Have you ever really read the story of the Rea Sea? There's some great stuff there that gets overlooked because of the miracle of the Red Sea parting. Yes, that's amazing, crazy, unbelievable. But I think that story in Exodus chapter 14 has so much more to teach us!
The Israelites had escaped Egypt. God was leading them through the wilderness. Then He took Moses aside and told him to turn the people around, go back a bit, and make camp. But here's the kicker. God tells Moses that he will cause Pharaoh's heart to become stubborn and cause Pharaoh to change his mind about letting the Israelites go. And He will cause Pharaoh to gather the army to chase after the Israelites in attempt to bring them back to captivity. But then God tells Moses that He'll use the impending army attack for His glory.
Here's the thing. Only Moses got that word. The Israelites didn't. So when they saw Pharaoh's army closing in and nothing but ocean in front of them they panicked. Kind of like we do when we feel life closing in on us. We've taken steps of faith that appear to be leading no where. Our health has come under attack. Our finances have come under attack. Our relationships have come under attack. But we know we're right where God led us to. We're right where God has called us to be.
As the Israelites panicked, Moses looked at them and said, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." This had to seem CRAZY to the Israelites as they saw the Egyptian army closing in, but reluctantly they obeyed. And God fought the battle. He parted the Red Sea, delivered them and destroyed the Egyptian army. And used the victory for His glory. Just like He promised.
As you sit in that wilderness that God is leading you through and see you see the enemy's army (in whatever form that is for you) closing in, remember that God led you to this place. He may have even caused this seemingly imminent attack. At the very least, He's allowed it to happen. But God knows what you don't. He knows that soon your Red Sea will be parted and the attack that was meant to destroy you will bring Him glory and build your faith immeasurably. Know that God has a plan. Know that God has a path. Know that God know what you need to walk down that path. And know that when attack closes in, all you have to do is be still. God will fight the battle for you.
Welcome to my blog, My Sacred Hideaway. The words you'll read here come from sacred times with my Father. I pray you're blessed.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Bangles in the Bathroom
This year on my birthday a dear friend gave me a gift of bangle bracelets. I love these bracelets. If they remotely match what I'm wearing, they are my first accessory. Today they matched my shirt so I wore them. And today they seemed to be in my way all day, most noticeably in the bathroom. It seemed the most everyday things in the bathroom were made difficult today because of these bracelets. In the office, in the car, at the ice cream parlor...they just kept getting in the way. But I never took them off.
Late in the afternoon, I finally took them off and placed them on my dresser. As I looked at them, I thought of all of the "bangle bracelets" of life that we put on that hold us back. Things that we put on voluntarily that slow us down and hold us back. Things that maybe even cripple us, disable us or place us in bondage, whether spiritually, emotionally or physically. We rearrange them, change how we'd normally do something and are even ok with them causing snags in our lives (like my bracelets snagged my handbag today). But we don't take them off. We like the "bangle bracelets" so much that we completely miss they ways that our lives are impaired by them.
As I stood and looked at my beautiful bracelets sitting on my dresser, I wondered how many times in my life I've allowed something that I liked, that I was holding onto, that made me feel good, hold me back from what God had for me. How many times has God wanted me to take the proverbial bangle bracelets off so that I could move completely in His will? What "bracelets" am I making accommodations for now that God would like me to take off so that I can serve more effectively for Him? What can I shed to run this race most like Jesus did?
Hebrews 12:1-3 "Do you see what this means-all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running-and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.3 When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"
God, help me everyday to take off the "bracelets" that hold me back from to running this race. Help me to shed all that takes my focus from you and your plan. Help me daily to only put on those things that are of you and allow me to show you to others. Take my "bangle bracelets" and break their hold on me.
Late in the afternoon, I finally took them off and placed them on my dresser. As I looked at them, I thought of all of the "bangle bracelets" of life that we put on that hold us back. Things that we put on voluntarily that slow us down and hold us back. Things that maybe even cripple us, disable us or place us in bondage, whether spiritually, emotionally or physically. We rearrange them, change how we'd normally do something and are even ok with them causing snags in our lives (like my bracelets snagged my handbag today). But we don't take them off. We like the "bangle bracelets" so much that we completely miss they ways that our lives are impaired by them.
As I stood and looked at my beautiful bracelets sitting on my dresser, I wondered how many times in my life I've allowed something that I liked, that I was holding onto, that made me feel good, hold me back from what God had for me. How many times has God wanted me to take the proverbial bangle bracelets off so that I could move completely in His will? What "bracelets" am I making accommodations for now that God would like me to take off so that I can serve more effectively for Him? What can I shed to run this race most like Jesus did?
Hebrews 12:1-3 "Do you see what this means-all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running-and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.3 When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"
God, help me everyday to take off the "bracelets" that hold me back from to running this race. Help me to shed all that takes my focus from you and your plan. Help me daily to only put on those things that are of you and allow me to show you to others. Take my "bangle bracelets" and break their hold on me.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Unknown
You know that place when God is planting a seed in your heart, but it's just a seed? The full bloom isn't there, so the path to the end result isn't known. But the seed prompts your spirit to know that a step into the unknown is coming and is necessary. That very first step into the unknown is very possibly the scariest step to take in any journey.
