A Vulnerable Place

Last Sunday Jerry and I were asked to be a part of a panel discussion to share how God's word has helped us through these seven months. So we sat on stage at Gap Community Church with Pastor Cody and another couple (another Nancy and husband Bruce!) to talk about our "tough times". The other Nancy and her husband lost their entire home to fire last fall. Talk about a sudden life change! When Bruce was sharing he used the word "vulnerable" and something inside me just broke. It immediately struck a place deep in me and the tears began to fall. Why did this concept cause a strong reaction with me?

Vulnerability. No one wants to feel vulnerable. We surround ourselves with the best defenses.....steady jobs, beautiful, large houses, education, savings accounts, food in the freezer, solid friendships. These things can seemingly protect us from the difficulties of life. But can they? All it takes is a moment....an accident, a diagnosis, a phone call, to show us just how vulnerable we human beings really are! You can exercise and eat right and still this is not a shield against cancer. You can be a good driver but that doesn't mean you will not have an accident. The truth is that we are frail humans. We are so dependent on the mercies and protection and grace of God! We need Him more than we realize as we happily walk through the days of sunshine. It's when the dark night of the soul steals our breath away that we become aware of our desperate need for our Saviour. And, thankfully, it's there where He speaks loud and clear to our hearts through His precious word.
click here to watch July 24 service

Are you in a place of vulnerability? A new job? A new baby? A new relationship? A new church? A new season? This is the perfect opportunity to lean hard into God, our loving Father. He will NEVER FAIL. HE gives wisdom and courage. HE is the source of our joy and strength. Yes, I'm at a vulnerable place right now as well. But that's a good thing. It's helping me to go deeper in my dependence on Jesus. And that the best place to be!

God only is my Rock and my Salvation, My Stronghold;

I shall not be shaken,

On God my salvation and my glory rests;

The rock of my strength,

my refuge is in God.

Trust in HIM at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.    Selah.

Psalm 62:6-8

Trusting and Fruit

Yesterday was great! It was filled with powerful worship, an encouraging message, hours relaxing in my small pool, and dinner with our church's worship team. I felt God's presence as I helped on the worship team that morning. We declared "God is Able....He will never fail." As I was ministering through music and word, however, I heard a whisper in my head telling me that I was going to "pay for this tomorrow".

It does happen so often, doesn't it? After the mountain top, a valley. After a victory, a defeat. And I felt the heaviness in my spirit even as I crawled out of bed and hit the floor. "Oh God, oh God, please use me today. Thank you for this day! I worship You, I trust You."  I had time for meaningful devotionals, did a journal page focusing on the word, "trust". There are so many promises in the Word that I'm standing on but still the heaviness persisted. Financial concerns are weighing me down as well as the health uncertainty that's often lurking around the edges of my thoughts. The heat felt oppressive as I did my Monday tasks of bookwork and laundry. I remembered the quote...."when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on". I thought of this expression of my grandson's face when we ask him to show us his muscles. So I made a face and shook my fist at the enemy of my soul. "I'm hangin' on! All WILL be well."

And just like that, the storm clouds rolled in softening the oppressive heat. Jerry and I were still getting the clothes off of the wash line when the large raindrops began to fall. The humidity eased and my spirit was lighter. What a difference the rain makes! It cleanses the debris from the air, makes breathing easier and renews hope. The rain/reign of the Holy Spirit makes a way where there seems to be no way for us to trust Him in these days of uncertainty and unrest in our world and hearts.

The Scripture passage that I'm carrying with me everywhere these days is this:

Blessed is the woman who trusts in the LORD and whose trust IS the LORD.

For she will be like a tree planted by the water,

That extends its roots by the stream

And will NOT fear when the heat comes;

But its leaves will be green,

And it will NOT be anxious in a year of drought

Nor cease to YIELD FRUIT.    Jeremiah 17:7,8

Are you in a season of heat? A year of drought? When we put our trust in the Lord, when He IS our trust, we can still yield fruit!!! This is a wonderful promise to cling to. I want my life to count. Whether I have 1 day or 10,000 days left on this earth. I want each one of them to be filled with purpose. And that can happen as I trust God with the tough stuff, in the middle of the heat of summer and a year of drought.

Recently I was a part of an informal reunion of 8 women who were in the Strasburg Mennonite Youth Group together, um, about 40 years ago.  As we went around the circle sharing the stories of our families and triumphs and losses, we were aware that no one is exempt from the heat and drought. It's how we choose to live in those trials that makes all of the difference. These precious women from my past are reflecting God's faithfulness and goodness as their lives continue to yield fruit even in the midst of some very difficult circumstances. Always remember, friend, GOD IS GOOD. GOD IS FAITHFUL. GOD IS TRUSTWORTHY. Can I get an amen?

A Simple Reminder

It was an ordinary trip to the grocery store to get supplies to make homemade ice cream for a gathering on this July 4th holiday. It was a peaceful morning with time receiving from God's Word. And yet, as I drove, the loneliness of this journey pressed upon me. It's not that I don't have wonderful family and friends surrounding me. I am SO thankful for each one! But at the end of the day, each of us must walk the path before us alone.

Wiping the tears away, I pulled into my parking space. I whispered a simple prayer, "Lord, I would really appreciate some lovin' today in the grocery store!" So many times, He's used friends and acquaintances in the frozen food aisle or produce section to bring a smile and remind me that I'm loved. Well, the quick trip held nothing special. As I was in the check out lane, I was able to bless someone by letting them go ahead of me. With a grateful smile I was thinking how blessing someone was just as good as receiving a blessing. But a second later I felt a tap on my shoulder and was engulfed in a warm hug from a friend who works there. She was God's messenger today. And all it took was a few seconds, a hug and a smile. She could have easily passed me by. But she did not, and it made my day.

Never underestimate the power of a quick hug at the grocery store or a firm handshake at the hardware store or a smile from one vehicle to another. Share God's love at the dentist's office, the Y, your job, the hospital, at home....wherever your journey takes you today. Make that phone call; send that text; post an encouraging word on Facebook. Be a blessing. Be His hands and feet and arms and smiles. Serve God today by serving others. This is nothing new, friends, just a friendly reminder. Let's look outside ourselves and give love. Give affirmation. Give encouragement! Let's be generous with our kind words and smiles. And the blessing we give will be returned to us. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be the answer to someone's prayer.