In 2013, I had the rug yanked from under me. Not for the first time, certainly not for the last, and not nearly as traumatically as what some people experience. But that’s where I learned what is probably often true no matter when or how we’re sent sprawling–that when it feels like everything is falling […]
When You Think Everything is Falling Apart Read More »
Is it really so reassuring to know my heavenly Father knows? He’s God. Of course he knows. Our storms, frailties, wounds. Nothing we carry to him is a surprise. Nothing we keep from him escapes his notice, either. He’s not called omniscient for nothing. But if you’re like me, it’s not so much what he
“I Know My Heavenly Father Knows” Read More »
When asked how he survived eight years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, Admiral Jim Stockdale said, “I never lost faith in the end of the story.” His freedom, his family, prevailing to be defined by the experience instead of destroyed. Through the haze of horrors, that’s where he always believed he was going. That’s why
Never Lose Faith in the End of the Story Read More »
Adversity doesn’t typically ask permission before it plunges you into the depths of despair. It just happens and down you go, sometimes before you’ve fully comprehended what even hit you. But it’s your response to adversity that determines how long you stay there. Or at least what your stay is like. One day, my seven-year-old
A Response to Adversity That Won’t Invite More Read More »
“Have thine own way, Lord.” Five of the hardest words to say and actually mean. Deep down, we may believe God’s plans are as perfect as he is, perfectly designed for our perfect happiness. He’s a loving God. They must be. Why, then, are they so hard to trust? This hymn was sung at my
“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” Read More »
In the beginning, God created divine delay. Genesis doesn’t say that in so many words, but ever since, “Let there be light,” one thing or another has sat purposefully on hold. Hold the trees until day three, the fish and fowl until day five, man until day six. And all your hopes and dreams until…
Divine Delay: A Tale of Love That’s Older Than Time Read More »
Sometimes God’s delays feel like a game of keep-away. I’m like a pesky little kid making pathetic little jumps for my heart’s desires while he waves them just out of reach and taunts, “What’s the magic word?” Of course, this isn’t true. But it feels true. Wherever there was teasing in my family growing up,
Making Peace With God’s Delays Read More »
Depending on the problem, meeting God halfway to the solution can be a daunting prospect. He can reach the middle in one mighty stride, but how many fumbling steps before we get there? How long before we’ve done enough to activate his end of the bargain? Maybe not as long as we think. Because maybe
Meeting God Halfway…Or Wherever He Meets You Read More »
Once there was a coach who told an unlikely bobsledder, “A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.” If you haven’t seen Cool Runnings–well, I guess we know what you’re doing this weekend. It’s good for a laugh, a profound life lesson, and
Enough Without It: Keeping the Prize in Perspective Read More »