When God plants a seed, the only way for us to see it grow and bloom is to take God-directed steps. Maybe that step is as small as accepting that the unknown is coming. Maybe the first step is a move. Maybe the first step is a change. Maybe that first step is realizing that what we have planned isn't what God has ordained our steps to be. "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Whatever it is, the first step is always the hardest one to take. But it's the most necessary. It's the one that most demonstrates our faith. It's the one that most demonstrates our obedience. It's the one that most demonstrates our desire to walk in God's plan for our lives.
It's usually when we're about to take the first step that fear and doubt creep in. The enemy attacks, knowing that if we take the steps, his work will get harder. We question if we're really being directed by God or by self. We hesitate because the end result isn't visible yet. Or maybe the end result is what we've seen, but it seems unattainable, like a distant dream. We so often want to know the whole plan before we take a step, but Scripture tell us, "The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
The unknown is a beautifully unsettling place. A place where, in our total faith to take a step, we are witness to God holding on to us, giving peace and revealing what's next. Slowly, but surely allowing the pieces to a puzzle to come together. With each step into the unknown, we step closer to the full bloom of the planted seed. With each step into the unknown our faith in God grows. With each step a new lesson in obedience is learned. And with the final step, we see life and vision in full bloom. And we have the ability to help others have the courage to step into their unknown.
When God plants a seed, the only way for us to see it grow and bloom is to take God-directed steps. Maybe that step is as small as accepting that the unknown is coming. Maybe the first step is a move. Maybe the first step is a change. Maybe that first step is realizing that what we have planned isn't what God has ordained our steps to be. "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Whatever it is, the first step is always the hardest one to take. But it's the most necessary. It's the one that most demonstrates our faith. It's the one that most demonstrates our obedience. It's the one that most demonstrates our desire to walk in God's plan for our lives.
It's usually when we're about to take the first step that fear and doubt creep in. The enemy attacks, knowing that if we take the steps, his work will get harder. We question if we're really being directed by God or by self. We hesitate because the end result isn't visible yet. Or maybe the end result is what we've seen, but it seems unattainable, like a distant dream. We so often want to know the whole plan before we take a step, but Scripture tell us, "The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
The unknown is a beautifully unsettling place. A place where, in our total faith to take a step, we are witness to God holding on to us, giving peace and revealing what's next. Slowly, but surely allowing the pieces to a puzzle to come together. With each step into the unknown, we step closer to the full bloom of the planted seed. With each step into the unknown our faith in God grows. With each step a new lesson in obedience is learned. And with the final step, we see life and vision in full bloom. And we have the ability to help others have the courage to step into their unknown.
Monday, May 16, 2011
A Different Perspective
How do things look from where you are? Overwhelming? Sad? A little scary maybe? Or better than they've looked in a long time? Like you're on top of the world.
Things look different depending on where we are when we see them. As we walk through "the valley of the shadow of death" things look so dark and so bleak. All we can see sometimes is the darkness that seemingly consumes us. It weighs on us so heavily. All we can see is the pain, the heartache, the grief.
As we continue to walk through the valley, God in His infinite grace and mercy pulls us through. He guides our steps, makes our paths straight, and we emerge from that dark place. With a new perspective.
It seems that every time we experience the valley, emerging from it brings fresh perspective to things in life. A greater appreciation for what we have. A greater respect for what we've lost. A greater knowledge of the Word. A deeper intimacy with our lovingly gracious Abba Father. A sense of victory knowing that what the enemy intended for evil, God has a plan for. And a peace to know that next time we face the valley, that the One who brought us through before will faithfully bring us through again.
God as we face the valleys in life, help us to remember your faithfulness through past valleys. As we face pain, discouragement, grief, loss, confusion, please allow us to recall the victories that you've given us. Allow us to feel your everlasting arms comforting and carrying us through the valleys. And bring us again to the new perspective that allows us see our lives a little more as you see them.
Things look different depending on where we are when we see them. As we walk through "the valley of the shadow of death" things look so dark and so bleak. All we can see sometimes is the darkness that seemingly consumes us. It weighs on us so heavily. All we can see is the pain, the heartache, the grief.
As we continue to walk through the valley, God in His infinite grace and mercy pulls us through. He guides our steps, makes our paths straight, and we emerge from that dark place. With a new perspective.
It seems that every time we experience the valley, emerging from it brings fresh perspective to things in life. A greater appreciation for what we have. A greater respect for what we've lost. A greater knowledge of the Word. A deeper intimacy with our lovingly gracious Abba Father. A sense of victory knowing that what the enemy intended for evil, God has a plan for. And a peace to know that next time we face the valley, that the One who brought us through before will faithfully bring us through again.
