You may or may not have seen the old Cary Grant film, "Arsenic and Old Lace". Basically, it's a pretty twisted tale...based on a twisted plot...which is unraveled by twisted characters-all of whom have deep secrets. Yet, mere appearances are soon shed as reality claims its rightful position-front and center. Most of us are pretty twisted, but yet, think we do a reasonably good job conforming our outward appearances, actions, reactions, etc. to what we believe are cultural/societal/generational expectations.
So what about the concept of appearance being reality? Is appearance REALLY reality or is that something said to keep self-contradictions at bay? Well...I believe, to an extent...it's true.
I have a roommate. A great roommate and a great house. Apartment. House-ish apartment that feels like a house compared to a dorm. Well we haven't known each other all THAT well for too long, but we're friends nonetheless. Well the other day we were discussing current events...of the personal kind...and I asked for some honest opinions. What I received was unexpected, and not altogether pleasant...and I realized...appearance is reality. No one enjoys looking their flaws and seeing them for what they really are-flaws...flaws unjustifiable by good intentions or frames of reference. This can be seriously frightening.
My home in Pennsylvania has a 'storage' room on the 3rd floor. What resides there is simply anything unworthy of public display around the house. It's pretty messy...not welcoming or organized...and yet it represents some major aspects of my family and our lives. Point being...when someone enters our home...there's no chance they would ever see that room...the unorganized, outdated mess that represents facets of our past unless they reaaalllyyyy went hunting for it. This fact doesn't make the room any less present in our home. Only in destroying the whole house would the room cease to exist.
Similarly, when my loving apartment-mate forced me to look at that hidden room, it was painful, alarming even-which is ridiculous, because what she saw has been there all along-and yet in my attempt to cover it in justification-I had to face its outward appearance. Appearance is reality. No one knows you like you know you...or like God knows you...and no one knows why you do and say the things you do and say-but they see what you do and hear what you say and make judgements soley based on the words you allow yourself to utter and the actions you willingly perform.
Consider this in your travels...
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Real Point of Road Trips
Lately, I realized that much of this semester's thought life has been devoted to unanswered questions.
Most people can relate to having had times where they felt as though they needed to do a certain something. That something's results didn't necessarily reap what was expected, but rather presented lessons that could only have been learned from perseverance and the process of the risk.
So many times this semester, I began walking through seemingly open doors, only to have them -somewhat politely, slammed in my face. I honestly felt like the Lord taught me early on to take these things, more than anything else, as clear direction. However, in the process of gaining direction, it's hard to not question the apparent necessity of the side trails when I earnestly sought to remain on a clear, guided path.
When I really think about it all-the open and closed doors paired with my distracted mind and divided heart-I picture a bumper car trying to race in Nascar...scattered, chaotic, maybe even hazardous. I began nearly every day with a new 5-year plan, and by the end of each day, God brought me to my knees to show me how, in a desperate attempt to have control, every detail of every plan had become an insurmountable giant. I wanted nothing more than to completely abandon every plan that had seemed logical, convenient, and satisfying earlier that same day.
I could say that I learned to give up all planning for the sake of full surrender...but I haven't. Every day I still wake up evaluating that for which God has given me passion, and wonder what steps I can take to stay on the guided path. It's a tricky thing-a tricky thing indeed. I've heard sooo many times to just stop trying, to "Let go and let God", but honestly-I think that's a cop-out. I think God gives us gifts, passions, resources, logic, etc. -not to sit around and wait for vision and clear direction-but to pursue wholeheartedly things that present themselves. Obviously, there are certain criteria against which these things can be weighed, but when you truly seek the heart of God-He is faithful to guide you. A God that loves can be trusted.
Yesterday my glasses shattered. Literally-I had (too carelessly) put them in my pocket and forgot about them. When I finally realized my pockets were glassesless, I stepped outside my dorm to find them in pieces on the ground, in the rain. I gathered the pieces and sat on the wet ground, unable to speak. Needless to say, it had been a pretty difficult week all-around, and this pathetic picture just seemed to sum it all up. Not happy. Luckily-there's a parallel to be drawn out of this current disappointment :) For a few months, those glasses provided me with clear, detailed vision. Today, they could compose a glass and plastic jig-saw puzzle. Things change, especially vision. Open doors of opportunity are almost always temporary. We grow and change and God's 'will' becomes a progressive one that profits its seeker from the process more than the (temporary) outcome. Visions shatter, doors close, and dreams change, and yet, God already has plans for the future masterpiece that now may only present itself as a clean, blank slate.
goodbyejunioryear :)
Emily
Most people can relate to having had times where they felt as though they needed to do a certain something. That something's results didn't necessarily reap what was expected, but rather presented lessons that could only have been learned from perseverance and the process of the risk.
