Monday, November 28, 2011

Can You See Him?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

A friend asked me, “Where have you seen God in this situation?”

The situation was an attack by the nurse manager of the home health agency that had been seeing me for more than five years. In three days’ she dropped me from their service and left me without help. The fourth day a state social worker showed up to evaluate my care in my home.

1) I remained calm because God had prepared me for such a loss. In fact, my sister and I had just discussed this scenario the weekend before. As A voice of one crying in the desert (Mark 1:3).

2) God has placed a loving, powerful, Christian husband at my side—most of the time he stands in front of me. And the two shall become one flesh (Mark 10:8).

3) God has girded me with the support of strong Christian friends and family. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

4) God is daily providing all that I need. But my God shall provide all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

5) He has given me peace. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Will you stand with me in this prayer?

Father, You know my heart. You know my wishes and my needs. You alone are my Rock and I lay myself before you humble and broken. Lord, I lift up this situation to you and pray your will be done. I pray blessings over all who seek to harm and protection for those who support me. In Jesus name, Amen

For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

In Christ Alone,
Berta

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Do You Fit In?

I remember my first “sleep-over.” Elizabeth’s family had just moved to our small town and seemed worldly having lived elsewhere. We snuggled in sleeping bags on her front porch and she pointed out stars and constellations in the clear dark sky. Soon she guided my innocent eyes, “Look at that bright one straight above us.”

I strained to pick out the one she was talking about.

“See it?”

There were so many and I really wanted Elizabeth to be my friend so I said, “Yes.”

“Watch it close ‘cause it’s moving. It’s a UFO. Look. It’s coming right at us.”

The star I chose seemed to be moving toward me and I thought my heart would stop.

When I remember the foolishness and gullibility of my childhood, I consider my ongoing desire to fit in. Not just as that little girl but as a young adult in the Navy where my lifestyle fit in with seasoned sailors. And even later as a young mother.

When I accepted Christ as my savior, I continued to fear “not fitting in.” “What if they knew of my past, would they accept me anyway?” I wondered. I kept my secrets for several years until I learned that I only had to fit in to Jesus Christ. The peoples judgement, Christians included, didn’t matter anymore as I began to tell my story of what God had done for me.

I almost fit in to several small groups, but to tell of God’s grace and forgiveness in my life I had to tell of my sin. A word or two of truth dissolved many relationships.

I continued to testify to everyone God placed on my heart and in my path. I witnessed in my home and while waiting at appointments. In department stores and bookstores. In restaurants and grocery stores. In churches, at retreats, and in Christian bookstores, too.

Do I fit in? Sometimes with people. Always with God

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe (Proverbs 29:25 NIV).

In Christ Alone,
Berta