The Time of Your Life Or, Bossy Tourist Syndrome

{by Samantha Roose}
It’s been almost two weeks.  And again Philippians 4:4-5 is put on my heart.  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

I’ve been telling the Lord that I will rejoice and asking Him to make me more gentle toward my sisters, but still, every morning as I write prayers to my Lord and Savior this verse faithfully pops into my mind and I feel compelled to write it down.   So this morning I asked…

Lord how do you want me to rejoice?

And He told me…

“I want you to be SO happy that I am here that you let go and sit back for the ride.  I want you to enjoy and laugh and delight in life!

Relax and ENJOY life while I steer and maneuver for you.  There’s so much I want to show you along the way if you’ll let me.  You’re being like a bossy tourist. You have things you want to see and accomplish and a timeline.  This is an adventure of your life time and you don’t want to miss a thing but you don’t know what’s best to see or the way to go.  I, on the other hand, know the land inside and out.  I know more history tid-bits than any other tour guide.  Better yet, I know what will interest you most, what you will appreciate later down the road and what you want to see.  And of course, I know your timelines better than you.  In fact, I’ve been planning this trip from beginning to end since before you were born.  I even know the best places to eat and relax along the way.

So let Me lead.  Just as you knew where people should go when they came to visit you in Germany but they were always set on seeing Neuschwanstein, so I know all the best places.”

Five years ago my family and I lived in Germany for 5 year (this was one of the blessings resulting from my father’s 23 year long career of protecting my rights and the rights of the American people!).  We often had friends come and visit us and of course they wanted to see the legendary castle which inspired the Disney palace.  Touring this magnificent castle was an ALL day affair which entailed a  five hour drive there AND back, climbing a mountain, walking across the highest bridge I have ever seen (scared me to DEATH!) and of course a tour of the palace itself and a neighboring palace where the young prince grew up.  Finally we would arrive home late and exhausted.

I can recall many a night discussing with my sisters how much better we could have used that time.  Not that we didn’t enjoy the luxurious palace, truth be known it’s now one of our fondest memories from Germany, but we knew there were more valuable things to see like salt mines, Joan of Arc’s home, medieval fests, volksmarches (translated: people walk)...  We knew there were more valuable things to do with our time and that would probably be enjoyed more by everyone.

Using this example, which was very tangible for me, the Lord was teaching me that I was being like our guests—not rude but knowing what we want to see and not willing to see what is truly valuable or necessary. So, instead of enjoying the tour I choose He’s been begging me, each morning, for several weeks to rejoice in the tour He has for me—on His timeline!

Since this particular morning it has been a journey learning to let Him be my tour guide on His timeline and taking His routes.  I’m by no means a master tourist but I’m learning and looking forward to what God has to show me as I let Him lead!

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Cinderella Goes to the White House: Seeking God's Heart in Singleness

{by Beth Pedison Gibson}

My first day of work at the White House turned out to be the annual staff Christmas party.  It was a magical evening.

Because I had spent the preceding few days “dressed in rags” unpacking what seemed like hundreds of boxes after moving into a tiny two-room apartment on Capitol Hill, I truly felt like Cinderella going to the ball. 

On that evening, the White House sparkled.  The President’s own Marine band played Christmas tunes.  The State Dining Room table overflowed with every delicacy imaginable.  Waiters served eggnog on silver trays. 

 

A line formed for guests to greet the President and Mrs. Bush. When it was my turn, I stepped forward. Before the military officers could announce me, Mrs. Bush said, "Beth, you’re here!”  She introduced me to President Bush saying, "She’s one of my new writers—no, she’s one of your new writers." 

I said, "This is my first day at work." 

The President joked, "Oh, this is just a typical day at the White House."  We chatted for another minute, and then the President and Mrs. Bush both said, "Well, we’re glad to have you here, Beth."

The photographer took our picture and I moved on, completely aglow.  Later, as I took a taxi home, I tried to re-live every moment of an almost perfect day. 

But I do remember thinking, “This was an amazing day, but it would be nice to share it with someone.”