So many times this semester, I began walking through seemingly open doors, only to have them -somewhat politely, slammed in my face. I honestly felt like the Lord taught me early on to take these things, more than anything else, as clear direction. However, in the process of gaining direction, it's hard to not question the apparent necessity of the side trails when I earnestly sought to remain on a clear, guided path.
When I really think about it all-the open and closed doors paired with my distracted mind and divided heart-I picture a bumper car trying to race in Nascar...scattered, chaotic, maybe even hazardous. I began nearly every day with a new 5-year plan, and by the end of each day, God brought me to my knees to show me how, in a desperate attempt to have control, every detail of every plan had become an insurmountable giant. I wanted nothing more than to completely abandon every plan that had seemed logical, convenient, and satisfying earlier that same day.
I could say that I learned to give up all planning for the sake of full surrender...but I haven't. Every day I still wake up evaluating that for which God has given me passion, and wonder what steps I can take to stay on the guided path. It's a tricky thing-a tricky thing indeed. I've heard sooo many times to just stop trying, to "Let go and let God", but honestly-I think that's a cop-out. I think God gives us gifts, passions, resources, logic, etc. -not to sit around and wait for vision and clear direction-but to pursue wholeheartedly things that present themselves. Obviously, there are certain criteria against which these things can be weighed, but when you truly seek the heart of God-He is faithful to guide you. A God that loves can be trusted.
Yesterday my glasses shattered. Literally-I had (too carelessly) put them in my pocket and forgot about them. When I finally realized my pockets were glassesless, I stepped outside my dorm to find them in pieces on the ground, in the rain. I gathered the pieces and sat on the wet ground, unable to speak. Needless to say, it had been a pretty difficult week all-around, and this pathetic picture just seemed to sum it all up. Not happy. Luckily-there's a parallel to be drawn out of this current disappointment :) For a few months, those glasses provided me with clear, detailed vision. Today, they could compose a glass and plastic jig-saw puzzle. Things change, especially vision. Open doors of opportunity are almost always temporary. We grow and change and God's 'will' becomes a progressive one that profits its seeker from the process more than the (temporary) outcome. Visions shatter, doors close, and dreams change, and yet, God already has plans for the future masterpiece that now may only present itself as a clean, blank slate.
goodbyejunioryear :)
Emily
A lesson from Job
Who am I to contend, Oh Lord, with what You have allowed...
did I make the stars to light Your night, or clothe the sea with clouds?
Did I make the mountains tall and proud? Is my power heard in thunder's shouts?
Do I hear the cries of every hungry child?
Who am I, Oh Lord...
And can I know the mind that sees us all with no human eyes...
who holds the boundaries of the sea, yet brings the birds to flight...
Who's Son for strangers crucified...
Who am I, Oh Lord?
Who am I?
did I make the stars to light Your night, or clothe the sea with clouds?
Did I make the mountains tall and proud? Is my power heard in thunder's shouts?
Do I hear the cries of every hungry child?
Who am I, Oh Lord...
And can I know the mind that sees us all with no human eyes...
who holds the boundaries of the sea, yet brings the birds to flight...
Who's Son for strangers crucified...
Who am I, Oh Lord?
Who am I?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
When in Rome...
So much to say...where do I begin?
This may be the first of a few of these...but then again, it wouldn't be the first time I attempted a series and didn't follow through.
I got back from Rome last night...I was there with a band that formed pretty randomly to go and do music ministry with some amazing people that work there full time...building relationships, learning the culture, and deciphering the overall perception of God and what a church would have to look like there to be effective.
