Breakthrough

“Then your light will break through like the dawn, and you will heal quickly.” (Isaiah 58:8 GWT)

When our dreams are shattered, when our pride is crushed and our strength is exhausted, how do we react? I have seen some people who gather up their meager resources and push through. However, many of them grow sullen and bitter over time.

A friend of mine lost her husband to cancer this year. She has two young children. Most people who face such tragic circumstances would feel broken and defeated, but she seems to be thriving, despite all her difficulties. There is an unexplainable glow about her. When I asked her about this, she replied: “I do not operate from my human strength; instead, I draw power from a higher realm.”

When the power of the Holy Spirit works in us, we don't break--we break through. Our circumstances may not improve, but our perspective deepens--allowing us to recognize God in our midst.  The light of the Spirit streams wisdom and power into our lives--illuminating the darkness, displacing fear with courage, and supplanting weakness with strength.

Truth vs. Popularity

“Your task is to be true, not popular.” (Luke 6:26 MSG)

Would you rather be liked or respected by others?

I think most of us would want respect over popularity, but our behavior indicates otherwise. We seek to please and gain approval. We want to be seen as enjoyable company. We try our best not to be disappointing to our loved ones. We imagine that our actions will garner favor with others and eventually lead to respect. Unfortunately, this is not always how it works.

Truth requires contemplation--an interior journey towards self-awareness. Popularity, on the other hand, is always an external campaign. When we seek to be true to ourselves, we honor ourselves. A commitment to personal integrity is essential to self-respect. This immediately acts as a repellant to many kinds of people--those who are frivolous, shallow, fake, image-conscious, egotistic, manipulative, condescending, etc., are uncomfortable around truth. The upside to this is that it clears up space for those who are authentic and respectful to approach. Thus, if you really would rather be respected than liked, seek self-awareness, be authentic, and pursue truth.

Not My Path

“The Holy Spirit blocked that route.” (Acts 16:6 MSG)

When I am knitting, I don’t always pay attention to my stitches. Sometimes I lose count and mess up. I hate having to take apart hours of work, but the alternative is to continue on as is and end up with a misshapen product. So, I have to unravel my work to the point where I made my mistake and redo my stitches.

For a while now, I’ve been asking God to clearly direct my paths, but I don’t think this is happening yet. All I have noticed is a slight tug when I’m about to take a turn that is not meant for me to take. I used to go along with all sorts of stuff that didn't feel 'true to myself'. In the last few years, there have been several instances where I’ve felt: this is not my path, not right now.  I don’t always listen to these instincts though. I keep going along until I’m forced to face the fact that I’m on the wrong path. Then I have to turn, and go back to the point where I veered off course, and get back on track again.

Unraveling Safely

“Come apart into a desert place, and rest a little. ” (Mark 6:31 DV)

What do you do when you feel as though your life is falling apart?

Most of us just try to power through. We attempt to push forward because: THIS IS NOT A GOOD TIME! (As if there is ever a convenient time to fall apart.) We don’t want to disappoint those who are counting on us. I have fallen apart several times in my life. It always feels scary, embarrassing, and irresponsible. I so badly want to keep it together, especially in front of certain people.

If you are driving down a highway, and your wheels are about to come off--it is imperative that you pull over to the side, away from traffic. Then call for help. We all need secure shoulders in times of  vulnerability--out of the way spaces where it feels safe to be out of commission for a while. It also helps to have at least one friend who will come to our aid. It is not this person’s job to put us back together again--but he/she can keep us company and redirect traffic away from us.

When our lives come undone, we have to take some time and space to sort things out. We need to be authentic and transparent. It helps to be in a quiet place away from the confusion and criticism of the masses. However, we don’t have to handle everything on our own. We can reach out for help.  We know that there is One who loves and accepts us unconditionally. And He finds ways to channel His Spirit through certain people that He places in our lives.

I pray that we may all have safe people and safe spaces in times of vulnerability.

Good Tenants

“You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren’t hospitable to my kingdom message and now all the devils are moving back in.” (Matthew 12:45 MSG)

One of my friends owns a few apartment units that she leases to renters. She has had to evict several clients because of various issues, so now she is very selective about who she is willing to allow on her property. When a unit becomes available, she cleans it out completely and makes necessary repairs and updates. Then she waits. She may put the word out through her family and friends, but she doesn’t advertise or put out any signs in front of the building. She knows from experience that the wrong tenant can wreak havoc. So she keeps her units ready and her eyes and ears open.

I have always thought that my mind is similar to an apartment complex with many units. In the past, I have not been careful about who or what I’ve allowed to occupy this space. I have experienced damage and loss, because I was hasty to fill any vacancy immediately. Emptiness seemed unprofitable. Thus, I always stuffed my mind indiscriminately--even if it was with fillers and busyness. These days, I am more selective. I wait--staying alert and vigilant at all times--screening every thought, attitude, idea, and opportunity. I listen for the recommendations of the Spirit of Truth. I stay ready, waiting expectantly for God’s purpose to occupy my life.

Lord, clean the junk out of our lives and make us ready for Your Light, Your Word, Your Meaning, Your Purpose.

Devote Yourself

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2 NLT)

I woke early this morning thinking of all the things I had left undone from the previous day. Where did all the time go? What did I devote myself to yesterday?  It was a busy day filled with lots of activities, but I’m not sure if any of it will make a difference in the long run.

I desire to live a life of consecration, not desecration. However, my days are polluted and congested. I sense that time is sacred, yet I’m easily diverted. Good intentions aren’t enough. In order to keep from wandering, I have to rededicate myself over and over.  

We can choose a consecrated life of focused prayer, gratitude, encouragement, study, teaching, and service. If a lifetime of devotion seems too daunting, take it day by day. If even that seems too much, dedicate just the next hour, and then the next...and so on.

Lord, may I consecrate every hour of every day to Your glory.

Halloween Costumes

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)

Every Halloween, the neighborhood kids come to trick-or-treat at our house. Same kids, different costumes. When they were younger, they used to wear cute costumes and carry little plastic pumpkins to collect their candy. As they got older, they started showing up in scary costumes, with large garbage bags to hold their loot.  

Recently a wise friend mentioned how we all face the same issues, over and over, in different forms. I recognized the truth in her statement. Every year, my struggles show up at my front door in slightly different costumes, demanding more and more from me. Initially these weaknesses seemed harmless, but now they have grown to be intimidating. They started off asking for very little, but every year they demand more and more.

Most of my issues can be distilled down to a core weakness: lack of complete confidence in God. This puts me in the position of having to fight my demons on unstable ground. Without firm footing, I am doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

Lord, teach me how to stay alert, recognize recurring issues, stand firm in faith, and defend against the adversary. Help me to have complete confidence in You.