I have thought about what I most want to share with you.  Because many of you reading this are single, and because I didn’t marry until my mid-30s, I decided I wanted to share some of my thoughts on being a single Christian woman in today’s world.  

It’s hard!  While people today – inside and outside the church – seem to be more accepting of singles than ever before, being single can still be lonely. 

God did say, “It is not good for man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)  While I don’t interpret this as a promise that God will make a mate for every person, it does acknowledge what many of us feel so deeply. 

However, Paul wrote in the New Testament, “Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.” (1 Corinthians 7:27-28)  

 

How do we reconcile these statements?  I believe both are true.  It’s difficult to be alone, but we shouldn’t marry for the sake of being married because marriage does bring a new set of challenges. And we certainly should not seek a marriage when it’s clearly outside of God’s will for us. 

I have noticed another seeming disparity in what many Christian leaders teach about how (or if) Christians should go about seeking a mate.  Many whom I respect say we should pray, have faith, and then take a completely passive role, waiting for God to bring the person He has to us.  And many can share personal stories of how God has done this.

Other Christians whom I also respect have expressed a different philosophy that goes something like this:  “If you wanted a job, you would pray and have faith about it.  But you would also send out resumes, network, and use resources available to find a job.  So why would we treat dating differently?”  They tell us that if you want to find a mate, pray and seek God’s will.  But also consider becoming involved with Christian singles ministries, websites, and other networking.

I could never decide which camp I was in.  So at different times, I alternated between the two.  But when I finally met my prince, Ken, I realized that you do first and foremost have to pray without ceasing and believe.  You can take some reasonable steps to put yourself in situations where you could meet someone God has for you.   But ultimately, it is a miracle when you find someone you fall in love with and want to marry, and he feels the same way about you, and it is clearly God’s will.  

What I’ve learned since being single is that this time (however long or short it is) does help prepare you for what’s ahead – marriage, children, and later, even the loss of loved ones.    All of these difficult “times of transition” require heavy doses of prayer, faith, seeking God’s will, and acting accordingly.  

While many people (Christians and others) may share helpful insights and advice, only God knows every detail and nuance of your circumstance and what His perfect will is for you.   If we learn to seek Him with all our hearts and listen to His still small voice while being single, we will be better prepared to see and embrace all God has in store for us. 

I encourage you -- whatever your circumstance – with God’s words:  “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

Much Love, 

Beth

((read more of Beth's story here and here))

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Consume Me From the Inside Out: A Prayer

{by Samantha Roose}

Prayers don’t have to be complicated they just need to be said.  

They don’t need to be long they just need to be real.  Prayers don’t have to be fancy or positive they just need to be heartfelt.  A prayer doesnt not need to be a well thought out, memorized recitation; it’s just you soul speaking to your Creator, explaining the hurts and disappointments, questions and joys, struggles and victories.  A prayer is a conversation between you and God— the One who made you, then bought you, then freed you. Talk to Him like you’re talking to a friend.  It’s okay not to sound smart; just start talking and sharing.  Sometimes the simplest prayers are the dearest to God’s heart.

This is a prayer of mine in response to “The Inside Out,” by Hillsong United.  I’ve been teaching the choreography to one of my dance classes over the past couple weeks.  As a result I’ve been thinking about the words quite a bit lately.  And now they’re becoming 'the cry of my heart.'  

A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
Should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace

Lord this is who I am, and this is who YOU are.  I don’t know what I’d do if You didn’t catch me in Your grace again.  Thank You for always catching me one more time.

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing You praise

Oh, God more than anything else I want Your will in my life.  Please teach me to master losing myself completely to You because it’s so hard.  Thank You for being patient with me while I learn and fail and learn and try again.

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

You are from beginning to end.  Your light was here before the world began and will continue to be when the world is no more.  Never ending, Your glory knows no bounds—even nature proclaims Your praise.

My heart, and my soul
I give You control
Consume me from the inside out

How can I not give You my heart and my soul?  Take control of all that I am. 