A few people have asked about the biggest thing I learned...or the coolest thing that I witnessed to the glory of God. Well, I've thought long and hard...and I think God just totally blew my idea of ministry or what a "missions trip" could or should look like-completely out of the water. In many senses...the ministry that happened during our short time there was a gateway ministry; we were building relationships to be further cultivated by the missionaries there. Over time...conversations we had may lead to deeper conversations, close friendships, and opportunities to partner with others in ministry. However, essentially, we simply spent time with people-some like us, but most very different- and did so without an agenda. It's hard to feel effective in the context of short term missions-unless you consider the value in the simplicity of building relationships. Again, we are not called to "save" the world by any means-but to show the world what it looks like to follow Christ...in authentic terms. Simply- we need not show the world facades of perfection-we need only show the world that we see the infinite value of loving others unconditionally, serving each other and strangers alike, and in following after one capable of bestowing forgiveness and grace on all that is shameful, ugly, impure, cruel, and selfish.
Briefly-I am so thankful for the team. I don't know if I can say that I've ever been so convicted and encouraged by a single group of people as I was by this team. Through them, God showed me that despite my best efforts-I have a heart that passes judgement prematurely-that stereotypes and categorizes. My heart was proved painfully wrong. Through this team I was shown that there have been dreams and desires I have tucked away and hidden for fear of rejection and failure. I have closed doors on things not yet begun. I have looked at open doors and run in the opposite direction. I have tried to formulate and organize my life to be without risk and heartache. Through this team came words of wisdom, conviction, and encouragement. Through this team doors were opened that had seemingly unbreakable locks. I thank God for them...and renewed inspiration.
I guess that's all for now...jetlag is a curious thing...
Buona Sera...baci!
Emily
This may be the first of a few of these...but then again, it wouldn't be the first time I attempted a series and didn't follow through.
I got back from Rome last night...I was there with a band that formed pretty randomly to go and do music ministry with some amazing people that work there full time...building relationships, learning the culture, and deciphering the overall perception of God and what a church would have to look like there to be effective.
A few people have asked about the biggest thing I learned...or the coolest thing that I witnessed to the glory of God. Well, I've thought long and hard...and I think God just totally blew my idea of ministry or what a "missions trip" could or should look like-completely out of the water. In many senses...the ministry that happened during our short time there was a gateway ministry; we were building relationships to be further cultivated by the missionaries there. Over time...conversations we had may lead to deeper conversations, close friendships, and opportunities to partner with others in ministry. However, essentially, we simply spent time with people-some like us, but most very different- and did so without an agenda. It's hard to feel effective in the context of short term missions-unless you consider the value in the simplicity of building relationships. Again, we are not called to "save" the world by any means-but to show the world what it looks like to follow Christ...in authentic terms. Simply- we need not show the world facades of perfection-we need only show the world that we see the infinite value of loving others unconditionally, serving each other and strangers alike, and in following after one capable of bestowing forgiveness and grace on all that is shameful, ugly, impure, cruel, and selfish.
Briefly-I am so thankful for the team. I don't know if I can say that I've ever been so convicted and encouraged by a single group of people as I was by this team. Through them, God showed me that despite my best efforts-I have a heart that passes judgement prematurely-that stereotypes and categorizes. My heart was proved painfully wrong. Through this team I was shown that there have been dreams and desires I have tucked away and hidden for fear of rejection and failure. I have closed doors on things not yet begun. I have looked at open doors and run in the opposite direction. I have tried to formulate and organize my life to be without risk and heartache. Through this team came words of wisdom, conviction, and encouragement. Through this team doors were opened that had seemingly unbreakable locks. I thank God for them...and renewed inspiration.
I guess that's all for now...jetlag is a curious thing...
Buona Sera...baci!
Emily
Friday, January 25, 2008
Rising Above Humanity (part 1)
It's Friday!!!! AND...
I was just thinking...
about last summer...I was attending a Women of Faith conference in Wash. D.C. with my mom, sitting through the last session, listening as each woman bestowed her final words of wisdom upon us. Now, if you've ever been to one of these weekends, or have ever even heard of them-the first few things that come to your mind probably fall along these lines; energy, empowerment, tears, encouragement, laughter, more tears, "awwwwww", more tears, more laughing, bursts of applause, (happy claps, sad claps, "great job" claps", etc.) pink, hearts, pink, and optimism.
