keeps showing me that I need to have an attitude of gratitude. As I read through Leviticus it humbles my heart to see how often God's people grumbled. That didn't just hurt God -- it angered Him. This behavior of flesh is not fitting for His beloved. Instead I am to continue to have a heart of trust, praise and Thanksgiving.

I may have a sick body, but I do not want a habitual sin-sick soul that permeates to the core of my being. No, Christ is my life and in Him I find joy. I know I don't always get it right, but I do know He directs me to steer me aright.

If I can't be faithful in the small things, then I won't be entrusted with the bigger things. I know these things are to test us to see "how we will respond" to see what's really in our hearts. I want Jesus to find surrender of self in me, not selfishness of habitual sin.

I view everything I face as an opportunity to let Jesus overcome my weakness, as opposed to engaging in a "fight" or even a struggle. I know that the way to stand firm or find victory in everything is continued dependence on Christ even when I don't fully understand the "why" of my circumstances. I guess I don't need the "why," because Christ is always The Answer.

It is difficult for me, blessed with a life of few health challenges, to imagine the relentless "distraction" of poor health, chronic pain, even terminal illness. Yet I know many Christian brothers and sisters who have -- who continue to rejoice in the midst of their physical struggles. Like my daughter, these fellow believers have demonstrated strength in Him. They are powerful witnesses to me and to others, an encouragement to be trusting and to subsequently experience the joy of relationship with the Father regardless of circumstances.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." Psalm 42:11

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

His peace. Nothing like it.

This week I took photos of this peaceful winter scene, white and quiet. There are many "peaceful" scenes in this world, but the peace the world offers is fleeting. The snow melts, the sun gives way to storm clouds. The peace of the Lord cannot be created, and can defeat the assault of circumstances.

Gifts from the heart, for the heart

Christmas 2019 lights have faded fast, but this morning I discovered a precious gift that reflected love without season.

I unfolded a paper to discover that it was the last of several “advent” messages designed to be read by my wife and I one at a time, once each morning, until Christmas Day.

“Dear Grammie and Grampy,” this note began. “Rise and shine and give God the glory. We love you both so very much, and I pray that you will have a marvelous day.”

The beautiful handwriting was clearly that of our 12-year-old granddaughter. But her 10-year-old brother added his signature to the bottom of the page, which featured this verse: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!”

What a joy it was – what a memory – to open each of those Advent notes and to enjoy a few subsequent minutes in the Word and in prayer together. Children and grandchildren: gifts of the “priceless” variety.

"The Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children.” Psalm 128:5-6a

Gathered, encouraged for a new year!

“… not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25


What a joy it was just a few days ago to greet the first day of the new year over brunch with my wife and two other Christian couples!


There was thanksgiving on many levels, not the least of which was the fact that our hostess was healthy enough to prepare a delicious meal and welcome us into her home. The challenges of her walk on this side of Eternity include the often debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, which she has endured for many years but particularly in the past two years.


All three of the couples gathered this New Year’s morning share longstanding relationships built around Sunday teaching and worship, Bible studies and home groups. This morning, however, was particularly rich for its timing and the spiritual rewards each of us received as we gathered in the name of Jesus, our God and Savior.


There have been health issues among us, and of course we all wrestle with “the ravages of time.” Our prayer time included thanksgiving and prayers on each others’ behalf as our desire is to be as healthy as possible as we seek to do His will. Those prayers included prayers to embrace and savor the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23).


Inevitably, however, our precious time with the Lord moved to intercessory prayer on behalf of folks who were not in the room: immediate family and our extended “family” of fellow believers, near and far, as well as those whose hearts have been hardened to the life-saving grace of the one and only true God.


As has been the case since the introduction of sin on earth, this world provides overwhelming opportunity to be discouraged, even angry and hopeless (less TV/internet in 2020). It was wonderful on this day – this first day of a new year – to embrace the alternatives of hope and confidence in our all-powerful Father. May our walks be “in tune” with the Father’s loving desires. May we move courageously in His inspiration and strength, filled with the love of Jesus, “the way, the truth, the life.”