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out

Your light shines even in my darkest moments.  Your glory never ceases in comforting my soul when I am without hope. 

This is the cry of MY heart: that I might bring You praise in everything that I do; in every word that I speak; in every breath that I take; in every step that I make; in every thought that I think.  Lord I don’t want to live a moment that You are not glorified in my life.  

Glorify Yourself in me from the inside out.

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Decision Making and the Will of God {Part 2}

{by Katrina Rebsch}

Keeping in mind that prayer is the foundation, here is my decision making filter:

The Word of God

            The Holy Spirit

                        Authorities (and/or a Multitude of Counsel)

                                    Confirming Circumstances

Let me explain. 

Usually to even start passing through the filter, the decision to be made is triggered by a desire, an interest, or an opportunity.  For example, when I graduated from high school, I had the desire to experience life on the foreign mission field.  A couple months later, I read a prayer letter from a missionary family in Peru that our church supported asking for a young lady to come live with them to assist with the homeschooling of their children as well as other ministries they were involved with.  As I began praying about this opportunity that seemed to fit with my goals and desires so closely, I also began to seek direction from God’s Word.  Verses that He gave me in connection to this decision were written down in my journal.  “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  (Psalm 119:105) 

I also asked for peace from the Holy Spirit to know if this was truly His will.  The Holy Spirit works in conjunction with our spirit in different ways.  Sometimes it’s through a gut instinct, an inward red flag that can’t be ignored, an unsettled feeling, a deep sense of peace, or words He actually speaks into your thoughts.  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Of course, my parents were very much involved in this decision.  I greatly value their counsel and wisdom when it comes to understanding the will of God for my life, and while they do not make decisions for me, their blessing or lack thereof holds great weight for me.  As an unmarried woman, I am under their authority, and as we noted above, God’s will is for us to submit to our earthly authorities.  As we prayed about this opportunity in Peru, my parents sent many questions to the missionary family, sought counsel from trusted advisors, and eventually gave me their stamp of approval.  “Honor thy father and mother which is the first commandment with promise.” (Ephesians 6:2)  “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

In the example of this decision about the opportunity in Peru, as the decision was passed through this filter, all the lights proved to be green.  God had given me verses in His Word providing direction, there was peace from the Holy Spirit, and my authorities had given their blessing.  When all the lights are green like this, I then ask the Lord for circumstances that confirm His will.  Depending on the situation, these might be financial provisions, job applications that are accepted, open or closed doors, etc.  He has always been faithful to give this confirmation!

It’s a simple process really.  What does God’s Word say?  What does the Holy Spirit say?  What do my authorities say?  Are the circumstances favorable?

By way of another example, a couple of years ago, I learned of a staff opening at the crisis pregnancy center where I had been volunteering for several years.  My mom was actually the one who asked me if I had thought about applying for the position.  I told her no and shared my reasons with her.  When she mentioned that she thought I’d be perfect for the job, it got me thinking that perhaps my reasons weren’t show-stoppers after all and that I should at least pray about it.  It was a big decision since my commitment there would be for at least a year.  Once again, the decision making filter proved invaluable! 

• The Word of God (check)
• The Holy Spirit’s leading (check)
• Authorities (check)
• Confirming Circumstances (check - my application was accepted and I got the job!)

On the flip side, this decision making filter saved me from marriage to the wrong man!  According to the clear leading of the Lord, I had enrolled in missionary language school for a year to study Spanish full time and prepare for future mission work in Latin America.  On day three of my new life on campus I was completely swept off my feet by a Godly, dashing young man from Ecuador.  As we began to get to know one another, we really felt like God was leading us together.  We prayed and fasted and sought His will.  I believed I received verses from God’s Word, initially there was peace, and our authorities were all in approval, albeit my parents had some initial misgivings.  But then, things started to change.  The Holy Spirit led me to see major concerns and red flags that initially I did not recognize.  Trusted friends called me with concerns of their own and as I sought further counsel, every person I spoke with had legitimate issues to point out and reasons for believing that this relationship was not the best.  In the end, we recognized that we just weren’t compatible for marriage and that it was best to call things off.