Now...I love all of that-because that's women...in a random, emotional, pink nutshell. However, I was suprised to hear a refreshingly honest word from Luci Swindoll. She approached the stage solemnly, armed to warn us concerning the let-downs of life. She offered, "Ladies, life...is profoundly disappointing...live for the 'ah ha' moments...for they make life worthwhile."
Now, what is an 'ah ha' moment exactly? More than a phrase, it's a gasp- it's wishing your eyes could open just a little bit wider to fully take in all that stands before you. It's feeling that for a moment everything is right and peaceful and just. It's a feeling, moment, situation, dream, opportunity, etc. that you would capture in a bottle if you could- for fear that things couldn't possibly get any better.
I learned today...I think maybe more than on any other day...that life can be so bitterly and profoundly disappointing. And, as much as I swore I wouldn't put my faith in people or myself for that matter, I still somehow manage to get tripped up on the mere humanity of...people. I struggle when I see families, supposedly rooted in Christ, falling apart at the seams and every time I feel like I have a little less faith in love and trust and..people. I praise God for that...putting more hope and strength in people than God will always lead to disappointment. I struggle when I feel like there's no way I could ever possibly make everyone happy. I praise God for that...accepting the disappointments of humanity should almost be the foundation for a true, authentic relationship with Christ.
If we're all doing this thing together-that is, trying to live lives modeled after Jesus...from the angle that we are worthless, stained, dishonest, and calloused but for the grace of God-I believe we would be a lot less discouraged by our failures and the unmet expectations of others...and all the more ready to rejoice in eachother's "ah ha" moments. I am learning more and more every day that we're all struggling, we're all angry about one thing or another, we all feel inadequate . Yet, even though we can recognize these traits in ourselves, we're almost suprised when someone else is transparent enough to let us see those traits in them. Does the church really REALLY desire authentic Christianity? I would venture to say that not only do we lack a desire for it so many times, but more often than not we're scared to death of it. We're scared to death that anyone might be as confused as us or struggle over the same issues , and if we can't look to others for spiritual stability, well then...the whole thing will just fall apart...right?
Why is it so hard to accept that at the core of who we are-as mere humans, we are all desperate?Considering the fact that not one of us is God, we have to stop fearing the things in ourselves and others that display inconsistency with the life of Christ-and be on our knees crying out to God-bearing burdens for eachother and again, rejoicing in times when we see glimpses of God's glory displayed in eachother's lives. Let's not waste anymore time putting ourselves on platforms of self-righteousness when we know, that despite loving the Lord, we still falter. How can we then turn and doubt the love of Christ in others as soon as things begin to get a little messy and dare I say...uncomfortable?
Psalm 15:1-3.."O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up reproach against his friend..."
Emc
I was just thinking...
about last summer...I was attending a Women of Faith conference in Wash. D.C. with my mom, sitting through the last session, listening as each woman bestowed her final words of wisdom upon us. Now, if you've ever been to one of these weekends, or have ever even heard of them-the first few things that come to your mind probably fall along these lines; energy, empowerment, tears, encouragement, laughter, more tears, "awwwwww", more tears, more laughing, bursts of applause, (happy claps, sad claps, "great job" claps", etc.) pink, hearts, pink, and optimism.
Now...I love all of that-because that's women...in a random, emotional, pink nutshell. However, I was suprised to hear a refreshingly honest word from Luci Swindoll. She approached the stage solemnly, armed to warn us concerning the let-downs of life. She offered, "Ladies, life...is profoundly disappointing...live for the 'ah ha' moments...for they make life worthwhile."
Now, what is an 'ah ha' moment exactly? More than a phrase, it's a gasp- it's wishing your eyes could open just a little bit wider to fully take in all that stands before you. It's feeling that for a moment everything is right and peaceful and just. It's a feeling, moment, situation, dream, opportunity, etc. that you would capture in a bottle if you could- for fear that things couldn't possibly get any better.