God as we face the valleys in life, help us to remember your faithfulness through past valleys. As we face pain, discouragement, grief, loss, confusion, please allow us to recall the victories that you've given us. Allow us to feel your everlasting arms comforting and carrying us through the valleys. And bring us again to the new perspective that allows us see our lives a little more as you see them.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Personal Effects
I recently attended a conference where I had the blessed opportunity to hear Joyce Meyer speak. Near the end of her message, she asked the question, "When your time here is through, what will be your personal effects?"
It's a question that resonated within me then and today has come to the forefront of my mind again. We usually hear the phrase "personal effects" in some way connected with material possessions. But when the question was asked by Joyce Meyer, she was referring to our spiritual legacy, what we leave behind when we leave this world.
Very early this morning a great man of God exited this world, defeated cancer and walked straight into the arms of his Healer and Savior. I began to reflect on his "personal effects" and quickly realized that with all that will be said to honor him over the next days, there are no words that will be sufficient to give weight to his legacy. His "personal effects" will truly only ever be fully measured on the other side of eternity. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire countless lives.
As I reflect on his life, I can't help but wonder what my "personal effects" will be. When I pass from this life to the next, what will I have left behind? When I pass from this life to the next, what will God be able to show me the eternal impact of my life has been? Will I hear, "Well done!" when I stand before my God?
God, help me to live my life in such a way that my "personal effects" are not only felt in this life, but resonate in the next. Help me follow you with such a passion and devotion that human words can never measure the impact that YOU allowed my life to have on this earth.
It's a question that resonated within me then and today has come to the forefront of my mind again. We usually hear the phrase "personal effects" in some way connected with material possessions. But when the question was asked by Joyce Meyer, she was referring to our spiritual legacy, what we leave behind when we leave this world.
Very early this morning a great man of God exited this world, defeated cancer and walked straight into the arms of his Healer and Savior. I began to reflect on his "personal effects" and quickly realized that with all that will be said to honor him over the next days, there are no words that will be sufficient to give weight to his legacy. His "personal effects" will truly only ever be fully measured on the other side of eternity. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire countless lives.
As I reflect on his life, I can't help but wonder what my "personal effects" will be. When I pass from this life to the next, what will I have left behind? When I pass from this life to the next, what will God be able to show me the eternal impact of my life has been? Will I hear, "Well done!" when I stand before my God?
God, help me to live my life in such a way that my "personal effects" are not only felt in this life, but resonate in the next. Help me follow you with such a passion and devotion that human words can never measure the impact that YOU allowed my life to have on this earth.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The "C" Word
What is it about the "c" word that is so often so difficult to embrace? Whether it be in our family, in our work, in our geography or in our relationships, the "c" word can bring such anxiety. So what is it about this 6 letter word that causes so much resistance?
I think the hardest part of CHANGE is knowing in your spirit that it's coming but not knowing what it is or what it means for your life. That period where you feel God working, you know something is coming. And you know deep down that whatever it is, it's BIG. And you know that when it happens, it's going to rock your world. And then human nature takes over and it all becomes overwhelming. Even intimidating. It becomes easier to sit still than to face the change head on and move towards whatever it is God is calling you to.
Sitting still is the easy thing to do. It's the comfortable thing to do. It's the cowardly thing to do. When God begins to plant seeds of change or when God just flips it all upside down at once, we have to step out. Sometimes God plants a seed that lets us know that change is coming and slowly leads us down a path that brings the change about and reveals His plan. Other times, in one earth rocking revelation God shows us what's next. Either way, we have to resolve to step out. We have to resolve to embrace the change. We have to resolve to have the audacious faith (thank you Steven Furtick) to believe that what God has called us to, He will lead us through.
I don't know what changes you face right now. But I know that if God is ordaining change in your life right now, blessing follows obedience. I know that if you take that first step into the unknown, He's already taken the second to prepare the path. Change is painful. Change is difficult. Change brings growth. Change is the path to blessing.
I think the hardest part of CHANGE is knowing in your spirit that it's coming but not knowing what it is or what it means for your life. That period where you feel God working, you know something is coming. And you know deep down that whatever it is, it's BIG. And you know that when it happens, it's going to rock your world. And then human nature takes over and it all becomes overwhelming. Even intimidating. It becomes easier to sit still than to face the change head on and move towards whatever it is God is calling you to.
Sitting still is the easy thing to do. It's the comfortable thing to do. It's the cowardly thing to do. When God begins to plant seeds of change or when God just flips it all upside down at once, we have to step out. Sometimes God plants a seed that lets us know that change is coming and slowly leads us down a path that brings the change about and reveals His plan. Other times, in one earth rocking revelation God shows us what's next. Either way, we have to resolve to step out. We have to resolve to embrace the change. We have to resolve to have the audacious faith (thank you Steven Furtick) to believe that what God has called us to, He will lead us through.
I don't know what changes you face right now. But I know that if God is ordaining change in your life right now, blessing follows obedience. I know that if you take that first step into the unknown, He's already taken the second to prepare the path. Change is painful. Change is difficult. Change brings growth. Change is the path to blessing.
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