My friends, God is so faithful!  When we earnestly desire to know and do His will, He is not going to hide it from us!  He will honor the one who seeks Him.

Sometimes, I think we overcomplicate God’s will or succumb to fears that we might miss it, such that it handicaps us from doing anything!  That’s why I love the passage in Acts 16:6-7.  Speaking of Paul and his band of merry men, it says, “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia, after that they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered them not.”  Paul didn’t passively sit around waiting for visions all the time to know where to go and what to do.  He took initiative traveling from city to city preaching the Gospel.  Occasionally, there were times when the Holy Spirit needed to forbid him to preach in certain places or closed the doors when necessary in order to direct Paul’s steps as He saw fit.

So don’t be afraid to take some initiative and “knock” on some doors to see if they might lead to God’s will!  God can always stop you from going in a certain direction if He needs to.

Back to our hypothetical example of you getting ready to complete your degree and wondering what to do next.  My first piece of advice is: examine your interests, desires, and/or the opportunities God has set before you.  You were created to do specific good works which God has before ordained!  And I personally believe He often tailors these good works to the person He has created you to be.

Do you want to teach English as a second language in China?  Design a class for homeschoolers?  Pursue a master’s degree?  Get a job and sponsor an orphan child in a foreign country?  Gain experience in a certain field?  Minister to children or widows or orphans or young ladies? 

Once you figure out your desires or recognize some open doors that might be before you, run your decisions through this handy filter.

• What does God’s Word say?
• What does the Holy Spirit say?
• What do your parents or authorities say?
• What circumstances do you see as confirming this next step?

Of course, pray, pray, pray!  God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!

I know this article has grown long, but perhaps you’ll allow me to share one more thought in closing.  As exciting as it is to receive answers to our prayers and to have God’s specific will for our lives revealed to us, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be easy to obey.  I know it’s God’s will for me to be here in Bolivia ministering to children at the orphanage where I am living.  But when I signed up for this job, I had no idea it would include so many hardships, homesickness, and even Hepatitis A.  Many times, God’s will includes suffering or refining for purposes much higher than our own.

In everything, though, He is faithful and His will is worth pursuing!

“The world passeth away and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” 

(I John 2:17)

[[check out Decision Making and the Will of God {Part 1} if you missed it]]

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Decision Making and the Will of God {Part 1}

{by Katrina Rebsch}

Decisions, decisions.  Life is full of them.  Big ones and little ones.  What should I eat for breakfast today?  What dress should I buy for my grandparents’ anniversary banquet?  What extra-curricular activities should I pursue in school this year?  What should I do after graduation?  Should I go to college?  If so, where?  What should I study?  Should I look into other higher-education alternatives?  Should I go on a missions trip?  What about marriage?  How will I know when the right guy comes along?  In the meantime, should I get a job?  What about ministry? 

I think it’s safe to assume that those of you reading this blog want to live according to the will of God and make the right decisions in your life...as in decisions that are pleasing to the Lord and in accord with His plan.  But of course, the big question is, “How do I know the will of God...for me?”  After all, while there are commandments in the Bible to obey and principles around which to structure our lives in a general sense, there’s no book of II Decisions in which it says, “Thou shalt pursue a degree in social work via correspondence after which point thou shalt minister in Cambodia amongst AIDS victims.”  Sometimes I think we all wish there was such a book in Scripture! :) 

Obviously, God’s plan for each individual’s life is as unique as the person.  (Ephesians 2:10)  The question thus remains, how do we find out that plan and live accordingly?

Well, I certainly don’t have all the answers nor do I have a 3-step process for discovering the will of God for your life.  But I have learned some helpful practices and principles over the past decade that I would like to pass on in hopes that they might serve as a guide for you when it comes to making wise decisions in the pursuit of God’s will for your lives.

First of all, let’s lay some groundwork for this discussion.

Ephesians 5:17 says, “Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”  Please note, that is not a suggestion, but a command we are given to obey.  Thus we can draw the conclusion that it is possible to know God’s will, or He would not have commanded us to do so!