I learned today...I think maybe more than on any other day...that life can be so bitterly and profoundly disappointing. And, as much as I swore I wouldn't put my faith in people or myself for that matter, I still somehow manage to get tripped up on the mere humanity of...people. I struggle when I see families, supposedly rooted in Christ, falling apart at the seams and every time I feel like I have a little less faith in love and trust and..people. I praise God for that...putting more hope and strength in people than God will always lead to disappointment. I struggle when I feel like there's no way I could ever possibly make everyone happy. I praise God for that...accepting the disappointments of humanity should almost be the foundation for a true, authentic relationship with Christ.
If we're all doing this thing together-that is, trying to live lives modeled after Jesus...from the angle that we are worthless, stained, dishonest, and calloused but for the grace of God-I believe we would be a lot less discouraged by our failures and the unmet expectations of others...and all the more ready to rejoice in eachother's "ah ha" moments. I am learning more and more every day that we're all struggling, we're all angry about one thing or another, we all feel inadequate . Yet, even though we can recognize these traits in ourselves, we're almost suprised when someone else is transparent enough to let us see those traits in them. Does the church really REALLY desire authentic Christianity? I would venture to say that not only do we lack a desire for it so many times, but more often than not we're scared to death of it. We're scared to death that anyone might be as confused as us or struggle over the same issues , and if we can't look to others for spiritual stability, well then...the whole thing will just fall apart...right?
Why is it so hard to accept that at the core of who we are-as mere humans, we are all desperate?Considering the fact that not one of us is God, we have to stop fearing the things in ourselves and others that display inconsistency with the life of Christ-and be on our knees crying out to God-bearing burdens for eachother and again, rejoicing in times when we see glimpses of God's glory displayed in eachother's lives. Let's not waste anymore time putting ourselves on platforms of self-righteousness when we know, that despite loving the Lord, we still falter. How can we then turn and doubt the love of Christ in others as soon as things begin to get a little messy and dare I say...uncomfortable?
Psalm 15:1-3.."O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up reproach against his friend..."
Emc
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Honestly?
In the same mind lies clarity and confusion, doubt and faith
and I come before You begging for direction, and seeking Your face...
If I should wait, I'll wait
kneeling and grounded in Your word
but if I should move, I'll move
nothing else can I afford
Than to place my feet in the steps You plan
and to fix my eyes on Your guided path...
I only ask that I not be led astray...
Lord take my hands and guide my way...
restore my sight and grant me Your clarity...
And once again I feel trapped in a skin
with a thousand dreams poisoned by perfectionism
and all I want is to hear Your words above the noise,
"This is the way, walk in it...that's the sound of My voice."
So if I should wait, I'll wait
kneeling and grounded in Your word
but if I should move, I'll move
nothing else can I afford
I only ask that I not be led astray...
Holy God lend the hand that guides the way
restore my sight and grant me Your
CLARITY
and I come before You begging for direction, and seeking Your face...
If I should wait, I'll wait
kneeling and grounded in Your word
but if I should move, I'll move
nothing else can I afford
Than to place my feet in the steps You plan
and to fix my eyes on Your guided path...
I only ask that I not be led astray...
Lord take my hands and guide my way...
restore my sight and grant me Your clarity...
And once again I feel trapped in a skin
with a thousand dreams poisoned by perfectionism
and all I want is to hear Your words above the noise,
"This is the way, walk in it...that's the sound of My voice."
So if I should wait, I'll wait
kneeling and grounded in Your word
but if I should move, I'll move
nothing else can I afford
I only ask that I not be led astray...
Holy God lend the hand that guides the way
restore my sight and grant me Your
CLARITY
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Something to Chew On...
Hello Again!
Well...we're about to close up our first week of classes at Liberty. Honestly...it was a little rough coming back from break. My family means the world to me and so time at home is so precious. Regardless...back to the grind now.
It's interesting...I'm just now realizing that it seems as though God teaches me something so new every semester-or, something so familiar, and something happens that finally brings it to absorbtion. Sometimes the lesson dawns on me at the end, where I look back and say, "ok...now I get it..." and things that confused me at the beginning come to light and all the pieces come together. Other times-I get a pretty big gulp for starters-and then have the remaining months of the semester to fully digest. I think this spring will be one of those.
Through a pretty big recent situation, I realized that as much as I try to encourage others to just trust God at all times, when it really comes down to the application -I do just the opposite-I go into panic mode, put on my work gloves, and go into problem-solver super-fix-it mode. As much as I hate to admit-what this really says is, "Ok God-this one's really big...no...really, REALLY big and I'm just not sure you're going to work it out (the way I think it should work out) and so I'm just gonna go ahead and take this into my own hands just to make sure everything ends well (I get my way)." Yikes.
How many of us could ever directly say that to God? Not many. But how many of us would reflect that through our actions in stressful situations? Probably most. Most of us would probably have to admit that we don't truly trust God as we ought. Most of us would probably admit that we end up "helping" a little by taking matters into our own hands.
Again..."perfect love casts out all fear"...it always seems to come back to the extent of God's love for us. If we truly trust that He loves us-why do we still act out of fear? Why do we lose sleep over situations we have absolutely no control over? Why do we constantly belittle the power of God and His sovereignty?
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18
Why is it that I only began to fully trust God after exhausting all other options? Why is it that it took falling to my knees in desperation to fully surrender everything? Since when did the God of the universe become a last resort?!
I decided this year I would make weekly resolutions rather than yearly-it's just a little less ominous to set short term goals-and then it feels like more has been accomplished when the goals are met...a little less self-defeating.
My #1 resolution for this week (and ambitiously all weeks to follow forever after)
-fall before the feet of the ultimate mender in and for all things...
Luke 18:41-"What do you want Me to do for you?"And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight!"
The Lord granted the man His sight because he prayed a bold prayer-He presented a request before God. Now, God doesn't always promise to heal, comfort, or intervene the way we would prefer-and it's a good thing ;) He does, however, promise to hear our prayers, offered in faith, and answer us-if we are faithful to listen and wait...and when we get impatient with that...listen and wait some more.
"Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting rock." -Isaiah 26:2-4
em
Well...we're about to close up our first week of classes at Liberty. Honestly...it was a little rough coming back from break. My family means the world to me and so time at home is so precious. Regardless...back to the grind now.
It's interesting...I'm just now realizing that it seems as though God teaches me something so new every semester-or, something so familiar, and something happens that finally brings it to absorbtion. Sometimes the lesson dawns on me at the end, where I look back and say, "ok...now I get it..." and things that confused me at the beginning come to light and all the pieces come together. Other times-I get a pretty big gulp for starters-and then have the remaining months of the semester to fully digest. I think this spring will be one of those.
Through a pretty big recent situation, I realized that as much as I try to encourage others to just trust God at all times, when it really comes down to the application -I do just the opposite-I go into panic mode, put on my work gloves, and go into problem-solver super-fix-it mode. As much as I hate to admit-what this really says is, "Ok God-this one's really big...no...really, REALLY big and I'm just not sure you're going to work it out (the way I think it should work out) and so I'm just gonna go ahead and take this into my own hands just to make sure everything ends well (I get my way)." Yikes.
How many of us could ever directly say that to God? Not many. But how many of us would reflect that through our actions in stressful situations? Probably most. Most of us would probably have to admit that we don't truly trust God as we ought. Most of us would probably admit that we end up "helping" a little by taking matters into our own hands.
Again..."perfect love casts out all fear"...it always seems to come back to the extent of God's love for us. If we truly trust that He loves us-why do we still act out of fear? Why do we lose sleep over situations we have absolutely no control over? Why do we constantly belittle the power of God and His sovereignty?
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." 1 John 4:18
Why is it that I only began to fully trust God after exhausting all other options? Why is it that it took falling to my knees in desperation to fully surrender everything? Since when did the God of the universe become a last resort?!
I decided this year I would make weekly resolutions rather than yearly-it's just a little less ominous to set short term goals-and then it feels like more has been accomplished when the goals are met...a little less self-defeating.
My #1 resolution for this week (and ambitiously all weeks to follow forever after)
-fall before the feet of the ultimate mender in and for all things...
Luke 18:41-"What do you want Me to do for you?"And he said, "Lord, I want to regain my sight!"
The Lord granted the man His sight because he prayed a bold prayer-He presented a request before God. Now, God doesn't always promise to heal, comfort, or intervene the way we would prefer-and it's a good thing ;) He does, however, promise to hear our prayers, offered in faith, and answer us-if we are faithful to listen and wait...and when we get impatient with that...listen and wait some more.
"Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting rock." -Isaiah 26:2-4
em
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