If you do a concordance search of the phrase, ‘the will of God,’ in Scripture, this is what you will find His will includes for all believers:

-  Our deliverance from sin and this present evil world through Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:4)

-  Our sanctification and abstinence from immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

-  That we would give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

-  Our submission to earthly authorities (thus putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1 Peter 2:13-15)

-  Our suffering for well-doing versus evil-doing (1 Peter 3:17)

I like to call these The Will of God Basics.  And of course, there are many more!  Anytime we read an instruction or a command in the Bible, we know it’s the will of God.  But what about the will of God specifics?  Like decisions about college, degrees, ministries, and marriage?  Colossians 1:9 contains a very big clue.  Paul said, “[We] do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding...” 

Did you catch that?  I know it’s probably not earth-shattering news, but a key to understanding God’s specific will is prayer. 

Remember Jesus’ words?  “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.  For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)  These are promises we can depend on! 

The Bible makes it clear in many, many places that when we seek the Lord, He will reveal Himself!  When we lack wisdom and ask it of Him, He will give it!  When we desire to know His will, He will show us!

Let me say it again: Prayer is foundational.

So, let’s say you’re approaching the completion of your accelerated distance learning degree.  In a few short weeks, you’ll hold a BA in English.  You’re excited to be done with your studies, but you’re wondering what should come next?  You’ve started praying about it.  You’re asking God for His leading.  But most of the time, God doesn’t write the answer in the sky.  So now what?  How do you know when He’s actually answering your prayer?

This is where I would like to introduce what I call my “Decision Making Filter.”    Whenever I am faced with a major decision or in pursuit of the next step of God’s plan for my life (which is often, considering that He usually only leads me 6-9 months at a time!), I run the decision I need to make through this filter.  It has saved me from rash and impulsive decisions, provided protection through checks and balances, and helped me time and again to “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

**********

Check back for Part 2 and learn about Katrina's 'Decision Making Filter' next!

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Shooting Stars, Gumball Machines, and Greater Things ((Or, I Could Really Use a Wish Right Now))

{by Hailey Sadler}

I have to say, I’ve never wished on a star… shooting or otherwise.

Because frankly, the cynical, practical side of my nature probably wouldn’t let me; it would laugh me out of it. [If you don’t have a dominating cynical, practical side and can’t relate to this… congratulations! You can do any wholly illogical, romantic thing without that inner sarcastic voice annoying you.] But sometimes, practical or not, all I want is a star to fall out of the sky and make the world right.

So, when in need of a wish [or three] to be granted me, I turn to the more ‘holy’ version of wishing on a star. I pray. I cry out to God. But I’m not really crying out to Him, as a Person, my personal and knowing Savior, as a loving Father who delights in giving His children every good and perfect gift. Instead, I’m wanting to use a sort of Divine Gumball Machine where I stick in my prayer, turn the handle, and out comes the result I want.  My reaching out to Him is not in desire for a relationship or for Him as a Person, it’s more the can-I-please-have-this-like-right-now kind of prayer. Sometimes it feels as vague and faraway and improbable as whispering a wish to the night sky. At times like these, I’m not looking for God; all I really want is a holy shooting star to wish on.

At least that is what I think I want. But sometimes what you feel like you want and what you’re really crying out for from the innermost depths of your being can be two different things entirely. I ask for help in doing my best on a test. I ask for strength in finishing a (fast) race. I ask for that really adorable coat to still be there when I come back next week with my wallet. I want things, I want results, I want answers. Yet that is not all. Beneath the craving for all these external fulfillments, my heart is really crying out for something bigger, something greater, something higher to fill up its hungry, searching depths. Or rather not something but Someone. Is it possible that even if that Divine Gumball Machine were a reality and I could push in prayers like quarters that that would not satisfy me? That maybe while I’m impatiently requesting a minor or tangible change in my reality that what I really want is fulfillment in the beyond-tangible Author of that reality?

I think yes.

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis

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